SACHA BOUTROS

THE LOVE TRILOGY

Hear Me Roar Records

Sacha Boutros, vocals; Giovanni Mirabassi & Patrick Hogan, piano; Hugo Lippi, guitar.

The sweetest, most emotional voice enters my listening room, filling the space like a pleasant, musical whisper.  “J’attendrai” is a popular French song first recorded by Rina Ketty in 1938.  Sacha Boutros opens her trilogy release with this lovely song.  It became a huge French hit during World War II. “J’attendrai” is a French version of the Italian song “Tornerai” that was composed by Dino Olivieri and Nino Rastelli in 1936, said to be inspired from the Humming Chorus of Puccini’s opera, Madame Butterfly.  The pianist, Giovanni Mirabassi is spectacular, ending with a dramatic arpeggio and accompanying chanteuse Boutros tenderly and with much attention. Boutros sings in French, which makes her presentation even more romantic.

The second song of the trilogy is from the Great American Songbook called, “What’ll I Do?”  This time, Patrick Hogan plays the piano, bringing his own style and tenderness during his accompaniment. To my delight, Boutros adds the verse to her presentation.  On this arrangement, the vocalist shows more of the range in her voice.  The whispery, romantic tone is there at the beginning but soon explodes with power and excitement as the song builds.

Sacha Boutros is a Franco-American artist who grew up with Paris in her heart, influenced greatly by her Parisian grandmother and the old records she would bring back from France during each of her visits there.  As a fluid linguist, Ms. Boutros is celebrated for singing jazz in fourteen languages. That’s impressive! Over time, she has become a global peace ambassador, using her music to bind people together and build bridges between nations.  Boutros is a Grammy nominated artist and someone who has won several awards. Praised globally, she volunteers at the American Cathedral in Paris and mentors young jazz artists both in California and abroad. Boutros can ‘swing’ too!  I found this video of her performing live with Willie Jones III on drums, Peter Washington on bass and John di Martino on piano.

The third song of this trilogy is the world-renowned French composition, “La Vie En Rose.”  This time, Sacha Boutros is accompanied by master guitarist, Hugo Lippi. Her presentation is dramatic and sincere.  Lippi’s stunning guitar work is the perfect accompaniement for this duet. He is one of the most sought-after European jazz guitarists and is currently based in Paris.

This trilogy release will become available on April 30^th, International Jazz Day.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil