Last night, Sirius Radio was channeling it’s Seriously Sinatra channel through my televison when I heard this female voice, full of smoke and promise, a husky, torchy voice, like Julie London in full seduction mode. I dropped what I was doing to see to whom the voice belonged – Laura Fygi. Who? Never heard of her! Rush to the computer and googlize the name. Found some downloads and listened in pure bliss. This multicultural (Dutch-French), multi-lingual chantuse is amazing!
Her latest CD, Rendez-Vous comes in as a premium import CD with most of the songs both in French and English. What a find!
Fygi - who celebrated her 15th anniversary as a solo singer last year - was born in Amsterdam in 1955 the daughter of a Dutch father and an Egyptian mother, and raised bilingual: her mother spoke French to her and her father Dutch.
Between 1987 and 1991, she was a member of Centerfold, one of the most popular Dutch girl-bands, most likely as much for their voices as for their penchant for dressing in sexy lingerie. They had hits in the Netherlands and all over Europe. In Japan, they were considered famous.
In 1991, the ladies of Centerfold stopped performing and Laura (together with Rowan Moore) started a band called The Backlot. An album was expected from the new group, but instead Mercury Records asked Laura to make a solo album – released as Introducing, produced by Ruud Jacobs. On this album, she was accompanied by famous Belgian musician Jean 'Toots' Thielemans. Most of the songs on the album are jazz.
On Rendez–Vous, her 11th album, she combines her love of the Great American Songbook with the beautiful sounds of her mother tongue. "I just selected my favourite classics and sang them in the most poetic language I know. It's a combination of recognition and emotion."
The collection of songs on Rendez-vous is inspired by the famous Hot Club de France-era, of which Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli are well-known exponents. Hot Club de France was a famous jazz club in Paris in the 1930's, established to protect and promote jazz music. As a result, major international jazz musicians were able to perform in France and many American and European musicians owe their success to the activities of this French organisation. As it was forbidden to sing in English during the war, well-known songs of American composers were translated into French at the time. So, with the exception of 'Caravane', the tracks on Rendez-Vous are all French classics. Fygi asked Philippe Elan, a Frenchman living in the Netherlands, to translate the lyrics of 'Caravane' in French.
The world-famous tracks from Cole Porter, Kurt Weill, Glenn Miller and George Gershwin and others were adapted by Laura's own band. "We started in the summer of 2006 by selecting the repertoire, the rhythms and the soloists we would like to invite. My pianist Hans Vroomans laid the foundation for all the new arrangements after which the rest of my band perfected them. Their involvement is significant for this album; it's the reason why this record is so special," says Laura. Rendez-vous is produced by Ruud Jacobs. Similar to Live At Ronnie Scott's, this album has a truly intimate club vibe. Laura: "I just love that intimacy; the idea that the songs are performed just for you, as if you are the one in front of the stage."
The album features guest performances by David Kweksilber on clarinet, Gert Wantenaar on accordion, Tim Kliphuis on violin and Bert Boeren on trombone. Another remarkable guest is French superstar Dave (born in the Netherlands) with whom Laura performs a stunning version of 'Dansez Maintenant'. "He has been living in France for the last 40 years, so he didn't know who I was. But he said that if Michel Legrand thought I was good enough, he certainly couldn't refuse the offer!" Guitarist Stochelo Rosenberg from the famous Rosenberg Trio contributed his gypsy-sounding guitar solos to 'Nuages' and 'Caravane'.
Rendez-Vous is a wonderful CD of jazzy evergreens sung in French. The album will see a worldwide release on 27 April. Laura Fygi will be touring in Asia , where she has been a true superstar for many years. In the spring of 2008, she will embark on a theatre tour in the Netherlands.
LAURA FYGI - RENDEZ-VOUS IN HER OWN WORDS
Le Continental
This song immediately sets the tone. It feels like driving a Deux Chevaux through the waving lavender fields of the French countryside, your arm hanging out of the window, enjoying the sunshine.
Le Temps qui passe
This brings back memories of Casablanca, one of my favourite movies. I wasn't too impressed by Humphrey Bogart, but I just adored Ingrid Bergman. This is pure nostalgia.
Divine Beguine
The characteristic features of this song are its drive and differences in pace. Nearly each verse has a different melody and there's no recurring chorus.
Pour Te Plaire
As far as I'm concerned, this is one of the most wonderful songs on the album. It's a romantic tribute to my husband, almost like wedding vows.
C'est Si Bon
A very famous, originally French song! I have been performing it live as a Q&A with the audience. Everybody knows this song!
Nuages
Originally a French song, just like "C'est Si Bon", but this one has a real gypsy style to it. It's about a departing train and it really feels like you're on that train. It has an amazing guitar solo by Stochelo Rosenberg.
Tout Le Jour, Toute La Nuit
A Cole Porter classic and just a great song!
Volons Vers La Lune
Everybody always records this song in a swing version. I wanted to do it differently, so I recorded a very slow version instead.
Quelqu'un m'aimera
Cheerful, short and uncomplicated, featuring a great solo of my pianist Hans. Very refreshing, especially after "Volant Vers La Lune".
Tu Viens Dans Ma Tête
The French lyrics are about somebody who can?t make up his mind. Should he stay of should he go? The lyrics are completely in sync with the music.
La Complainte de Mackie
Originally a classic song by Kurt Weill, and by many covered in a jazz version. It's a magnificent composition. It starts out very subtly, and with each verse an instrument is added. It's also a fantastic story in itself.
Autour de Minuit
One of the most melancholic songs on the album, and the most poetic French lyrics I have ever heard. It has an enormous depth and is a beautiful translation of the original.
Caravane
A true caravan song, with a solo by Stochelo Rosenberg! Our collaboration was the result of a tour I did with the Rosenberg Trio. I love their gypsy style.
Dansez Maintenant
This is a French version of Glenn Miller's "Moonlight Serenade". Dave's high timbre combines beautifully with my sultry, low voice. It was a thrill to work with him.
DISCOGRAPHY
RENDEZ-VOUS (CD Album)
Release: 27th April 2007
LIVE AT NORTH SEA JAZZ (DVD)
Release: 29th April 2005
THE VERY BEST TIME OF YEAR (CD Album)
Release: 12th November 2004
AT RONNIE SCOTT'S (CD Album)
Release: 03rd September 2004
THE LATIN TOUCH (CD Album)
Release: 01st March 2004
AT RONNIE SCOTT'S (SACD-Hybrid)
Release: 14th May 2003
CHANGE (CD Album)
Release: 2001
LIVE (CD Album)
Release: 29th October 1998
WATCH WHAT HAPPENS (CD Album)
Release: 12th March 1997
TURN OUT THE LAMPLIGHT (CD Album)
Release: 12th November 1995
THE LADY WANTS TO KNOW (CD Album)
Release: 02nd April 1994
BEWITCHED (CD Album)
Release: 11th November 1992
INTRODUCING (CD Album)
Release: 12th November 1991
