New Album of the Week – Henri Salvador est un Voyou by Voyou
I’ll be honest, I’m not overly familiar with Voyou. This album just popped up today from followed artists under my new releases, and I reckon I must have stumbled across him during my bossa nova obsession back in 2019, when Getz/Gilberto was on repeat. A happy accident, really.
Voyou’s latest offering, Henri Salvador est un Voyou (which roughly translates to Henri Salvador is a Thug—though I suspect in a cheeky, not-at-all-menacing way), is a tribute to the legendary French-Caribbean singer, comedian, and all-around showman Henri Salvador. If you’ve never heard of Salvador, he was a musical chameleon, blending jazz, bossa nova, chanson, and rock & roll with effortless charm. He was also a fixture on French television, singing and dancing. He also featured in films like Nous irons à Paris (Jean Boyer, 1949). Oh, and fun fact—at the sprightly age of 70, he voiced Sebastian the crab in the French dub of The Little Mermaid. Imagine a chanson-singing crustacean. Delightful.
Voyou’s take on Salvador’s catalogue is a fresh, modern reimagining—less smoky cabaret, more sun-drenched Riviera road trip. It’s got that signature blend of breezy brass, playful rhythms, and just enough nostalgia to conjure up an afternoon on a Parisian terrace. The album was performed live last weekend at this year’s Hyper Weekend Festival in Paris, a musical love letter to one of France’s most charismatic entertainers. It also highlights some of the best passages of Salvador's writing.
If you’re in the mood for something light, jazzy, and joyfully French, give this a spin. Even if you don’t speak a word of French, I guarantee it’ll make you feel 30% more sophisticated.
Favourite tracks:
- Syracuse
En écoutant chanter le vent Avant que ma jeunesse s'use Et que mes printemps soient partis J'aimerais tant voir Syracuse
Before my youth wears out And my springs are gone I would love to see Syracuse. To remember it in Paris Pour m'en souvenir à Paris
- Pauvre Jésus Christ
Mon pauvre Jésus Christ, ne reviens jamais sur Terre Car la bombe atomique, ça ne te plairait guère Les fanatiques de gauche, les fanatiques de droite Se disputeraient ton nom afin de mieux se battre
My poor Jesus Christ, never come back to Earth. Because you wouldn't like the atomic bomb very much. The fanatics on the left, the fanatics on the right Would fight over your name just to get better at fighting.