CE SOIR, NOUS SOMMES LA
POUR VOUS! SYLVIE!
AVEC JOIE DEBORDANTE ET EMOTION.
Above: SYLVIE A L'OLYMPIA 1970 - Sylvie Vartan marks a new chapter in her career, after overcoming a severe injury in a car accident in Feb that year by living mostly in NYC. She sings LET THE SUNSHINE IN in the final part in tight blue jeans made in USA letting her long blond hair fly. We see fresh energy and something innovative spring from her mind. The choreographer Jojo Smith (1938/2019) and an emerging soul/R&B group The Voices of East Harlem from NYC perform together. Sylvie (26), a rising star's timeless pop & rock concert.
Sylvie Vartan, always active creative. Her first recital, a totally different live from before at a theatre that Sylvie has had in mind for a long time. Many new original songs from her latest album MERCI POUR LE REGARD and outstanding pieces from her repertoire with only a few exclusive musicians such as Gerard Daguerre, the pianist who participated a lot in Sylvie Vartan concerts and tours (including lives in Japan) especially during 1970s to early 1980s.
In two-hour-live acoustic with no entracte, Sylvie sang 24 songs. One third was from the new album just released. The number that caught my heart so much as a whole (music like jazz, lyrics very toucing, a dynamic beautiful performance Une derniere danse among others.
The next day of the event, the newpaper LE MONDE distributed an excellent sincere review together with the poster of the special live, Sylvie Vartan Salle Pleyel 20/11/2021, which follows after France tour.
Sylvie Vartan sings Parle-moi de Ta Vie.
Setlist of SYLVIE VARTAN, LE RECITAL 2021
( * from Latest album released on 1st October 2021 : MERCI POUR LE REGARD)
Le bleu de la mer noire (*) / Je croyais / Novembre a La Rochelle / Par amour par pitie / Les vents contraires (*) / Parle-moi de ta vie / Ce jour la (*) / On s'aime encore mais autrement (*) / Deux mains / La plus belle pour aller danser / Une derniere danse (*) / Aimer / Le dimanche / Mon pere / Mon enfance / Darina / Je chante encore l'amour / Merci pour le regard (*) / J'emporterai (*) / Je n'aime encore que toi / A deux pas de vous (*) / La Maritza / Quand on n'a que l'amour / Ma vie c'est moi qui l'ai choisie (the tune of My Way)
photo background: Orchard Hall (in Bunkamura - Complex building), Shibuya Tokyo, Friday 1 June 2018:
Forever Sylvie Vartan Lve in Japan 2018. The public awaiting the concert opening time. (19:00-22:00, 3h-concert including 20 minutes of entracte) (Sylvie Vartan in tuxedo jacket & black tight pantalon : Olivier Lapidus/LANVIN)
Setlist of "Forever Sylvie Vartan Live In Japan 2018"
The 1st part: 1. Le bon temps du Rock'n Roll - 2. Quand tu es la - 3. C'est bon de vous voir - 4. MR. JOHN B - 5. Love has laid its hands on me - 6. Chance - 7. En ecoutant la pluie - 8. Tous mes copains - 9. DANSE-LA, CHANTE-LA - 10. Il revient - 11. Irresistiblement - 12. La plus belle pour aller dancer - 13. Par amour, par pitie - Intro. to Comme un garcon - 14. Renown Wansaka-Musume (Japanese) - 15. Comme un garcon - 16. Donne-moi ton amour
The 2nd part: 1. Danse ta vie - 2. Les hommes qui n'ont plus rien a perdre - 3. Bye Bye Leroy Brown - 4. JE N'AIME ENCORE QUE TOI - 5. Qu'est-ce qui fait pleurer les blondes ? - 6. LE PIEGE(Look All You Like) - 7. C'est fatal - 8. Cigarette - 9. ORIENT EXPRESS - 10. La Maritza - 11. L'idole des jeunes - 12. La plus belle pour aller dancer - 13. Tes tendres annees
14. Medley Johnny Hallyday : 14-1. Retiens la nuit - 14-2. Elle est terrible - 14-3. Gabrielle - 14-4. Noir c'est noir - 14-5. Je veux te graver dans ma vie - 14-6. Sang pour sang - 14-7. Que je t'aime - 15. Hymne a l'amour
Even more Notable stage lighting of Sylvie Vartan Live 2018 - by the French guru, Jacques Rouveyrollis
photo above : Forever Sylvie Vartan Live in Japan 2018 - Osaka 31.05.2018 (Chic in tuxedo jacket & black tight pantalon) by Olivier Lapidus/LANVIN)
There was no room for a second to be reminded of such word as "the last Japan tour" in the ad (overstate!).
Sylvie Vartan herself never says good bye to us.
Ho oui! Sylvie smiling said in the end : "See you next time!!" Absolutely!!
Watching Sylvie Vartan, who has the same intensity professionally and gives a spirited knockout performance, sent shock waves of joy through me. She has some kind of magical power in innate beauty and talent and personality, which is always obvious.
After one or two songs, Sylvie Vartan being outgoing said something like: Let's try some Japanese! I always adore to hear Sylvie speak a good Japanese including her "Renown Wansaka-musume " (*) bringing humor to the concert. ( * one of the most popular Japanese TV commercial songs made for Renown, an apparel, in mid-1960s and she performed it at the time of her 1st Japan tour in May 1965.)
Sylvie is a person who maintains purity and sincerity.
Indeed, it was most impressive to witness Sylvie Vartan, who is always perfect besides elegant, openminded, spirited, fabulous, believe it or not. Far more arresting natural beauty than in the DVD live at Grand Rex Paris 2018 (later published) or any other images/videos published in France. Sylvie Vartan in person including her silhouette is very different from what we see everywhere in the media, photos and videos posted on the Internet that are never flattering. A wonderful live performer and dancer Sylvie Vartan used to have an impeccable slender silhouette until around 1997. Many people may get nostalgic about that. Whereas, Sylvie Vartan in person overwhelms us. Sylvie Vartan stays irresistibly attractive, after all. Angel as well. The authentic live performer brings us vibrantly to life.
Surprises were "C'est bon de vous voir" (cover of Bad Moon Rising in French) and "Danse la chante la" that infinitely spirited rhythm and singing of Vartan and the music let me rediscover this utterly joyful song of 1975. Then, "Les hommes qui n'ont plus rien a perdre," "Irresistiblement" - much-awaited tune by the new young fans - freshly performed with the phrase Irresistiblement in falsetto. Singing a familier song in its original high key delights many people.
Memorable songs: "Par amour par pitie," "Je n'aime encore que toi," "La Maritza". Excellent music and singing of Sylvie Vartan. As beautiful as twinkling stars. Missing in this fleeting fantasy was Nicolas (a cover of Hungarian music), an absolutely marvelous live performance of Sylvie Vartan every time she sings it ever since its release in 1979. It units all, as with Irresistiblement.
