New Music and Songs by Alex Keren
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I seem to be immersing myself in French music lately. As a “birthday treat” one of my pals bought me a ticket to see Johnny Hallyday last night. Now – for those of you unfamiliar, Johnny Hallyday is a sort of rock and roll legend in France, something like a cross between Elvis (if he had lived) and a pub singer. Mpst of his work is covers of 60s/70s popular rock 'n' roll, Motown and blues music translated in to French.
Which sounds awful, although I mean the idea sounds awful – so I was not looking forward to the concert and it is fair to say I have given my friend who bought me the "present," a fair amount of stick for liking Johhny Hallyday.
But – the crowd adores Johnny and went (for French people) wild the moment he walked in the room. Now – Johnny Hallyday is 66 years old, and has lived a hard rock n n roll life style. He is on his 4th wife, has goodness knows how many kids, and is on whatever the latest drug addiction program is. He looked awful as he came on stage, but 30 minutes in, he had sucked enough energy from the crowd to come to life and put on one of the best shows I have seen in a long time.
Which has absolutely nothing to do with what I actually wanted to write about which is a new CD by French artist Alex Keren. If you like reggae, blues, rock or a mixture of these, you are going to like this.. Easy listening would be too bland a description, but it really is easy to listen to. Alex – apart from being a really nice guy – has a sweet simple voice and accompanies himself with some really uncomplicated guitar work and backing that brings his voice out.
Pay him a visit at his website and listen to some samples. Really well put together, the CD is all new music and all new music songs from one of France’s up-and-comers. If Johnny Hallyday had any sense he would be spending some of his vast fortune helping some of the French singers that struggle so hard to break into the English speaking music community. It is just a shame because the French government’s social programs designed to promote French music are destroying the business by insisting that all French musicians sing in French and French radio stations are obliged to play the same Franco-pop-garbage over and over.
That aside – pay Alex a visit and check out his latest CD – which I am listening to right now. With a smile on my face.
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Comments
My pleasure. It never cease to amaze me how hard it is for French artists to break out of france.
Okay, I wrote a comment and muffed it by clicking on the link to try and hear Alex Keren SING Walkin On. Which he did not. So I am going to have to go to YouTube and find out what you mean, Mark. My daughter probably knows these singers, as she lived a year in Aix and majored in French. But I, alas, am not as cultured.
HEY, he sings in English?!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPVby9SXXag
Yes - he does sing in English. Now I know he has a youtube video - I have added a link. Thanks :)
France does have a thing about speaking French. In Europe the people of most countries are very understanding if you either don't speak their language or speak it poorly. France was an exception. People were almost rude if you didn't speak French. Still in many parts of the US one can get the same treatment if they don't speak English so I wasn't too critical. Still restricting an artists communication is going a bit far.
Nice voice, nice music.
Very nice. Reminds me of James Taylor. - Carol
thanks Mark, always enjoy reading about musicians from anywhere. you know who I love and I was amazed when I saw a special on her music, Carla Bruni. His music also has this very laid back 'artist' style of lyrics.
Thanks guys. I am glad you enjoyed - he is a little different to the usual run of the mill stuff from the US and UK.
Daniel Carter says:
5 weeks ago
This is great information for someone like me who is curious about what the rest of the world is doing musically. Great hub. I'm going to check out both these guys. Thanks, Mark! Happy, happy birthday!!