Romanticising the great French chanson tradition of the 1950s and 60s
Presented by: Adelaide Festival Centre
Reviewed: 7 June 2026
The great French chanson tradition of the 1950s and 60s is a genre of music that has long been romanticised. Smoky bars, sultry lyrics and dramatic love affairs all evoke this particular world of days gone by. A French Romance is a meandering journey through the songs written or sung by artists such as Edith Piaf, Georges Brassens, Léo Ferré, Jacques Brel, Barbara, Serge Gainsbourg, Yves Montand and more.
Chanteuse, Lou Blackwell is originally from Adelaide, having journeyed to Paris to study film and music for nearly a decade where she fell in love with the jazz scene. Her own nostalgia of the place is imbued in the short commentary between the songs, giving snapshots of lyric meanings and the romances attached to each song.
While somewhat informative to help those who do not understand the French language, not a huge amount of depth is given for the context of these songs. However, this did not seem to concern the francophile audience, who were rapt during each song and enthusiastic in their applause. No doubt images of sitting listening to the wireless with a good red wine in hand is the draw for this trip down memory lane.
Blackwell is clearly an experienced performer with a broad knowledge of the genre. She is strongest at singing the more jazzy belt songs than the strained or thin upper register requirements of others. The set list, while covering many musicians and composers, does have a same-same vibe, ironically nodded to in the only English-spoken song about all French songs sounding the same.
She is backed by an exceptional group of musicians, led by musical director and arranger, Mark Ferguson who also plays piano. The double bassist (Dan Whitten) and reeds player (Tom Fulton) also double as duet partners and their numbers are highlights of the night, with excellent French pronunciation and smooth tones as well as being accomplished musicians. The band is rounded out by the excellent Julian Ferraretto (violinist) and Kyrie Anderson, who is particularly captivating on drums/percussion.
Evoking the charm and mystery of the French chanteurs of yesteryear, this performance delighted a generation who remembers the significance and beauty of this genre, whether romanticised or lived in their own experiences.
Reviewed by Hayley Horton
Photo credit: Claudio Raschella
Venue: Dunstan Playhouse
Season: 7 June 2026
Duration: 80 minutes
