Chantal Chamberland - Soiree (2014)

French Canadian singer Chantal Chamberland strikes a perfect balance between the soul of the classic singer/songwriter and the dynamic verve of a jazz chanteuse. She can swing with the best of them, then capture your heart with a soft torch song. Her sixth album, SOIREE, captures both of those components - lively and tender, with a beautiful collection of songs mostly sung in French. Chamberland describes this set as a collection of songs with personal meaning; songs and composers that she grew up with like Charles Aznavour, Francis Cabrel and Diane Tell. As always, Chamberland bewitches the listener with her smoky, smooth vocals, which glide sensually over a light jazz backdrop of piano, bass, rhythm and sax. One particular highlight of this set is the bittersweet closing song 'Gran Torino', a song about love and loss. Chamberland's voice has a fragile, wistful quality that makes the song particularly emotional.