It is at the heart of a magnificent journey that the immense Julien Clerc invited the Montreal public to Place des Arts on Saturday evening. Two fabulous hours, without intermission, where he crossed the ages by interpreting novelties, successes and essentials from his vast repertoire while delivering a tribute to the greats of French song who allowed him to lay the foundations of his profession.
• Read also: Behind the curtain with Julien Clerc
The full house of the Maisonneuve theater awaited him impatiently. In a curtain of red light, sporting his magnificent flirtatious smile, the singer opened his show with the kindness How are you ? The piece was ideal for creating a tender and empathetic bond with its audience from the outset.
Spectators were then able to let themselves be lulled by the unique voice of the singer on Missa song dedicated to teachers, before being invited “to a journey through music and time”, first with niagara. The one who will celebrate his 75th birthday on October 4 did not hesitate to resume himself in the introduction of My little landin order to honor the lovely text by Marc Lavoine, before performing on the piano the superb Usefulhis first success released in 1968 The Cavalry and the huge classic Leave.
Happy and nostalgic dive
The performer then delivered a vibrant tribute to the monuments of French song that marked and inspired him, and whose covers can be found on his album. Happy Days, performing key songs by these composers and performers. It is with the very touching piece Behind the curtainonly accompanied on the piano, that he introduced this part of the singing round as a vast curtain rose behind the musicians.
Usually more discreet and reluctant to speak on stage, the singer punctuated each of these immortals with touching or comical anecdotes that delighted the public.
He first interpreted Boom of Trenet. He then sang A bicycle by Montand all in vivacity, before delivering an intense interpretation of his favorite song by Léo Ferré, Like in Ostend.
The great ladies that were Barbara and Piaf were not left out with a poignant interpretation of Tell me, when will you come back ? and a catchy My carousel. Aznavour and Bécaud also had their fair share, the singer honoring Venice is so sad and I come back for you.
Tireless and talented
At the piano and simply accompanied by an accordion, Julien Clerc highlighted the superb beauty of the immortal love song My preference as the audience softly hummed the chorus.
After a very moving interpretation of The girl on firealone at the piano, and the beautiful love song that is My refugepieces from his opus earthling released in 2021, the singer ardently offered a rolling fire of his immense successes. Women… I love you, It’s nothing, Let the sun in, When I’m playing, the energetic and more rock Lili wanted to go dancing, Melissa, Let’s sing, Make room for methe indefatigable Julien Clerc showed himself to be very generous and chained with intensity the great hits of his discography, crowning the trip with rocker heartto the delight of a filled audience.
Julien Clerc continues his Quebec tour Happy Days until October 7. Several dates, including Sunday, September 25 at 3 p.m. at the Théâtre Maisonneuve and September 30, October 1 and 2 at the Capitole in Quebec City.