This tour was an extention of L'Olympia Paris 2017 (a retrospective glance of her past half-centry after her 1st concert at the historic music hall in 1967) and its additional show Grand Rex Paris 2018 where she paied homage to a French rock singer Johnny Hallyday (1943-2017), her ex-husband during 1965-1980, singing his several hits in closing. In Japan, she first described J. Hallyday for us in English with a translator (English to Japanese) being at the stage wing. Such an intense and sincere attitude of Sylvie Vartan.
Thank you so much and Bravo to Sylvie Vartan and her French top musicians and troupe.
Outside the hall after the concert, someone told me smiling: Sylvie said (on the stage) see you again!, right?
SEE YOU AGAIN !!
We, the audience, were under most strict control than ever by the major promoter in Japan who cautioned us to Never come to the stage nor give bouquet flowers/anything nor approach the car (Sylvie) outside the venue. Myself, being outside until 11:30 PM, with other fans.
I wanted to hand my most gorgeous (ever!) red roses to Sylvie. The ribbon had been off the huge bouquet in the end. I felt so sad.
Article of 14/5/2018 in the ASAHI Shimbun evening ed., one of the three major news papers. Interview with Sylvie Vartan in Paris: - Sylvie Vartan Japan tour - Sylvie Vartan sings out of her life;
her various emotions of the moment serve as the driving force of singing and artistic activities.
Sylvie Vartan : Je prefere le moment present et rever a l'avenir.
show poster of Sylvie Vartan A L'Olympia Paris - 15&16/09/2017 (photo by Jean-Marie Perier)
Costume of Sylvie Vartan L'Olympia Paris 2017 per Olivier Lapidus (Lanvin) looks just fantastic! Sylvie Vartan in two smokings : one in white+red, another in black, respectively with cool beautiful shoes in white and in black.
Sylvie Vartan is always Sylvie Vartan going her way. The second part with successful closing with two best pieces, one in English (original of Sylvie Vartan from her English album 1979) and another in French (her latest cover of an American song of 1980). And something notable, that is "Sensible" (from the album 1998, SENSIBLE), it was surprisingly good, impressive and poignant in live. The setlist of almost 40 songs in about 3-hour concert.
final number of Sylvie Vartan A L'Olympia Paris 2017 :
Cheveux au Vent (cover of Against the Wind)
(from her album 2013: Sylvie In Nashville)
Against the wind
I'm still runnin' against the wind
I'm older now but still runnin' against the wind
Well I'm older now and still runnin'
Against the wind
Against the wind
Against the wind
show poster of Sylvie Vartan A L'Olympia Paris - 11-12/04/2015
Sylvie A L'Olympia 2015, a remarkable live because of Sylvie Vartan's brilliant and soulful performance with a richer voice. We see it immediately even through the video Youtube posted by music fans.
Raising the curtain with thrilling, dazzling Bye Baby and Nos retrouvailles ! Rock singer Sylvie Vartan excels at several different kinds of musical styles, for she loves them. Adventurous artist in amazingly good shape, with grace, warmth, a good sense of humor, a sence of beauty ...
Her classic standards are also something, Sylvie Vartan awakens audience's emotions so much.
As much as I look foward to her latest songs, there's this moment of satisfaction when I hear some of them; La Maritza, Nicolas move me as much as new and fresh Par amour pour toi , Ne m'en parlez pas among others.
SETLIST OF SYLVIE VARTAN L'OLYMPIA 2015
- Ouverture "L'amour c'est comme une cigarette"
- Bye Baby * new
- Nos retrouvailles (from Sylvie In Nashville 2013)
- Le temps d'un sourire * new
- Cri de ma vie (Deam baby) (from her 1962 album)
- C'est bon de vous voir (Bad moon rising)
- Sandy (from Sylvie In Nashville 2013)
- Solitude (Substitute) (from her 1978 album)
- Les rendez-vous en secret (Sunday school to Broadway) (from her 1977 album)
- Ne m'en parlez pas * new
- Le feu sous la glace (from Sylvie In Nashville 2013)
- Cheveux au vent (from Sylvie In Nashville 2013)
- Je pardonne (When I need you) (from her 1977 album)
- Etrangere (from Sylvie In Nashville 2013)
- Dans le bayou (from Sylvie In Nashville 2013)
- Par amour pour toi * new
- Non merci (from Sylvie In Nashville 2013)
- Medley : Hang up my Rock'N'Roll shoes * new/ Est-ce que tu le sais ? / Le locomotion / Hang up my Rock'N'Roll shoes
- I like it, I love it (from Sylvie In Nashville 2013)
- Medley : La plus belle pour aller danser / La Maritza / Nicolas
- Medley : Petit Rainbow / Bye bye Leroy Brown / Qu'est-ce qui fait pleurer les blondes ? / L'amour c'est comme une cigarette
- Encore: Si je chante (from her 1963 album)
(Above photo from Sylvie Vartan official facebook, the setlist from Sylvie Vartan official website)
photo right from OnSortouPas.fr : SYLVIE VARTAN AT L'OLYMPIA 2015 (12/04/2015)
Fantastic setlist 2015 built around "Sylvie In Nashville" 2013 and lined with new and fresh numbers, good songs from her 1977 album and her classic standards. The audience is not necessarily consisted only of her fanatics who remember numerous numbers having most of her disques or her fans who have an eclectic knowledge of other music of the world.
Actually, I'm not able to recall almost all the albums of the 1995 issue "Sylvie Vartan, Les Annees RCA (1961/1986 studio recording)" (21CD compacted into an open box), a thing of magnificence and my precious box. I have little knowledge about other artists' music, either.
Thanks to this Olympia 2015, I have rediscovered her 1977 album, including other fantastic pieces such as "Talking about Love" etc. Then, her concert is always a great opportunity for a discover or rediscover of hidden good songs from her previous albums and even from other artists' as well as her brandnew album, for Sylvie Vartan is always more marvelous before her audience. Sylvie Vartan, an artist remarkably more brilliant in live, that's what I read in music critic and fans' comments somewhere in magazines and on Internet here in Japan from time to time.
In fact, above all else, Sylvie Vartan and her fresh husky voice in live move me always more deeply, strongly; still I can never live without listening to her latest album, her latest voice, seeing her latest smile... Sylvie Vartan at this moment fascinates me most, and I'm glad about that.
"Je pardonne"
"Je pardonne" version 2015 is touching in a different way and "Les rendez-vous en secret" sounds always so good with Sylvie Vartan, a worldwide traveler, reminding me of one of her classics, 1972 album "Sympathie." (Japanese title: "Caro Mozart"), which I adore in every way. In her golden years for her long run from mid-1960s to mid-1980s, I think we tended to be focused more on her beauty, charm and talent as a whole. Today her every interpretation in those days makes me strain my ears every time I hear it.
With no release of this thrilling live 2015, which I appreciated so much her performance of the new pieces made in Nashville for the next album as well as 2013 album "Sylvie In Nashville," I dream to have her CD Live with at least 50 numbers (double CD with bonus) next time when she gives a show in Paris : Sylvie Vartan L'Olympia 2017 !
