EDGE on the Net

Many singers have sung the songs of Edith Piaf, the legendary French songstress with the famously warbly voice and tiny stature. The world has seen myriad albums based on her music- and some of them are actually good. All too often, however, singers get caught up either trying to replicate Piaf’s famous sound (often failing miserably) and simply sound strained and contrived, or they make such a concerted effort to turn songs so closely associated with "the little sparrow" into their own works, that although they may share words, they no longer have anything to do with her. Whenever a new "Piaf" album is announced - especially one from an American singer - a large number of fans (of Piaf, French lounge, and audiophiles in general) experience a collective level of anxiety and tension, often only relieved because it turns to disappointment.

Then there’s Gay Marshall.

Her new CD, Gay Marshall Sings Piaf: la Vie l’Amour is an incredible treat, and one that’s sure to delight, satisfy and excite fans of Piaf for years to come. Marshall’s voice has the depth and richness that defined Piaf’s songs and style, as well as that trademark raw edge that crept towards an angry shriek but never quite arrived. With practice, Marshall could surely replicate Piaf’s tonality and rhythm exactly - even her style of breathing - but she doesn’t need to; in fact, it would be terrible if she did.

Instead, Marshall has taken raw material from Piaf and molded it - sometimes just a bit, sometimes much more - and created an album that’s not simply a tribute to Piaf, but a glorious reworking of Piaf’s material and styling, as interpreted by Marshall. Some songs sound quite similar, others seem almost entirely new- and yet never come across as bastardized versions of the originals. It’s obvious Marshall has a love for Piaf, and even more clear that she’s done her research.

Gay Marshall sounds incredibly similar to Edith Piaf without sounding a bit like she’s trying to mimic her- almost like she’s channeling the little sparrow without losing herself in the process. It’s likely that Marshall’s relaxed demeanor allows the powerful emotions and feeling behind the words to come through when she sings, much like one would imagine was the case with the original.

The result is an album full of some of the most beautiful and natural sounding "Piaf" ever recorded. A feat for anyone, but for an American, it’s incroyable. Granted Marshall has lived, worked, acted and sung in France, but so have many others- who often come up short when it comes to "passing." The subtle intonations, perfect pronunciation, and distinct "Frenchness" of Marshall’s voice are fantastic.

Gay Marshall Sings Piaf: la Vie l’Amour is sure to be the favorite among Piaf fans, and deserves a prime spot in any music lover’s library.

About $25 at Amazon.com