Brigitte Fontaine

The Profile

Brigitte Fontaine (born 24 June 1939) is a French singer, poet and experimental artist known for avant-garde approaches to chanson and for collaborations with Areski Belkacem and the Art Ensemble of Chicago.

Born 24 June 1939, active since the 1960s, Fontaine is noted for blending theatrical, surreal lyrics with experimental and jazz-influenced arrangements; key collaborators include Areski Belkacem and the Art Ensemble of Chicago. The album Comme à la radio is frequently cited in discussions of her work.

The available review praises Comme à la radio for its theatrical, surreal interplay of words and music and for the striking contribution of the Art Ensemble of Chicago. The album is described as tactile, challenging, and intensely perceptive rather than background or ambient music. Brigitte Fontaine's vocals and Areski Belkacem's counterpoints are highlighted as burning, provocative elements.