50 YEARS OF SUCCESS
At 75, Julien Clerc has released almost 50 albums (studios, live, compilations) and delighted a loyal audience, the vast majority of whom are in their seventies. He has had numerous artistic collaborations and encounters since the end of the 60s. A period during which Adamo and Gilbert Becaud offered him their opening acts, allowing the young Parisian to move from the shadows to the spotlight and land a leading role in " Hair »Two years earlier, the musical was a triumph on Broadway and Julien would perform at the Olympia for two weeks at the end of 1970 in the French adaptation. For 5 decades, the artist would only confirm his status as a star whose charm as he aged did not leave the fairer sex indifferent.
HAPPY DAYS – ACOUSTICS
For this tour, the artist with a reputation for being a recluse is surrounded by two musicians (a pianist and a guitarist) to revisit his standards and travel through the influences that have shaped his musical identity. The start of the concert (" How are you ? ") allows us to gauge a motivated audience who will enter directly into an intimate atmosphere for 2 hours. The Skater » from 1972 precedes « Impactful " and " Double Childhood » which are performed in effective stripped-down versions. Unlike his electric performances, Julien forces his voice to produce his characteristic "bleat" which he masters to perfection. The former coach of "The Voice" is not stingy with anecdotes and tells between certain titles, from sentimental stories to professional encounters. The most sympathetic of them concerns his former driver (nicknamed "Machepro") who had an affair with the singer Barbara and followed the latter on the tour to Montpellier via sweet words he received in hotel receptions under maritime pseudonyms. The impromptu meeting with Charles Trenet in Perpignan and the play on words with the notary clerk also makes the audience laugh a lot. The artist happily pays homage (as in the album released in 2021) to Montand, Aznavour, Piaf, Bécaud and Ferré.
After " My preference » and the superb melody of the « Separated » (adapted from a poem by Marceline Desbordes Valmore), the second part of the concert will prove to be more rhythmic and all the more convincing. The hits follow one after the other (“ California », who are " Women, I Love You ») but above all " It's Nothing", who are " Let the Sun In », who are " Lili Wanted to Go Dancing " and " Mélissa » brings the audience to their feet. Having swapped his jacket for a leather one, Julien Clerc looks younger than ever! Fans know the words like the back of their hand, « Rocker Heart » and the magnificent « Make Me a Place » are no exception. The latter is probably one of the most beautiful French songs. The artist leaves the audience after thanking all the speakers who accompanied him and enjoys deserved applause.
Given his intense stage activity, we can assume that he will soon offer a follow-up to the album " Earthling » published two years earlier, with lyrics by (among others) Clara Luciani, Jeanne Cherhal, Marc Lavoine, and Bernard Lavilliers. A fan of famous lyricists (Etienne Roda-Gil and Jean-Loup Dabadie), the shows offered by the singer are very enjoyable and prove that experience makes the difference! Undeniable musical quality.
Diego OnTheRocks
Photos: Jessica Calvo for Musiques En Live
