Patrick Bruel

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• Patrick Bruel

  This Frenchman has had a pretty wild career, trying his hand at everything from acting, music and even poker. Having appeared in several films in the eighties, Patrick Bruel went on to become a teen idol of sorts to the french public, with his musical career lasting to this day, with several performances schooled this year. His musical style has been as varied as his career pursuits, moving from pop-balladeery to a more rock, guitar driven sound as well as experimenting with world influences from North Africa and South America. He has achieved chart success right into his later years with his past two albums reaching number one in both the French and Belgium charts.

  His latest album, 2012's 'Lequel De Nous' is a delightful album with a more traditional sound, reflecting France's cabaret tradition. The title track has a gypsy-jazz, polka feel with rapid guitar licks that run across nylon strings. Despite harking back to folk roots, Patrick Bruel's new music still sounds relatively fresh, particularly helped by the growing popularity of electro swing in the music world today. His song, 'Maux D'enfants' in fact incorporates an electro-fuzz sound under a minimal piano melody that perhaps sounds odd for a man of his style to incorporate. There is even a rap break which adds to the confusion. But in France and Belgium, Bruel is a legend and can likely get away with anything he so wishes. Although for the sake of maintaining his credibility, he should perhaps avoid such collaborations and stick with his contemporary french-cabaret style which much more suits his voice. Nonetheless, his music is still worth checking out.

  Live, his broad and wide-ranging output is on full display, charting the many territories he has tread over the years to a rapturous response from the audience. His performance in March this year at the Zenith De Paris was certainly an enjoyable performance and a great showcase for Patrick Bruel's many talents. In France and Belgium, he is a national institution and he receives a response worthy of this whenever he takes to the stage.

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  by osenn22