Last concert this Monday afternoon with Goldman Mania, which pays tribute to the repertoire of Jean-Jacques Goldman. On stage, seven Belgian multi-instrumentalist artists, including the singer and musician Christophe Celen, brought back to life the greatest hits of the French singer.
Despite a light rain, the spectators, with open umbrellas, were not discouraged. The configuration of the concert, with seats assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, did not prevent the crowd from getting up to accompany the musicians by singing and clapping their hands.
Remi Wafflert
Goldman Mania Stage Fair – Remi Wafflart
The catchy rhythms and popular refrains sparked moments of dancing, and even a farandole. “Who is ready to take on the biggest farandole in Châlons?” exclaimed Christophe Celen.
The most famous songs were saved for the end, with performances of “À nos actes manqués”, “Là-bas”, “Envole-moi” and “Encore un matin” as a grand finale. The audience, captivated, asked for more, and it was finally with “Pour que tu m’aimes encor” that the concert concluded, to the applause of the crowd who sang along with the artists.
“We had a lot of fun, and a bit of wind,” joked the singer. For nearly 1 hour and 40 minutes, the artists of Goldman Mania were able to capture the essence of Jean-Jacques Goldman while adding their own personal touch. “We really enjoy coming to your place,” confided Christophe Celen before leaving the stage. For those who want more, or those who want to make up for it, the group L’héritage Goldman will perform with Michael Jones on September 21 at the Capitole.
The singer is proud to have made a farandole dance
Christophe Celen, how did you start the Goldman Mania project?
“I originally composed songs. In 2017, we created our band. I’m a fan of Golman. He’s the person who made me want to sing and play. He inspired me a lot. I was very influenced by the instrumental at first. I discovered the song aspect and the lyrics later. I really like performing “On ira” on stage.”
How much do you try to be like Jean-Jacques Goldman?
“I think there is an unconscious mimicry since it was Golman who made me want to sing. In the exercise of this project, we aim for resemblance but while keeping our touch. I sing without wanting to copy the artist, simply by taking inspiration.”
How did you find the Chalon public?
“There is a big difference between Belgium and France. The Belgians are immediately on their feet and festive, they move more. The French public is more attentive. It’s another way of enjoying a show. In any case, it was great to see the Châlonnais doing the farandole!”
