Sometimes, music makes old things new again. Today, I talk about something by Cécile McLorin Salvant.
I wondered how this song managed to carry an old aura. I’m happy I actually did research for once because I learned that ‘J’ai l’cafard’ dates back to the 1920s. Listening to a few versions of the song however, it was the freshness of Cécile McLorin Salvant’s 2018 cut that I preferred. Even though psychedelic rock of the 70s tired out organs for me, on this track the wanderings and flourishes of the organ is a delight. Crossing via tightrope between tragique and comique, past and present, and background and foreground, the organ comes out unscathed on the other end. Salvant’s vocals also does the track more than mere justice; she is a real jazz revelation.
Joel Mak 