Thank you, Sylvie for this joy of listening and watching your Olympia 2015 ! ; even music fans' snapshots of the concert on the Internet made me so happy.
photos: In Sofia, huge advertisements for Concert of Sylvie Vartan at the National Palace of Culture (NDK), Sofia 24/04/2014.
(from Web pages: (top)Lawyers for Changes, Blugaria/ (bottom) Nos tendres et douces annees, France
Sylvie Vartan in Sofia 2014, right after concert tour to Japan, at the National Palace of Culture (3rd concert since 1990 and 2009) receiving huge ovation, it is a totally different kind of concert from a series of festive shows in Tokyo in terms of her emotions and all that. "La Maritza", accompanied by a brilliant Bulgarian violinist, is particularly poignant besides her discourse in Bulgarian, recalling her word about nostalgia: Childfood is the only thing that evokes a great nostalgia inside myself.
In the video (posted on Youtube by Radio Binar) of Press conference 23/04/2014, we see that Sylvie Vartan - someone simple, warm, open-minded - being with an interpreter listens earnestly to language of her mother country. Actually, Sylvie, a worldwide traveler as well, always shows great interest in other languages. Respectable, sublime Sylvie Vartan.
5年ぶり3回目となる故国での公演(4月24日)は他のイベントと共にメディアの注目を一斉に浴びた。シルヴィ・ヴァルタンの人道支援団体Association Sylvie Vartan pour la Bulgarieの多大な貢献に対してシルヴィへソフィア名誉市民の称号が授与される。また現地刊行された翻訳版自叙伝("Mot a mot" 一語一語)のサイン会やブルガリア国営ラジオでの記者会見にも出席。
ソフィアのプレス会見の温かい雰囲気は目を引く。シルヴィは寛いで稀にみるような笑顔を見せている。シルヴィは公演ではブルガリア語で話すように努める。この会見は通訳付きだが、シルヴィは言葉(異なる言語)に対しても子供のように素直で好奇心旺盛なのが分かる。
会見内容は豊富で、新譜 "Sylvie In Nashville" から、故国ブルガリア、翻訳版自叙伝、音楽、キャリア、亡き兄エディ・ヴァルタンと共に1990年12月に設立した "Association Sylvie Vartan pour la Bulgarie"(ブルガリア人道支援非営利団体)の活動、家族生活、今回の公演まで、凝縮した1時間の会見。
"Sylvie In Nashville" - 10/2013 release in France (left), 16/4/2014 in Japan (right)
Cheveux au vent/ I Like it, I Love it/ Etrangere/ Ciel/ Dans le bayou/ Le feu sous la glace/
Loin d'ici/ Sandy
En rouge et or/ Si les annees/ Mr John B./ Non merci/ Come a Little Closer
bonus for Japanese version: C'est bon de vous voir/ Nos retrouvailles/ Mr. John B. (with Laurent Voulzy)
photos below: leaflet/DM of Sylvie Vartan at Billboard Live Japan 2014 Sylvie Vartan 16th concert tour to Japan 2014 - Her 2nd Billboard Live Tokyo/Osaka
We were fortunate to have been able to see Sylvie Vartan again two years in a row. What's more, the Japanese version of her latest album "Sylvie In Nashville" released on the first day of her series of concerts. Each stage passed by like a flash; I know I'm not the only one who longs for the next proper show of Sylvie Vartan at the concert hall in Japan.
Overture of "La Maritza" with projection of video clip 2010 of Sylvie Vartan and her daughther Darina (12 years old at that time), it was a pleasant surprise. Followed by delightful, stirring opening song "Nos Retrouvailles" from "Sylvie In Nashville". Although I usually prefer new songs, assisting the last stage, only once this time for the first time, I was so profoundly touched by her singing "La plus belle pour aller danser." It seemed to be her most beautiful and fantastic performance of this song I had ever seen or listened to.
Speaking of Sylvie Vartan's condition, I felt sorry for her because she was often drinking some water saying that she had a sore throat because of air-conditioned environment day and night everywhere in Japan. She talked to some of us: What are you drinking ?, ah, coffee! Oh, if only she could have some good French red wine, instead of water, as she said...
She looked in good shape, I saw no problem in her singing voice, her incomparable husky voice is just so magical. Nos Retrouvailles, Etrangere, Let It Be Me, La Plus Belle, Irresistiblement, Sandy ... Sandy, it's fun, carefree and always good to hear Sylvie sing such a lighthearted song once in a while ; Sylvie like a filly, we love too.♥
Many say in Japan, too, that Sylvie Vartan is not just one singer, she is an extra-special entertainer. She also enjoys from the heart communicating with her audience wherever she gives a performance. Even with us, Japanese audience who is often reserved despite ourselves. Perhaps it's a little bit tougher for her to be with us, especially in the beginning, though she naturally triumphs by the end.
In fact, I always wanted and want to call out her name at least once : Sylvie ~~ !, just like her fans in France. That has not yet happened. Great artist Sylvie Vartan is really such a lovely person.
Thank you so much, Sylvie Vartan, for coming to see us. Looking forward to the next Japan tour.
