Au Theatre des Champs-Elysees [live]

by Ken DrydenMichel Petrucciani worked long and hard to come up with some of the extensive medleys heard in this brilliant solo piano concert, Au Theatre des Champs-Elysees. Much like the intriguing medley "Potpourri" heard on his American debut (100 Hearts), Petrucciani blends a number of recurring themes into a smoldering performance; the 40-plus-minute opening medley includes numerous songs, including "Maiden Voyage," "On Green Dolphin Street" and more. A breakaway run through Monk's "I Mean You" unfolds into a very dramatic arrangement of "'Round About Midnight." His original waltz "Even Mice Dance" is segued into a startling virtuoso adaptation of "Caravan." Two original ballads, "Night Sun in Blois" and "Love Letter," add to the rich texture of this live date. The two-CD set closes with a dazzling rendition of "Bésame Mucho," which he restores to grace by bringing out the lyricism of this very sad ballad, which is often destroyed when played by less talented musicians.