Tout Finit Par Des Chansons (It All Ends With Songs)

This album is in the grand tradition of French love songs from that era. I don't speak any of the languages in which these songs are sung (French, Dutch and German), but Diana van der Bent's inflection, phrasing and dynamics communicate beyond any barriers of language or culture. I am completely pulled into the music and her voice.

Her accompanist on guitar, Paul den Bakker, is similarly engaging; never getting in the way, never taking over the stage, always supportive and simply an excellent musician.

Together, van der Bent and den Bakker make a compelling and highly engaging hour of listening to beautifully sung songs about love, life, and loss.

The songs they have chosen for this album are all quite different, evoking different atmosphere and emotions, as one would hope from such a broad range of songwriters. Their songs come from Leo Ferré, Barbara ("Göttingen"), Georges Brassens, Jacques Brel, Anne Sylvestre, Serge Gainsbourg, Guy Béart, Boris Vian, and Georges Moustaki.

Quite a range! And an excellent homage to a period of great transition and healing.

This album is all about the music. Recorded very simply, very directly, it perfectly captures the beauty of voice and guitar. I am grateful to have this in my library each time I listen.