GORGEOUS ROCK'N'ROLLER SYLVIE VARTAN - BILL BOARD LIVE TOKYO 2014
真新しい新譜のライヴ、特にそのオープニング曲「再会」を心待ちにしていた。シルヴィがライヴで演じている真っ只中にいる事が信じられない気がした。嬉し過ぎて、上の階だったので最後まで立ったまま思いのたけ拍手を送った。動の "Nos retrouvailles/ 再会"、気楽でお転婆な "Sandy" 、 静の "Let it be me" 、 "Etrangere/よそ者"など鮮やかに蘇る。
クロード・オンジェル / Claude Engel (Guitar)
ミッシェル・オハヨン / Michael Ohayon (Guitar)
マーク・ペリエ / Marc Perier (Bass)
タカシ / Takashi (Bass) (for Marc Perier/ Billboard Live Tokyo)
ローレント・フォシュー / Laurent Faucheux (Drums)
ジャン=フランソワ・ベルガー / Jean-Francois Berger (Piano)
ソフィー・ティアム / Sophie Thiam (Chorus)
イザベル・クラマロ / Isabel Cramaro (Chorus)
ウィリアム・デソット / William Desodt( Chorus)
Set list for concerts at Billboard Live Tokyo/Osaka 2014: シルヴィ・ヴァルタン、ビルボードライヴ大阪/東京公演セット・リスト(2014年4月16、18/19日):
Overture - La Maritza (開演・序曲 - 想い出のマリッヅア)
(2010年フランスTV特別番組用に初めて収録された一人娘ダリナ(当時12歳)とのデュオのテープが流れ、
そのヴィデオクリップがステージ上にスクリーン投影されました。)
Nos retrouvailles (再会) *
C'est bon de vous voir (Bad moon rising/めぐりあい) *
Cheveux au vent (Against the wind)*
Dans le bayou (ブルー・バイユー) *
Etrangere (よそ者) *
Let it be me (Je t'appartiens)
Renown wansakamusume (レナウン・ワンサカ娘/1965TVCM曲)
La plus belle pour aller danser (アイドルを探せ)
Irresistiblement (あなたのとりこ)
Toi le garcon (Delta dawn/愛しき若者)
Sandy (サンディ) *
I like it, I love it *
L'heure la plus douce de ma vie (Everynight when I cry myself to sleep>
La Maritza (想い出のマリッヅア)
Mr. John B. (Sloop John B.) *
Medley: Petit rainbow/ Bye bye Leroy Brown/ Qu'est-ce qui fait pleurer les blondes ?/ L'amour c'est comme une cigarette
(メドレー: 太陽の中の恋/ ルロイ・ブラウンは悪い奴/ そよかぜのブロンド/ 愛はジダンの香り)
( * from Sylvie Vartan's latest album "SYLVIE IN NASHVILLE" / 新譜 "シルヴィ・イン・ナッシュビル"収録曲)
flower from King Records at Billboard Live Tokyo 2014
"Sylvie In Nashville" - 5/2013 Nashville recording, 10/2013 release in France
Cheveux au vent/ I Like it, I Love it/ Etrangere/ Ciel/ Dans le bayou/ Le feu sous la glace/ Loin d'ici/ Sandy
En rouge et or/ Si les annees/ Mr John B./ Non merci/ Come a Little Closer
Sylvie Vartan's first show at Paris Folies Bergere in Feb 2014, in which she performed all the titres except one from her latest album SYLVIE IN NASHVILLE and her talent as a rock 'n' roller seems to have brought a special joy to her audience once again. Rock, ballade and very lighthearted song like "Sandy." She keeps her fans mentally fresh, as her concert is never safe or predictable. Her show seems so short that I always have an impression that we have not yet seen enough of her talent and charms and look forward to the next chance to see even nicer, more amazing things of this mervelous artist. Perhaps Sylvie Vartan does not know what her charms are. And that is one of reasons why we are always more attracted by her, I think.
Audio Live : SYLVIE VARTAN AT FOLIES BERGERE, PARIS 14 Feb 2014
"JE T'APPARTIENS" ("LET IT BE ME")
photo left (from Sylvissima.com): 14/02/2014 Paris, Sylvie Vartan at Folies Bergere
写真左: 2014年2月14日パリ、シルヴィ・ヴァルタン・フォリーベルジェール初公演初日
シルヴィ・ヴァルタンの2014年2月パリ・フォリー・ベルジェール初公演。歴史ある劇場の一つ。本番前の試演は別の劇場にて開催。ナッシュビル録音の最新アルバム"SYLVIE IN NASHVILLE " ほぼ全曲、14曲歌っている。シンプルな舞台演出の中、幕間なしで約25曲を演じた新しいスタイルのロックなショウ。無難でありきたりな曲目から程遠く、インスピレーションが湧くような魅力がある。
"See you tomorrow" - very freely written message of Sylvie Vartan to her fans on Sylvie Vartan official facebook 13/02/2014 the day before her Paris concerts. Unique smiley made me simply feel happy in a little bit tough time for me. I remember Mother Teresa's words "kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless."
"Sylvie Live" - 9/2009 Olympia Paris Live, 3/2010 release , "Soleil Bleu" - 10/2011 release in France
SYLVIE VARTAN 1ST BILLBOARD LIVE 2013 :
"Le temps du swing (House of swing)" was the most thrilling and impressive moment at Billboard Live Tokyo (in central of the city). Sylvie Vartan & her musiciens both obviously brilliantly taking so much pleasure in performing the title! Aspiring artists, bravo!
below : Billboard Live News - No. February 2013 featuring Sylvie Vartan.
Sylvie VARTAN
The miracle
of
being much-loved
over the years.
"長く愛される、その奇跡"
シルヴィ・ヴァルタン 2013年2月(第15回日本公演)、東京・大阪ビルボード・ライヴ初出演(4日間8公演)。公演時間約1時間。オリジナル曲にクラシック・シャンソンやアメリカ音楽のカバーから成る内容の濃いプログラム。
異色の "Le temps du swing (House of swing)" はシルヴィとミュージシャンの表情も演奏も共に一気に鮮やかに輝きを放った瞬間。音楽を愛する彼等アーティストの情熱や誇りや何かを目の当たりにしたナンバー。まさに彼等にとって音楽とは、シルヴィが言うように、 "passion"(情熱)。 羨ましい限り、憧れた。
パリ・ロングラン公演の全盛期(1970年代から1980年代前半)フランスはシルヴィ・ヴァルタンを " show woman americaine "と形容したが、その本領、エンターテナーを一寸垣間見た。
* 画像上 : ビルボード・ライヴ東京、2013年2月11日、最終回 - ET MAINTENANT(ジルベール・ベコー)を歌うシルヴィ。殊のほか熱の入った歌声が強烈な印象を残す。当初から割と男性歌手のカバーの方が多いシルヴィ。ライヴ・ハウス公演は瞬時の宴・夢だが、シルヴィはいつも通りユーモアのセンスがあり観客を尊重し、また交流を楽しむ。上階にいて遠くから眺めるのと前方の席では臨場感も満足度も雲泥の差があると気づく。
Set list for concerts at Billboard Live Tokyo/Osaka 2013 シルヴィ・ヴァルタン、ビルボードライヴ東京/大阪公演セット・リスト(2013年2月)
La vie d'artiste (アーティストの生涯)(クラシック・シャンソン)
Sur un fil (愛のきずな)
Et maintenant (そして今)(クラシック・シャンソン)
Ebony and Ivory (エボニーとイボリー)
Renown Wansakamusume (レナウン・ワンサカ娘 - 1965TVCM曲)
Irresistiblement (あなたのとりこ)
La Maritza (想い出のマリッヅア)
Mon enfance (私の幼い頃)(クラシック・シャンソン)
Sous ordonnance des etoiles (星の処方箋)(新譜 "SOLEIL BLEU" から)
La plus belle pour aller danser (アイドルを探せ)
Le temps du swing (House of swing)
L'amour c'est comme une cigarette (愛はジダンの香り)
Les chemins de ma vie (If you love me let me know)
Gone gone gone (ゴーン・ゴーン・ゴーン)
Quand on n'a que l'amour (愛しかない時)(クラシック・シャンソン)
Nicolas (初恋の二コラ)(アンコール - ビルボードライヴ大阪)
ANECDOTE: VARTAN & ALIEN BALTAN
WORLDWIDE STAR SYLVIE VARTAN MEETS ALIEN BALTAN, JAPAN'S POPULAR FIGURE (1967-).
