<Tried to send this yesterday in reply to the 'American Music' thread, but it bounced. New try.>
Over here in Holland we are literally enclosed by different languages and different musical cultures. Although US and UK productions constitute the majority of what we hear everyday, some none-US and none-UK music has left deep impressions on me over the years. Off-list I have shared some with other listers, but I would love to share some here in the general forum, too - hoping that others are willing to do so as well. First and foremost: Jacques Brel and Barbara (no last name). Barbara is to me in French/France (or rather, was, she died a few years ago) what Joni is in English. Way up and above 'the rest'. Especially her albums from the 1963 -1968 period are pearls. Beautiful lyrics, fantastic clean musicianship and great emotional honesty and depth. I would have a hard time if people would ask me to choose between Joni and Barbara. Just listen to 'Pierre' for a love song. I've been listening to her for over 20 years now and her music has not lost anything of its spellbinding qualities. Jacques Brel has written some of the most gripping songs ever (Ne Me Quitte Pas is almost impossible to ruin by whatever cover version). His lyrical brilliance is unsurpassed to me. and to mention just two others ... Boubacar Traori A griotte singer from Mali. Just guitar and voice, sometimes a little bit of percussion. I have no idea what he is singing when he is singing in Malinese, but I keep playing his 'Kar Kar' and 'Mariana' albums for the sheer beauty of his voice and guitar playing. Herman van Veen A Dutch lyrical singer, violinist and comedian (appreciated in Germany, too) with a voice and lyrics that can go straight to the heart - with me at least but I'm a big sentimental sob at times). I'd be really interested in other off-the-beaten-track preferences on the list. John NP: Barbara - Nantes
