Listening To............Madeleine Peyroux

Lately, I’ve been making an effort to branch out musically. When an artist has recorded tunes made famous by both Patsy Cline and Hank Williams, Sr., one might question how exactly that is expanding my already Americana/country/roots music saturated horizon. But take a listen to Madeleine Peyroux’s smoky, jazz infused versions of “Walkin’ After Midnight” and “Weary Blues” and you’ll get it. Wow! You know, my idol, Emmylou Harris, is often referred to as a “collector of songs” and I think the same could be said of Madeleine Peyroux. Although her latest album, Bare Bones, is comprised of all original songs, much of her earlier work showcased carefully chosen existing songs (to call them covers just seems unfair, because the treatment is so original!) Her taste is impeccable, with each album showcasing an eclectic collection ranging from Elliot Smith’s “Behind the Bars” to Leonard Cohen’s “Dance Me to the End of Love.”

Born in Athens, Georgia, but spending much of her life in Paris, Madeleine Peyroux has a wide array of diverse musical influences converging in her style. Although one might think an album featuring songs by both Hank Williams and Edith Piaf might seem crazy, she makes it work. Beautifully. Peyroux perfectly pairs elegant European sophistication with a down home southern charm. Listening to her music makes me want to drink Champagne and eat banana pudding. And I think I just might.

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