Jacques Brel Is Alive & Well & Living in Paris

Introduced to "Alive and well" in a college production in fall 1972, this album has captivated me for years, from young adulthood to middle age. The music is timeless, the energy is magnificent, the translated lyrics are moving, irony-filled, funny, spiteful, insightful and a whole lot more.With this superb four-person cast, supported by a small number of instruments, the voices and lyrics make this a full-bodied hit. Mort Shuman's "Amsterdam," Brel's dedication to the night life in the port of the Dutch city, haunts and enlivens me. His "Next", a sad memory of his first sexual encounter, provided gratis by the army, makes it clear why he never wants to be "next" ever again. Elly Stone's voice leaves me near tears. Shawn Elliott and Alice Whitfield have slightly smaller roles and receive lesser accolades, but their contributions are memorable and make the production full, rich and well-rounded. The closing, "If we only have love," is a tribute to the author and to the cast. With 23 stylish numbers, this CD is one you can play endlessly, enjoying. Adding "The middle class" to this version is not only a nice 'extra', it is one of the best numbers, a memorable tribute to the terror of first despising the middle class, only to later find you are part of it, and despised as well.These are 'show tunes' in the best sense of the term, and although there is no linear plot to follow, the music makes the show one worth repeating. Enjoy!

I loved this revue back in the Seventies when I first heard it and I love it even more now. Although Jacques Brel is--alas!--now alive only in his music, the songs are as vibrant as ever. The tunes are memorable and have incredible range of style, and the poetry of the lyrics will set you thinking and wondering as few songs do. This collection includes sweet ballads, melancholy torch songs on the ironies of love, rough-and-ready monologues in music. . .from Timid Frieda to the sailors in the Port of Amsterdam, from the soldier whose recollection of "the first time" is scarred by the military setting and soulessness to the old folks whose mantel clock assures them "I wait for you"--I could go on and on, but your best strategy is to listen for yourself--really LISTEN and immerse yourself in the mind and heart of a sensitive and talented man. The singers do justice to Brel and convey the full scope of emotions.

I saw them in bosto many years ago. Loved it

The performances and material embodied in this recording are dynamic and relevant, almost fifty years since it was released. I first became aware of Brel's songs through Judy Collins ("Sons Of" and "Marieke") and Joan Baez ("The Dove") when I was a teenager. I recently became much more aware of Brel's work through my immersion in Rod McKuen's music. This, the best known U.S. adaptations of Brel's songs, aside from McKuen's translations and adaptations, is a remarkably varied and compelling score, lyrically draped in irony and longing, and melodically rich and textured..In our current political climate, the song "If We Only Have Love" takes on extraordinary political implications. Highly, highly recommended.

This CD is interesting and a "noble effort".....but mediocre. I admit, I couldn't do what the writers of this CD did: take great music and lyrics in French, pretend to translate Brel's French into English---English words that have little if anything to do with the original French, and then "sell" the effort to the unknowing English speaking public as "the work of Jacques Brel." I knew something was very wrong right at the beginning of this CD when the cast sings Brel's "Les/ Fla/mandes" which is actually about "The Flemish Women"....and they sing instead "Mar/a/thon", "Mar/a/thon". What does "Mar/a/thon" have to do with "Les/ Fla/mandes" except that both words have 3 "beats" or 3 syllables and thus they both can fit into Brel's music? I ask you, why don't you buy Brel...the REAL Brel...the REAL THING? His actual renditions of his OWN SONGS are 100 times "greater" than anything on this CD. Gratitude is due to the cast and writers of this CD because you probably never would have heard about Brel except for this show. But, now that you are at least this close to the REAL Brel, WHY NOT GO ALL THE WAY AND BUY AN ACTUAL CD OF BREL HIMSELF SINGING HIS OWN SONGS IN FRENCH WITH GREAT PASSION AND FEELING? The CD entitled "Infiniment" is recently out----buy the 2004 non-imported edition of "Infiniment" because that is the ONLY CD that has English translations for any of Brel's lyrics---do NOT buy the 2003 Imported edition because there are no translations included. (...)Email:boland7214@aol.

So many, many memories attached to this recording.....I attended my first performance of this evocative and exciting show shortly after it opened at the Village Gate 1n 1968 and then as often as possible thereafter - I dragged every friend and visiting relative along almost as soon as they set foot in my West Greenwich Village apartment. I couldn't get enough of this music at the time (I wore out my LP long ago) and I'm now so glad to have remade it's acquaintance after so many years have passed. It still stirs my soul. Jacques Brel is a very special and rare musical artist who through his songs manages to touch every emotional button you possess. Trust me, should you acquire this CD you are in store for a very intense musical experience. The performers are beyond superb!

This CD is a trip down memory lane for every fan of the great Jacques Brel. While it is technically somewhat reflective of the 1966 acoustics, it has enough modern clarity to satisfy those who demand their quality "au current". Most importantly, the songs are the charming "reality show" of the '60's that we all fell in love with. If you have fond memories of that time, if you saw the show and remember it well, or if you just want to hear some great human theater, this CD will satisfy.

I have waited years for this to be released on cd in this country.I am like everyone who was introduced to Jacques Brel via those brilliant Scott Walker recordings.Like on Scott Walker's recordings this cd really captures the beauty of these powerful songs....really recommended.

How can you not love the fantastic Jacques Brel. A truley great rendition of his epic songs from a stellar cast.

great cd, worth every penny.

I bought it for a couple of songs and discovered others!

Excellent lyrics sung beautifully.