Comme a la Radio

Digitally remastered and expanded edition of this 1969 album from the French Avant-Garde artist. While her debut, Brigitte Fontaine Est... Folle, was a unique take on French chanson, here the Art Ensemble of Chicago provides the perfect setting for Fontaine's exploration of free-verse poetry. Often arrhythmic and spoken, her vocals command the same spontaneity and grace that her collaborators applied to their instruments. The album's eight-minute title track sets the tone: A sparse bass line keeps time as Fontaine dances around stabs of flute and trumpet. Each track is it's own world, with Fontaine's incredible range, both in style and substance, acting as the glue between the immense talent involved. The overall effect is chilling, and it is no surprise that Comme à la Radio is often cited as Fontaine's best known work.