As part of the release of the 2nd volume of "These Days We Almost Forgotten", Cali from Perpignan is doing a mini-tour of Barrier casinos as his “Never Trust a Cowboy” concerts end in May.
From one series of shows to another, Bruno is very artistically productive and is enjoying a solo break before returning to a group, notably at the Ecaussysteme festival on July 30th. Loved by some, disliked by others, the man has proven talent and pays particular attention to his audience and journalists. Once again, I have the chance to meet him for an interesting discussion rich in anecdotes.
Casino concert
The performance is free, and the artist performs in front of a select audience of around 25. This intimate moment is a precious one for fans who have been following the singer for 80 years. The 31-minute show will be a mix of recent hits, greatest hits, and an excerpt from the album, which is out on March XNUMXst.
Sitting on a high chair with a guitar slung over his shoulder, Cali will communicate and improvise some old acapella songs at the request of an informed audience. "Le Grand Jour" is the best example. An ironic title about the joy of a romantic breakup, he forgets some of the lyrics whispered to him by a well-placed spectator. "C'est Quand Le Bonheur" becomes a karaoke song because it made such a big impression in 2003. Bruno tells the story of the genesis of the song "Elle M'a Dit" which is delicious, or how a personal story can trigger an unpredictable success... A few tracks from the first volume of "Ces Jours Qu'On a Presque Oubliés" precede his latest single "Je Suis à Toi".
In the album version, Steve Wickham's piano and strings are replaced by the acoustic guitar that has accompanied the artist since his debut. "Je Sais Que Toi Aussi" (without his daughter Coco) is beautiful, "Alain Souchon" is hilarious. A true story of a phone call from an award-winning singer to a loser at the Victoires de la Musique. Classy! In the same elegant vein, Bruno invites a young woman on stage to perform one of the troublemaker's songs without an instrument or microphone. The latter, present at a recent show at the Pin Galant in Mérignac, had approached the artist. The gesture and the stranger are very applauded.
Finally, "1000 Coeurs Debout" is performed with the hundred or so choristers present, who will be able to sign the album at the stand provided for this purpose by the Casino organization. A flawless performance by the Barriere staff, whose quality must be highlighted. In the end, a privileged moment in a saloon that a real cowboy wouldn't have disparaged...
Diego OnTheRocks
Acknowledgments: Amélie from Casino Barrière
Photos: Emma Derrier
