Continuing our series exploring the popular music of Europe, Echoes Of France Vol. 2 offers the ideal introduction to French popular music from the 1930s to the early 1960s, with great performances by such legends as Francoise Hardy, Edith Piaf, Serge Gainsbourg, Juliette Greco, Johnny Hallyday and Brigitte Bardot. Compiled and annotated by author and BBC Radio Merseyside presenter Spencer Leigh, Echoes Of France Vol. 2 casts its net wide to include a handful of non-native performers like Jacques Brel and Petula Clark, who won the hearts of French audiences.
Fantastic Voyage’s Echoes series has also explored the popular music of Italy, and Echoes Of Germany is imminent. The release of a second Echoes Of France follows the enthusiastic reception of the original compilation. Artists returning for this second volume include Django Reinhardt, Charles Aznavour, Georges Brassens and Gilbert Becaud, but there are also plenty of new names, including Sacha Distel, Tino Rossi and Claude Francois. From chanson to ye-ye, from torch songs to gypsy swing, Echoes Of France Vol. 2 is an ideal introduction to over three decade of French popular music.