{Note: post revised in Draconian fashion, August 2019}
A contender for the most ΓΌber-bizarre, wackier than is possible, and brilliant performance, ever. Les Bonbons.
Belgian maestro Jacques Brel seemed to set new standards for utterly authentic, heartfelt intensity, every time he took the stage; he seemed possessed, magical. He also created some of the greatest songs of the last century. He served, lastly, as a huge influence to aspiring songwriters/performers…not least of all, Scott Walker. {I included Scott doing “Fils de” at post’s end} A true titan.
Gilbert BΓ©caud. Monsieur 100,000 volts. A truly powerful performer, few {none}{Brel…??} could outdo The Creator. On above Seul, Gilbert gives an intimate, and increasingly euphoric—quite intensely so–reading, culminating in {playful} pianist-shoving and back-slapping, and finally, in blissful embrace, of himself. Monsieur 100,000 Volts was a marvel. Brel’s French twin.
Revised: Massively. 7/6/2019.
Titans of Belgian, French, and American Performers. Jacques Brel. Gilbert BΓ©caud. Jacques Dutronc. Claude FranΓ§ois. And, of course: The Rod McKuen.