In review--Learning how to swim in French
Irène and Francis Jacob Je Sais Nager (I know how to swim) Sunnyside Communications/Universal France Brazilian bossa nova diva Astrud Gilberto and French actress Brigitte Bardot, though from two parts of the world, shared soft understated vocals in common. In mainly the realm of Parisian actresses, breathy vocals were transformed into a vocal pop art. Even the English alternative pop band Stereolab made this music hip back in the 1990s, then dubbed as French lounge music. The days of Edith Piaf belting out torch songs had ended, replaced by film stars turned singer-songwriter. French actress Irène Jacob ( Trois Coleurs Rouge and Double Life of Veronique ) has joined the French pop music tradition while joining forces with her musician brother Francis Jacob on Je Sais Nager . This world pop album combines suave bossa nova with North and West African flavors, while never allowing listeners to forget the French origins of the songs. ...