features in: Album Chart of 1954 ● Album Chart of the Decade: 1950s |
“Jacques Brel Et Ses Chansons” was the aptly titled debut album from the talented 25 year old, a relatively late starter, who’d been writing his own songs and performing them at family gatherings and in Brussels’ cabaret circuit since 1952. His family and friends were not supportive of his stark lyrics and violent, emotional performances. Philips Records saw something however, and it was they who released his first 78 in March 1953. The talent scout and artistic director at the record company, Jacques Canetti, invited Brel to move to Paris. Brel left Brussels for Paris in the fall of 1953. In Paris, he worked hard to get his career off the ground. He stayed at the Hotel Stevens and gave guitar lessons to artist-dancer Francesco Frediani to pay his rent. This nine-song 10-inch LP debut was recorded 15th February 1954 - all in a day’s work - and was released by Philips in March 1954. Things were moving fast for Jacques - Juliette Gréco would select one of the album’s songs, “Là Va Le Diable” (There Goes The Devil), at her summer concert at the prestigious Olympia music-hall. It was a sign of the interest to come - at home and abroad. In July 1954, Brel made his first appearance at the prestigious Olympia Theatre in Paris. This was a stellar debut… passionate French hearts were stirred… and, despite only selling 2,000 copies in 1954, a new star was born…
The Jukebox Rebel
01–Jul–2008
Tracklist |
A1 | [01:56] Jacques Brel - La Haine (Jacques Brel) Crooner / Cabaret |
A2 | [01:50] Jacques Brel - Grand Jacques (C’est Trop Facile) (Jacques Brel) Crooner / Cabaret |
A3 | [02:36] Jacques Brel - Il Pleut (Les Carreaux) (Jacques Brel) Crooner / Cabaret |
A4 | [02:26] Jacques Brel - Le Diable (Ca Va) (Jacques Brel) Crooner / Cabaret |
B1 | [01:44] Jacques Brel - Il Peut Pleuvoir (Jacques Brel, Glen Powell) Crooner / Cabaret |
B2 | [02:25] Jacques Brel - Il Nous Faut Regarder (Jacques Brel) Crooner / Cabaret |
B3 | [01:55] Jacques Brel - Le Fou Du Roi (Jacques Brel) Crooner / Cabaret |
B4 | [02:07] Jacques Brel - C’est Comme Ça (Jacques Brel) Crooner / Cabaret |
B5 | [03:34] Jacques Brel - Sur La Place (Jacques Brel) Crooner / Cabaret |