- Something in common? Yes, VARTAN and BALTAN both so much loved ever since the 1960s in Japan, beyond time/generations.
photo above: Autographs of Sylvie Vartan and then Tony Scotti I got at Billboard Live Tokyo 11/02/2013. It's in the reissue live album "SYLVIE A TOKYO 1971." (release in Japan after France in 13/03/2013) ; Her second Japan Tour in May 1971 to follow 1970 L'Olympia Paris, most important milestone in Sylvie Vartan's career. Precious CD included in the box "The Ultimate Collection" (release in France 2012/2013).
photo: CD LIVE REEDITION 2012 "SYLVIE A TOKYO (1971)"
Sylvie Vartan in a famous red jumpsuit by Yves Saint-Laurent for Olympia 1970.
1971年5月日本公演ライヴアルバムの2012年レプリカ復刻CDフランス盤。日本では2013年3月発売。ジャケットはモノクロ風だが、衣装は1970年9月パリ・オランピア劇場公演のためイヴ・サン・ローランが作った赤いジャンプスーツ(写真左下)。 オープニング・ナンバー "BAD MOON RISING" を赤いギターを抱えて歌う堂々たる美しいシーンだ。 2004年10月から4ヶ月間パリ市モード博物館(ガリエラ美術館/PALAIS GALLIERA, MUSEE DE LA MODE DE PARIS)が開催した SYLVIE VARTAN, REVUE DE MODE (シルヴィ・ヴァルタンとモード展)で一般公開された。上を向いて歌う姿は今も同じでシルヴィ・ヴァルタン特有の魅力の一つ。
left : "Soleil Bleu" - release in 10/2010 in France.
right: "Toutes Peines Confondues" (Japanese version) - release in 1/2011.
Sylvie Vartan gave a special concert in ANA Intercontinental Hotel Tokyo for
「GALA 2010」 annual event of Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie Francaise du Japon in Nov. 2010, right after releasing in France a new Pop album 「Soleil Bleu」 with good advance reviews.
All of the three Japanese majour daily newspapers (Asahi, Mainichi, Yomiuri) interviewed Sylvie Vartan during her stay and published an article. Below is the article appeared in MAINICHI 02/02/2011, in line with the release of her new album "Toutes peines confondues" (previous french album of "Soleil Bleu") in Japan:
"Toutes peines confondues," Sylvie Vartan's new album with a focus on melancholy. Sylvie Vartan : "Passion can make it possible to stay at one's peak."
"TOUTES PEINES CONFONDUES" (9/2009) / 日本盤:"恋の手紙" (1/2011)
left below/French version released 09/2009(cover by:Pierre et Gilles, right/Japanese version released 12/01/2011.
・ 私はブルースを歌う/Je chante le blues ・ サガンのペンで/Signe Sagan ・ 時には愛で抱かれたい/L'amour avec des sentiments ・ 囚われなく生きよう/Ne s'attacher a rien ・ そんな気がする/Il me semble ・ 悲しみは全部まざって/Toutes peines confondues ・ 火はやがて灰に/A laisser ou a prendre ・ ひとりが出てゆく時/L'un part l'autre reste ・ 恋の手紙/Une lettre d'amour ・ これが私/Ce que je suis ・ メランコリー/Melancolie ・ 女歌手は20歳/La chanteuse a vingt ans
・ Bonus for Japanese version(new recording): 1) あなたのとりこ/Irresistiblement 2)アイドルを探せ/La plus belle pour aller danser
"Nouvelle Vague" - 7/2007 release in France, 2/2008 in Japan
1) Il est cinq heures, Paris s'eveille, 2) Nouvelle Vague, 3) Le Temps de L'amour, 4) Ruby Tuesday
5) Suzanne, 6) Attends ou va-t-en, 7) Dans le souffle du Vent, 8)Les yeux Ouverts, 9) Ya Ya Twist
10) J'attendrai, 11) Drive My Car, 12) Chante, 13) I'm a Believer, 1
4) Et Je m'en Vais
15) Souvenirs, souvenirs, 14) bonus (for Japanese version): Preghero (in Italian - Stand By Me)
photo below: Quality program of Sylvie Vartan Japan concert tour 2008 and ticket -
"Nouvelle Vague" Tour - published by TBS/infini.
Indeed, a fantastic substantive concert program edited with enthusiasm by Promoter (infini/Keiko Nakamura) the same as 2005. Never superficial. (If I'm allowed to wish so much, a latest best photo of Sylvie Vartan would have been preferable.)
"Nouvelle Vague Tour 2008," one of the most unforgettable shows of Sylvie Vartan for me in terms of her soulful and remarkably stretched (trained) singing voice and emotions that I felt throughout the show.
Donne-moi ton amour, what a thrilling dynamic opening number ! Marvelous Vartan spirited came forward and then gracefully slided throughout the stage with long long steps. Unforgettable!
In contrast, Mon pere was exceptionally poignant and instantly tears streamed down my face in spite of myself.
Dans le souffle du vent (cover of Bob Dylan's Browin' in the wind) so sublime in many shafts of blue light that her vocal and the moment are always vivid in my head; It has a cosmic feel to it.
Highlights include her two signature songs of the 1970s in Japan:
1/ Les Hommes qui n'ont plus rien a perdre
2/ Caro Mozart
Sylvie sang these successful numbers for us for the first time in about thirty (30) years. It was the first time I heard it in live. Dream came true!
I don't want the night to end (from her 1979 English album), an absolute fascination in a different way. Sylvie Vartan 2008 was filled with strikingly stirring moments.
ANECDOTE:
Sylvie was invited to a TV program and a well-known host gave her an unexpected present : Yellow basketball shoes! Sylvie smiled!
photo above: from the program of Sylvie Vartan 14th Japan concert tour 2008 (by TBS and infini, promoter), on which autographs of Sylvie Vartan and Tony Scotti that I got after the show at Bunkamura Orchard Hall, Shibuya TOKYO 30/03/2008.
It's my favorite photo of Sylvie Vartan, wearing beautiful white ruffled-collar blouse and Trinity of Cartier, brecelet that she has since her debut; the style VARTAN, "LE STYLE VARTAN" ! Pretty Sylvie (26 years old) and Carlos, her ex-secretary and one of her best friends, on arrival at Tokyo Haneda Airport in May 1971, her second visit in Japan for about one-month-nationwide concert tour. ("LE STYLE VARTAN":French photobook on Sylvie Vartan's mode published in Nov. 2015)
photo right: Bunkamura Orchard Hall, Shibuya, Tokyo, where Sylvie Vartan also performed in March 2005, her previous tour.
