CLARK, PETULA

The second Vogue Records anthology of Petula Clark's early 1960s French output is very different from its companion. On these 23 songs, Clark aims for a much more sophisticated sound, avoiding covers of American rock & roll in favor of homegrown French repertory. This is where her exquisitely sensual rendition of Sidney Bechet's "Petite Fleur" was cut, and it's only one in a string of finely cut musical jewels. The mood is cool and sophisticated throughout, as Clark proves herself a singer of superb control and delicacy, in settings that mix tasteful pop strings and light jazz -- she used to cite Peggy Lee and Ella Fitzgerald as major influences on her musical sensibilities, and this is the collection where that becomes clear, although the influence of Edith Piaf and other French singing icons is also evident. ~ Bruce Eder, AMG

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