This compilation serves as a good showcase for the work of singer/songwriter
Georges Moustaki. Though
Moustaki spent a decade composing for such French notables as
Edith Piaf,
Yves Montand, and
Barbara, his solo career didn't take off until the huge success of "Le Métèque" in 1969. Like his mentor
Georges Brassens,
Moustaki performs mostly to the accompaniment of an acoustic guitar, occasionally adding simple string arrangements. He is very much a touring artist who has a great rapport with the audience and who finds his inspiration in different cultures from around the world. This collection features some of his greatest hits, including "Le Métèque," "Ma Liberté," "Ma Solitude," and "Joseph."
Moustaki's Brazilian influences are evident in the compositions "Danse" and "Eaux de Mars"; the latter is a reworking of "Aguas de Março" by
Antonio Carlos Jobim. ~ Yuri German