"Donne-moi ton amour"(Gimme some lovin') で登場。殊に躍動的なナンバーを更に輝かせたのは、ステージ狭しと通常の数倍の歩幅で、リズムに合わせて滑るように縦横に動くシルヴィ・ヴァルタンの際立つ格好良さ・センスの高さ。目を丸くした圧巻のオープニング。一ヶ月以上のパリ・ロングランや長期国内外巡演の黄金期を経て観客を魅了してきた鍛えた美しきダンサー、シルヴィ・ヴァルタンの底力を見た瞬間。まさに際限のない魅力の持ち主。
シルヴィの往年の付き人で親友だったカルロスは本公演の2ヶ月前2008年1月に亡くなった。シルヴィはステージでその事に触れ彼へのオマージュで 「 2分35秒のしあわせ 2 minutes 35 de bonheur」 (カルロスとのデュオ) を歌った。シルヴィは前年2007年の夏に何時も一緒だった最愛のお母さんを亡くしているが、その事には触れなかった一方で、オリジナルの名曲 "Mon Pere"(モン・ペール/私の父)のシンプルな歌い方の中に嘗てない寂寥感があった。私は(最前列なのに)最初から思わず涙が流れた。それは初めての経験。また、ボブ・ディランのカバー "Dans le souffle du vent" (風に吹かれて) のその魂のある一際伸び伸びした歌唱に、1992年来日公演以来、全身で感動。ブルー・ライトが天井から真っ直ぐに幾つも雨のように注ぐ静寂の中で見たシルヴィ・ヴァルタンの歌の大きさ豊かさ。何処か大陸の広大な平原で風に吹かれるような気がした、永遠の情景。
そして、第一部の最後を飾った アメリカン・ナイト の躍動感や楽しさ。原題は "I don't want the night to end"、シルヴィが全曲英語で制作した1979年アルバム I DON'T WANT THE NIGHT TO END 収録のアルバムと同名のオリジナル曲。ライヴで映える最高の楽曲で、改めて音楽の面白さを再発見。
パリ公演では観客のリクエストに応える "ミュージック・ボック”のシーンがあるが、日本公演では既に演奏リストに組まれていた70年代の代表作、 悲しみの兵士 (Les Hommes qui n'ont plus rien a perdre)、 哀しみのシンフォニー (Caro Mozart) を披露。約30年ぶりとのこと。感動で夢か現かわからないほど。
"LES HOMMES QUI N'ONT PLUS RIEN A PERDRE" - SYLVIE A TOKYO 2008 Impressive husky voice and her narration added value !
Sylvie Vartan's big splash of 1970, much of that year in Japan,
perhaps her second greatest success after "La plus belle pour aller danser."
シルヴィ・ヴァルタン "悲しみの兵士" 2008年3月東京渋谷文化村オーチャードホール
Sylvie Vartan in Japanese monthly magazines. left: HERS June 2008 (3 pages, interview during her stay in Japan) middle/right: CROISSANT PREMINUM April 2008 (6 pages, interview in Paris in Feb. 2008).
photo above: article published 14/03/2008 in the Japanese major daily newspaper ASAHI. Interview of Sylvie Vartan in Paris :
"Sylvie Vartan coming to Tokyo this month, to sing "60s" healing music on concert tour for the first time in three years after her mother's demise." Opening sentence of the article refers to Sylvie's touching words :
シルヴィ・ヴァルタンは困難な時期ほどクリエイティブな情熱に活路を見出す人だと見える。本作はシルヴィの十代を象徴する歌を中心とした欧米の歌手のカバー集で、公演同様にパワフルであると同時に心に触れる歌声が特徴的なアルバム。STAND BY ME (カバー曲/イタリア語)が日本盤限定で追加収録されているのも貴重。一見して意外なほど華やかな風なシルヴィのジャケット写真は当時の状況とは裏腹。
スピード感溢れる鮮やかな楽器演奏が魅力的な Il est cinq heures, Paris s'eveille (午前5時 パリは目覚める) は一気にパリを連想させる。シルヴィが8歳の時、家族でパリに移住した1950年代初頭のパリの街、「大人は判ってくれない」(Les Quatre Cents Coups/1959年フランス映画/フランソワ・トリュフォー監督) のモノクロ映画で見るブルーグレーのパリの街が目の前に広がる。シルヴィの歌声が一際豊かな反面、その語尾に今は亡き愛する人への思い、哀惜の念を感じることの多い録音。シルヴィは、インタヴューで "ノスタルジー" について聞かれると、いつもこう話している:
「私が深い郷愁を覚えるのは、それは子供時代だけ」
アルバム・タイトルでもある Nouvelle Vague は収録曲で管楽器の音が耳に残るナンバー。シルヴィがリセ時代に流行した歌だと言う。東京公演2日目だったのか、シルヴィの一寸のダンスが素敵で素敵で飛び上がるほど感嘆した。 シルヴィ・ヴァルタンは秘めた魅力や豊かな才能を沢山、そして何時も見せるとは限らないのも興味深い。
photo (capture Japanese TV/March 2005): Sylvie Vartan attracts Japanese audiences saying hello in Japanese: Bojour, Nihon no minasan, konnichiwa , Sylvie Vartan desu.
"SYLVIE" - 2004 release in France, 23/3/2005 in Japan, my favorite !
1) La Neige en Ete, 2) Ce n'est pas Rien, 3) Les Tangos Argentins, 4) On s'est Tant Aime
5) Give Me a Reason, 6) Ouvre moi Le Ciel, 7) Plus rien n'est Comme Avant
8) Je ne Plaisante Pas, 9) Au Rythme du Coeur, 10) Tout feu Tout flamme, 11) Tu Sei Dentro Di Me
12) Les Yeux d'Emma, 13) Rupture
photos above - left(two articls): a fashion magazine and Figaro Japon, middle/right: DVD Sylvie Vartan Palais Des Congres 2004.
photos : 27/03/2005 Orchard Hall, Shibuya, Tokyo (after the show) (photo copies of the photos taken with my poor mobile phone). Actual black-and-white big posters of Sylvie Vartan (in 1967) looked so very beautiful on the walls, though red color leaflets of the same photo had perplexed me at first glance. Her latest photo would have been preferable, or the best.
SYLVIE VARTAN IN TOKYO 2005 - 1983年以来のシルヴィ・ヴァルタン・パレ・デ・コングレ公演は本来のスペクタクル。バイタルな新譜 「SYLVIE」 を発表して開催したその大規模な2004年パリ公演 (Sylvie Vartan Palais des Congres 2004) (写真上: DVD日本盤 "シルヴィ・バルタン・コンサート・イン・パリ")を持って総勢17名を伴っての13年ぶり (1992年日本全国公演ツアー以来)のホール公演。 衣裳はシャネル(カール・ラガーフェルド)。ショウの序奏と鐘の音は一生忘れられないだろう。一気に別世界への扉が開くようなその瞬間だ。今回はDVDでさえ、臨場感がある。
2004年から2005年は、本パリ公演と同時期にスタートした4ヶ月に亘るパリ市モード博物館(ガリエラ美術館)での衣装展 "Sylvie Vartan, revue de Mode"(シルヴィ・ヴァルタンとモード展)や自叙伝刊行などイベントが集中した、シルヴィ・ヴァルタン活躍の年。
待望の東京公演は、突然、劇的なメロディーにのせて高らかな鐘の音が会場に鳴り響き壮大なスペクタクルの始まりを告げる。そのショッキングな鐘の音と序曲 "Toute Ma Vie" はあまりに鮮烈で感動的だったので今も鮮明に脳裏に蘇える。天井からステージ中央に下りてくる巨大な円形スクリーンに投影されたシルヴィの約40年の軌跡と象徴的な歌 "Mes belles annees" (「It was a very good year」Frank Sinatraのフランス語ヴァージョン)も同様。シルヴィの歌声は上質なシルクのような優しさや幸福感や品位に溢れている。
オーディションで選抜された7名の若手ダンサー達と躍動感溢れる生彩なダンスシーンに圧倒された公演。初日か、最前列では立ち上って踊っている人達がいた。新譜「SYLVIE」で異彩を放つ70年代風の "Give me a reason" (理由を教えて) の時。 道理で、ダンスと音楽とエネルギーとユーモアや何かが詰まったスピード感ある本作は、「公演の核となる作品」 だとシルヴィはどこかで言っていた。
above three photos (by Y.Nagamine) : Sylvie Vartan Live in Tokyo at Orchard Hall 2005
photo right (from SV Official Site/Maurice Herff) : Sylvie Vartan 2004 Palais des Congres de Paris.
