MICHEL LEGRAND — I Love Paris (1954-1994) RM | Serie MasterSound | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Michel Legrand was only 22 when he created this best-selling theme album, a selection of Paris-centered standards from both sides of the Atlantic, scored for his own slightly jazzy orchestral ensemble. It's probably one of the few easy listening records (or any album until much later) where the work was meant to be listened to as a whole: Legrand blends 16 songs together into a sort of suite, beginning with church bells chiming in the square, then taking off on a musical journey around the city. The arrangements are heavy on the strings and accordion and not, as the label now touts, Miles Davis, who is not very discernible -- if there at all. (Davis certainly took part later in "Legrand Jazz"). Considering that the young Legrand cut this album as a quick way to make money, the resulting success (and the doors that it opened for him) are remarkable. Ted Mills

Tracklist  
1. I Love Paris (2:37)
2. Mademoiselle De Paris (2:29)
3. Paris (1:48)
4. Autumn Leaves (Les Feuilles Mortes) (3:31)
5. Under The Bridges Of Paris (Sous Les Ponts De Paris) (1:09)
6. Le Seine (4:30)
7. Paris In The Spring (1:57)
8. Paris Canaille (2:11)
9. April In Paris (3:38)
10. A Paris (2:08)
11. La Vie En Rose (2:19)
12. Under Paris Skies (Sous Le Ciel De Paris) (2:26)
13. Paris, Je T'Aime (Paris, Stay The Same) (1:34)
14. The Song From 'Moulin Rouge' (3:40)
15. The Last Time I Saw Paris (2:47)
Credits
Arranged By, Conductor – Michel Legrand
Orchestra – Michel Legrand Et Sa Grande Formation