Your new album, The singer, is it a homecoming for someone who, before singing opera, debuted in variety?
I started very young, at 17, with variety and pop because it was more accessible than opera. This album is a bit of a homecoming but I’ll tell you in all honesty: the song has never left me. All the titles of the album accompanied my childhood, my adolescence.
Dead leaves at My friend the gypsy, of Singer at Padam…: what was your selection criterion?
I first selected 150 songs before arriving at 15 … Through these songs that have become classics of our heritage, I wanted to tell my story. It all starts with The singer, by Serge Lama and Alice Dona, it’s a way of presenting myself. The text is seen from the fans’ side. I am very attached to them, having a real connection with them. People have followed me for 35 years.
We also talk about immigration …
As I am from Italy, I wanted to highlight all the foreign influences that have enriched French song. There are in particular My friend the gypsy, who did a lot for gypsy jazz, but also Goodbye my country, created by Enrico Macias or Old lovers, by Brel. In this last song, there is like a cleaver, which for me, refers to the Covid, having mowed down our lives in various ways. Just before Old lovers, there is a Polish title, Maniusiu, funnier talking about my couple, … In short, these are songs that allude to my life. My two daughters also participate in two ways.
“When my family had to leave their country, it was heartbreaking”
Your song from the heart?
All. I have particular tenderness for Goodbye my country that I adapted a little by changing a word to identify myself as well as possible with the song. Enrico Macias was honored that I took it back. I kept the eastern side while adding a form of prayer enriched with a lament with the cry of a child. When my family had to leave their country, it was heartbreaking. We find this atmosphere in the song where one of my daughters, Maléna, gives me the answer.
Can we talk about a “business card” album?
These are first and foremost moments of life for those who can read between the lines.
Have you always lived in a musical universe?
My father sang a lot. Myself, I listened to a lot of songs, especially the jazz of Django Reinhardt, which took me somewhere else. These are things that have called me for a long time.
Is the interpretation different than for an opera?
I always try to respect the style because if I sing a piece with my opera voice, it will be distorted. French song has always spoken to me. I made the arrangements myself.
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“This guitar that never leaves me …”
One way to bring a breath of modernity?
Not really, it’s an adaptation that suits me. It’s difficult to cover songs with performers who have marked people so much. I did not want to imitate or betray. I have adapted in my own way.
Impressed to take back Brel, Piaf, …?
Respectful first. Being an opera singer, I have been serving geniuses for 37 years. ! I serve music, commercial is not my goal.
Why not have taken over Goldman, Jenifer or Vianney?
I could have done it but it would have taken longer. The titles of my album correspond to me more, they are loaded with memories. Like things buried in me that reappear.
The album was conceived during the first lockdown. How did the Covid play a part in the project?
All these songs remind me of the time when we could have real moments of conviviality, where we could kiss, shake hands, … This album is raw emotion.
For you, are the holidays sacred?
It has always been of utmost importance. In my family, where everyone had left their country, Christmas was an opportunity to meet us all in France. My father found his brother, cousins, … We all found each other singing with our guitars. They were moments of joy, of tears, rediscovering the flavors of our origins. Just tasting Sicilian mandarins was the best gift!
Is there a gift above the rest?
My first guitar. That’s what started it all. I was so shy that I didn’t dare sing in front of someone. The guitar was an armor. Thanks to her, I was able to sing. The guitar has never left me, it is very present in my new record.
A wish for 2021?
Return to normal life, as before. With health first. This is the main. I wish it all.
Olivier Bohin
The singer of Roberto Alagna. Sony Classical. 15 French song titles: Le Chanteur, Padam, padam, Les feuilles mortes, J’attendrai, Adieu my country, One day I will tell you, Mayari, Bohemian with big black eyes, Clouds, Domino, My friend the gypsy, It’s raining on the road, He’s a bad boy, … Price: 17.99 €.
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