CLAUDIA HOMMEL-JOHNNY FRIGO: Romance Language: French songs for lovers

Claudia Hommel-Johnny Frigo

Romance Language: French songs for lovers

© 2002 Claudia Hommel

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An exquisite ensemble of Chicago's best (on accordion,violin, guitar, piano, drums and bass) celebrate love in Claudia's jazzy Parisian cabaret.

notes

The 24-page liner notes contain all the lyrics, translations and commentary.

A favorite of the Club at Chicago Symphony Center, Paris-born actor/singer Claudia Hommel is joined here by the legendary violinist Johnny Frigo.

Together and separately they tour the country (and abroad). Johnny with the Hot Club of 52nd Street or on the jazz festival circuit with pianist Joe Vito. Claudia tours most often with pianist Bob Moreen, and is joined by acccordionist, and jazz ensembles. Her current programs include Souvenirs of Paris, 1950; Romance Language; French Impressions (including Fauré, Chabrier, Ravel), and Paris in the Jazz Age (1900-1940).

Described as a "bit of Audrey Hepburn, with something of Ginger Rogers, Leslie Caron, Maurice Chevalier and ...Air Jordan," Claudia "will make you want to dance along the Seine." A long time member of Actors Equity, SAG and AFTRA, she is a founding member of Chicago Cabaret Professionals.

Is there an audience for the old French songs? Claudia responds: "When I sing 'Mon amant de Saint Jean' I ask the women in the audience if they remember the fateful moment when we stupidly lost our heart to that gorgeous liar, and all the women nod in recognition. The emotions and scenarios are universal." She chuckles, "But somehow it just seems easier to sing about it in French."

Making language sing attracts other poets to Claudia's work. Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Yusef Komunyakaa, produced a poem for the new album. Published in the thick little booklet accompanying the CD, he writes,
"A voice. Not only a piano calling to a woman, but a woman speaking a language of tenable blue that salves each bruise...

...turning inside the nervous system of a dream coming true, worlds held whole by a seam of lyrical blood."

www.cabaret-paree.com

reviews

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  • Short of being in a Wintergarden - felt the music coming to me personally!
    author: Carol Baker

    Love carbaret music and Claudia certainly knows how to present herself. I felt like I was in Paris enjoying a ring side table. She sings very sweetly and over the top.

  • You "will be rewarded by this recital…from the serious to the jazzy."
    author: Art Hilgart for "Broadway Revisited" (on national public radio)

    "Those who remember Germaine Montero and Juliette Greco will be rewarded by this recital, as will those who have no memories of those mid-century chanteuses. Paris born Claudia was raised in America and is now a Chicagoan, fortunate because these performances also feature violin virtuoso John Frigo. Along with accordion and rhythm section they perform a bilingual bi-national program ranging from the serious to the jazzy, with Parisian touches. The lighter numbers are especially felicitous. The liner notes provide full translations. All in all, a very pleasant hour."

  • great performances, classy production (loved the booklet with lyrics, too)
    author: John Blegen

    I was delighted to see the brief item on Claudia Hommel in the June 2002 American Libraries. Claudia performs at libraries! In fact, that's where I first saw her perform in a tremendous program with the wonderful jazz violinist, Johnny Frigo. I bought Claudia's most recent album "Romance Language" and have thoroughly enjoyed it -- great performances and a classy production (loved the booklet with the lyrics, too). JOHN BLEGEN Former Director (retired), Glenview (IL) Public Library

  • To slip a glass of wine
    author: Anne Votava

    [A fan’s mother in her 80s, listening to the CD] “I knew many of the tunes and it put me in a real good mood. It made me decide to slip a glass of wine.” -Anne Votava

  • The sweet voice of Claudia Hommel will make you want to buy chocolates
    author: Ed Vincent

    "The sweet voice of Claudia Hommel will make you want to buy chocolates and dance along the Seine, to travel to Paris sooner than you had planned, or to relax in comfort and feel as though you have just returned from France." -Ed Vincent, The Oak Park Journal

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