Yves Montand - A Paris 1948-49 (2007)

Italian-born yet eternally French-identified singer and star of stage and screen Yves Montand was a consort and performing partner of Edith Piaf's who also appeared with Marilyn Monroe and Barbra Streisand. In 2007, Saga All Stars released a 16-track collection of recordings he made in 1948 and 1949. Decorated with a zoom-lens close-up of his accomplished mouth, this delightful album works well as an introduction to Montand's patented postwar persona. He was a debonair interpreter of popular song whose friendly delivery invited comparison with Charles Trenet. On these recordings, Montand sang with a quintet led by pianist Bob Castella. The other players were accordionist Freddy Balta, guitarist Henri Crolla, bassist Emmanuel Soudieux, and clarinetist Hubert Rostaing, a brilliant improviser who made his best records with Gypsy swing guitarist Django Reinhardt.