Veronique Chalot
La Chanson De Provence

THE REVIEW

I want to talk to you about an album that came into my hands almost by chance: "La Chanson De Provence" by Veronique Chalot. To be honest, from a visual standpoint, that little disc was not new to me. I had noticed it before, forgotten in some corner of my house. Mysterious origin. The idea to listen to it had never crossed my mind. It would have been so simple to do so, but I was just a child and, frankly, the cover didn't appeal to me. A few months ago, my father put it in the player and the disc started after so many years of cruel inactivity.

What was that music? From where did that sacred sound that smelled of ancient times originate? I remained enchanted, listening in silence. I was chained to that sound so dry and majestic. I was excited about the new, precious discovery but did not want to show it. By now that dusty disc belonged to me and only me. Once the playback was over, I would stealthily put it back in its case and take it safely to my room.

The album was recorded in 1975, in Italy, by the very young Veronique Chalot who presents 10 traditional songs, ancient Provençal and Breton ballads, from the 13th to the 16th century. It's music of astonishing purity. The instrumentation is essential but incredibly complete and precise. The voice is confident yet remains soft and controlled; Veronique Chalot brings out sounds that seem to come directly from the past, safe from any other contamination.

I highly recommend this album which was a delightful discovery for me. A small treasure left amid the dust for too many years.