costume of Sylvie Vartan by CHANEL/Karl Lagerfeld
photo: 27/03/2005, Sylvie Vartan & Tony Scotti. Outside Bunkamura Orchard Hall, Shibuya TOKYO after the last show of Sylvie Vartan 13th concert tour to Japan 2005.
Here's Sylvie Vartan's autograph in the concert program 2005.
photo above: Quality program of Sylvie Vartan Japan concert tour 2005, published by TBS/infini.
写真上: シルヴィ・ヴァルタン2005年東京公演プログラム(発行: TBS/アンフィ二)
photos: three-page interview article published in Japanese magazine Croissant in 2005:
「Sylvie Vartan (60), her favorite Japanese word is "iki iki" 」
("iki iki" means fresh, energetic, vivid, lively, spontaneous someting like that in English)
Good interview of Sylvie Vartan
in Tokyo, March 2005 at the time of her concert by one of most enduring and popular magazines. They let her speak mainly about the secret of her all that vitality, background and the bestseller autobiography published in France in 2004 "Entre l'ombre et la lumiere" (XO editions).
Singing is fundamental to maintaining good health and it is the whole act of living for Sylvie Vartan. Referring to a Japanese word "iki iki " that Sylvie says she remembers it, she opens about herself telling that singing gives her good spirits and that she has never lost her passion for singing. New songs inspire her to sing again.
About the autobiography, after writing it, she feels far more calm and feels like she could succeed to leave her mark on the world for the first time. She would like to make her children inherit the wonderful experience that her parents gave her.
Japanese major daily newspapers' photo articles from top:
1) 19 FEB 2005 Mainichi: "That's true idol" Sylvie Vartan (これぞ新のアイドル)
2) 8 OCT 2004 Asahi: World actuality - "Dynamic Sylvie Vartan Paris Live" (世界の鼓動 - "還暦なんの迫力の舞台")
3) 3 FEB 2005 Asahi: "Vartan comes back with "Irresistiblement" and fantastic triumph of her show in Paris last autumn" ("懐かしバルタンCMで復活" 「あなたのとりこ」が人気 - 昨秋のパリ公演、4万人魅了)
4) 24 MAR 2005 Asahi : Interview in Tokyo - "I'm a show-woman" (13年ぶりホールでの公演 シルビー・バルタン - 私はショー・ウーマン)
(These photo articles mainly from ASAHI since I was a subscriber, but Sylvie is usually also in the other two major daily newspapers.)
photo: from the booklet of Sylvie Vartan 2004 album "SYLVIE."
photos: Sylvie Vartan - Palais des Congres de Paris 28/09-10/10/2004
Concert program of Sylvie Vartan au Casino de Paris 1995.
Sylvie Vartan's first concert at Casino de Paris and first acoustic concert, with the 1994 album "Sessions Acoustiques" as theme. Memorable live of Sylvie Vartan that I saw in Paris for the 1st time (3 nights: 31 Jan, 5 Feb, one more). The atmosphere in the hall was really intense. Its every corner was packed with audiences besides the reserved seats and filled with so much excitement and enthusiasm in a kind of smoky, chaotic ambiance.
Sylvie Vartan was a superb live performer. Who can forget her singing voice and the scene of La chanson des vieux amants (Jacques Brel). Believe it or not, an indescribable perfect beauty, an impeccable silhouette in costumes such as black tuxedo (jumpsuit inside), plush white mini dress, black velvet long dress. (costume: DIOR, Gianfranco Ferre)
French audience utterly enjoys the moment. Ils aiment Sylvie Vartan vraiment. Some fans shout: Sylvie, on t'aime!
(photos below taken by my friend P-Olivier Onno)
Sylvie Vartan singing, as sitting on the edge of the stage.
Large concert posters were on the front facade of Casino de Paris, 1995.
image above : "Confidanses" (邦題:「バルタン気質」- 12/1990)/ Calling card made by Sylvie Vartan fan club Japan in 1992 / concert ticket
IRRESISTIBLEMENT - OPENING NUMBER
Unforgettable concert experience, with contrasting several highlights. Sylvie Vartan Two-Week Japan Tour 1992, at the same time refreshing vital Pop Rock concert and soul-stirring event for me. It's ever vivid in my memory, as the best Sylvie Vartan Live in Japan. It was not only an inspiring live but also something exceptionally profound and admirable, we happened to see both what she is and who she is. A sensational concert together with the first Sofia Live (1990) in her shining career.
Otherworldly, indescribable beauty of Sylvie Vartan. Oh, was it amazing... Looking at dazzling Sylvie dancing with humor Comme un Garcon, a friend of mine, who saw Sylvie for the first time - blown away by how she's beautiful and dances and moves with grace - lost in admiration just said "Ho !"
I was lucky enough to see it three times in Tokyo and Osaka - first with my sisters, who are also fan of Sylvie, second with a friend, then with my mother in Osaka, where we made a trip for the last of her Japan Tour 1992! (Later, my dearest mom - the most important person to me - also hoped to see with me Sylvie Vartan Tokyo 2005 but was hospitalized exactly the same moment and passed away before long...)
I watched every moment of the show with fascination :
MR. JOHN B. (beautiful rhythm with minimum motion, still extremely sharp and cool !!)
Dancing in the Streets
Donne-moi ton amour (Gimme some lovin')
Comme un garcon
IL PLEUT SUR LONDON (beautiful singing! - from her latest album)
MOYA GORO (Blugarian traditional song, we never foget her singing).
Mon pere
among others.
On the 1st day of the tour (Tokyo), there was this moment of feeling sense of awe when Sylvie Vartan had a long talk on her homeland Bulgaria with all her love for and respect towards the people of Bulgaria in such an excellent Japanese before a Bulgarian folklore called "MOYA GORO." Absolutely, She must have learned the language in earnest.
In fact, immediately after her messages in Japanese, one of the audiences (a man) sitting around the middle shouted to Sylvie (in japanese) :
BRAVO, VARTAN!!
