de Moor sings Brel
Pirate Jenny's founder and host Des de Moor is not only a fine songwriter in his own right but is established as an outstanding translator and interpreter of European songs for English speaking audiences -- including the works of that giant of the world of Francophone song, the great Jacques Brel. Tonight there's a rare opportunity to hear Des deliver a whole set of Brel material.
Brel's pithy, poetic, richly emotional and often confrontational songs have proved timeless, still inspiring both performers and audiences almost three decades after his premature death. He is also one of the few francophone songwriters whose work is relatively widely known in the English speaking world, but often in translations that miss much of the richness of Brel's text. Des's versions, in contrast, have been praised for both their faithfulness and elegance, and have been performed by artists like Barb Jungr and Caroline Nin.
Tonight's set will concentrate mainly on Brel's astonishing last album of 1977, easily his most personal and most outspoken, as well as adding in a few familiar favourites. An unmissable event for fans of both English and French chanson, also featuring the talented David Harrod at the piano.
The excellent Midnight have one foot in France, but are gaining a reputation in England for their mellifluous blend of English chanson with attitude, singer-songwriting with guts and a touch of the odd jazz standard. As well as original material they include inventive arrangements of songs by intelligent songwriters like Richard Thompson and Leonard Cohen.
We're delighted to bring the smooth and expressive vocal talents of singer Sarah Coleman and the flawless musicianship of guitarist David Barrett and fretless bassist Michael Fearn to Pirate Jenny's audiences for the first time.
Also making a return visit tonight is Milan-born Osvalda Cerati. A singer and dancer specialising in the pungent tradition of Argentinian tango, she's toured internationally revue show Fascinación de Tango. She'll be featuring two genres, tango and Italian song, unfairly underrepresented at Pirate Jenny's in what promises to be a fascinating and engaging set.
Please note that our previously announced guest François Raffenaud has sadly had to cancel his appearance tonight due to conflicting committments. We hope to rebook François in the near future.
Midnight website: www.midnight-music.info
Back to the Pirate Jenny's page
Osvalda Cerati
Midnight
More about Jacques Brel
Back to Des de Moor's home page
16 Chenies Street
London WC1E 7EX
www.drillhall.co.uk
Box office
+44 (0)20 7307 5060
Times 20:00-22:00 hrs PROMPT
Tickets GBP10.00/7.00
Licensed bar
Space at the Drill Hall 2 is limited so advance booking is highly recommended
Underground Goodge Street (Northern Line)
National Rail Euston (Virgin, Silverlink)
Bus 10, 24, 29, 73, 134, 390
Map
Journey Planner
See also |