October 11th, 2013 marks the 50th anniversary of Edith Piaf’s death. Piaf, known as “The Little Sparrow”, led a short, rough and tumble life that has been documented over the years in books, film and song. But none have captured the diminutive chanteuse’s heart and soul as well as Patricia Kaas has done on her amazing tribute recording entitled “Kaas Chante Paif”.
While the anniversary of The Little Sparrow’s passing may be almost a year away, Patricia
Kaas, known to many as the French Madonna, is paying her respects with both a world tour and a CD dedicated to celebrating the late cabaret singer’s music and life. The last U.S. stop on her Kaas Chante Piaf tour was on November 20th, 2012, at New York City’s famed Carnegie Hall where she wowed a sold out crowd with an ovation worthy performance.
The aptly titled CD, “Kaas Chante Piaf” (released on Artic Records in North America and EMI in France), offers fourteen tracks of classic Piaf hits and two tracks by Kaas collaborator and Golden Globe nominated composer/arranger Abel Korzeniowski (“Song For The Little Sparrow” and “The 9th Hour”). The fully orchestrated performances (courtesy of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra) are a respectful homage to one of France’s most loved entertainment icons.
Standout performances include “Hyme à L’amour” (“Hymn to Love”), “Milord” (also known as “Ombre de la Rue”), “Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien” (“No, I Don’t Regret Anything”), and of course, the show stopping “La Vie En Rose”.
Kaas Chante Piaf is not only a sonic delight but is also beautifully packaged. From the mysteriously half veiled face of Ms. Kass on the cover, through the candid photos of both Paif and Kass as well as the album notes contained in the booklet insert, to the simple but elegant track listing on the back tray card. This is a work of art that not only pleases the ear but also the eye, the heart, the soul, and the mind.
Perhaps, while throughout her life, Ms. Piaf may have sung about how she had nothing to regret, ironically her last, haunting, deathbed words of wisdom were more like a world weary admission, “Every damn fool thing you do in this life, you pay for.” With every note Patricia Kaas sings on Kaas Chante Piaf she seems to sing with a complete understanding of the enigma we knew as Edith Paif. Bravo Ms. Kaas, bravo!