He showed his (and our) respect and admiration for Sylvie Vartan. Then, she sang the folklore to accordion nearly a cappella. Her singing voice was strikingly expanded. What a performance it was! This Sylvie Vartan was unprecedented veritable geatest shock for me and something outside my experience in her Japan concerts. A shiver instantly went up my spine. I felt that it was the same for everyone of the audience.
She also struck our hearts with her most soulful vocal ever of L'hymne a L'amour (closing song of the show / a classic of French singer Edith Piaf) especially in Osaka, at Osaka Festival Hall on 2 July, last day of the Tour 1992. Sylvie Vartan was someting ... Awesome. In fact, I remember seeing a flash of feeling of surprise or awe on her two chorus ladies' faces as soon as Sylvie started singing it.
Dazzling beautiful and vibrant Sylvie Vartan Japan Tour 1992, following Sofia 1990 and Paris 1991. Every single moment of the spectacle was a profound experience. It's embedded in my memory, the noble Sylvie Vartan the whole time, which I will forever remember.
"SYLVIE AU JAPON 1992"
photos below right by P-O Onno: SYLVIE VARTAN AU DOME DE PARIS - PALAIS DES SPORTS 1991 - JE VOUS SALUE PARIS
(22/1-10/2/1991 - Sylvie in Paco Rabanne)
視覚的にも優れるシルヴィはバレリーナのごとく身軽に動く。特に、ユーモア一杯の振り付けで踊りながら歌うロック COMME UN GARCON(男の子のように)では、まるで子鹿の動きを彷彿させる華憐さと一際艶やかに輝くブロンドのシルヴィの眩さに息が止まるほど。 不可思議だが、確かに私の目の前にキラキラと星が舞った。シルヴィのショウを初めて見る私の友人も、美とエレガンスと可愛さを兼ね備えたシルヴィに感嘆して溜息を吐くばかり。 一方、抑えた精彩な動きとリズムの取り方と曲のアレンジの格好良さに魅了された MR. JOHN B. (SLOOP JOHN B. のカバー曲) 、そして "バルタン気質" 収録の ロンドンに雨が降る (IL PLEUT SUR LONDON) や セ・ファタル (C'EST FATAL) も其々に美しくて美しくて、まるで映画のシーンのように脳裏に焼き付いている。
"L'HYMNE A L'AMOUR" (original : E. Piaf) - Encore of this Japan Tour / "C'EST FATAL"
(At which concert hall was Sylvie filmed ?)
SYLVIE VARTAN in a fabulous dress by DIOR (GIANFRANCO FERRE/1944-2007)
"anata-tachi wa subarashii desu !"
(You are wonderful !), says Sylvie.
"su ba ra shi i ," c'etait vous, Sylvie.
Bravo a Forever Sylvie Vartan au Japon 1992 !
"JE VOUS SALUE PARIS," in symbolic concert poster of Sylvie Vartan - a dynamic bouncy silky blonde on stage, follwing 1st visit in Sofia (her motherland Bulgaria) after an interval of 38 years. The year 1990, one of her turning points.
This event (22 January to 10 February 1991) was pressed ahead with Gulf War (17 January 28 to February 1991). It's said that many people in Paris went straight home during the war under the circumstances (the streets were deserted said a store manager to me in 1992), while it was absolutely as fresh as new pop rock concert and one of best performances of Sylvie Vartan.
Luckily, her 2-week Japan Tour (19 June to 2 July 1992) was held. I was one of those who witnessed sublime Sylvie Vartan firsthand.
Sylvie starts performing TE VOICI ! - Sylvie moves elegant, nice and big !
Sylvie in a cool boxy off-white suit (Dior) at Dome de Paris - Palais des Sports (22/1-10/2/1991) (photo taken by my friend P-Oliver Onno)
"Confidanses" - 10/1989 release in France, 1990 in Japan (邦題:「バルタン気質」)
C'est Fatal(セ・ファタル)/ Ca va de Soi(それは当然)/ Il Pleut sur London(ロンドンに雨が降る)
Beau Photographe(美男のカメラマン)/ Viva
Bordeaux - San Francisco/ Comme un Homme (待っていた人)/Bleu Pacific(穏やかなブルー)
Tu cours apres Le Temps(時を追いかけて)/C'est Fatal (version Max)
・ "Sylvie Vartan, Enregistrement Public a Sofia, Le 6 Octobre 1990"
Simple yet sensational and noble live without a trace of showiness, like a documentary of Sylvie Vartan.
ソフィア初公演ライヴCD(1990年10月6日公演/1990年12月フランス発売)
・ "La Storia" (1989-1993 compilation)
1993年発売コンピレーションCD(1989-1993年ヒット・アルバム編集/フランス発売)
ソフィア・ライヴ 、 ENREGISTREMENT PUBLIC A SOFIA, LE 6 OCTOBRE 1990 (写真上) 、それはシルヴィ・ヴァルタン公演というより、彼女のキャリア半ばの異例の一大事を収録したドキュメンタリーと言える。虚飾や誇張のかけらもない真実の記録。張り詰めた厳かな様子と響きの幕開け、感情を抑えた品格あるシルヴィの人間性、そして初めての観客との一体感がそれを語る。
本公演のため制作されたオープニング・ナンバー "LIBERTES": を歌い終えるとシルヴィは挨拶をするが、動揺を抑えるのに必死。それを目の当たりにする4000人の観客も同様で、そこには人間愛や敬意や尊敬の念などが凝縮されている。2時間を超えたというソフィア公演のライヴ盤は11曲のみ収録。そのエッセンスだけを封じ込めたと思われる。
本作は、1991年1月11日、テレビ東京が 「MUSIC MY LOVE - 音楽マイ・ラブ - 世界のトーク&ミュージッック」 という番組で、シルヴィ・ヴァルタンのパリの邸宅でのインタヴューと共に放送(「ロンドンに雨が降る」(*)のビデオ・クリップ)。奇しくも、インタヴューは東欧革命の翌年、1990年9月に行われていて、それはシルヴィが38年ぶりに初めてソフィアへ帰郷する2週間ほど前だったため、シルヴィはその感動を一瞬ですが語っている。ところが日本側の反応を見ると、ソフィア初公演というイベントを把握していたのか疑問に思う。時宜を得たテレビ東京の企画だが。
* 収録曲、「ロンドンに雨が降る」 (IL PLEUT SUR LONDON)は、 1992年6月シルヴィ・ヴァルタン日本公演(2週間)の忘れがたいシーン。シルヴィ・ヴァルタンはメランコリーのあるスローな曲を歌う時、限りなく余韻がある。短編映画(大スクリーン)を観ているような感覚があり、別世界・幻想的な空間へ誘引される。その姿の美しさや独特のハスキーヴォイスや歌にロマンを感じさせる何か特別なものがある。自由奔放さ、優美さ、優しさにどこかしら一抹の悲しみが漂うような。個人の資質の効果なのだと思う。