La Princesse et Les Croque-Notes

Parisian based singer , 29 at this time of this, her debut recording, has studied with and , displays an affinity for French lyricists like , and exploits the innocent side of jazz without going strictly into ballad or romantic territory. Her tunes, sung exclusively in French, tell various tales of life and love, but also are somewhat self-deprecating, at times silly, ironic, or humorous. She is expertly accompanied by a trio led by the wondrous , a staunch modernist who shades the songs with light or bright (no grays or in-between) colors, modal-to-contemporary classical elements, and at times jazz swing. possesses a sweet altissimo voice that is neither seductive nor siren-like. She enjoys being a girl during the playful 5/4 beats of where she speaks of enjoying make-up, or the title track referring to her love for shoes. Her artistic side comes through during alongside 's dancing waltz steps, or the very slow ballad decelerated to a crawl with the pianist keeping a tortured but brilliant song in rein. Fans of will recognize in a tick-tock beat as the singer exclaims her disdain for Sunday, while the Harlem stride flavored roughly translated as "I Make Myself Small" is a fun, one-minute, bouncy based scat, and or "Go to the Last Dance" is the opposite end of the emotional spectrum, a dour 3/4 waltz with 's piano bringing the mood far down. 's lyrics are best heard during another of many waltzes, this time enlivened by 's modal, -styled type piano chords, while is not so much cute as the other tunes, but expresses that can be difficult and high maintenance. The cool alto saxophonist is included on the easygoing and the skipping waltz Those who do not speak or understand the French language will not relate to these selections, but those who do can gain appreciation for French popular singing from this young chanteuse who is learning the ropes, and offers her own modern perspective within traditional means. ~ Michael G. Nastos