since the thread has floated to the top...
i suggest always considering the context of the audience
regarding a call for "French" or "Italian" etc.
meaning
if there are sweet old ladies in the crowd, calling to their
distant childhood and schoolday memories is endearing,
so while you might not play "Frere Jacque" or "Alouette" as
a featured number, you CAN quote part of such songs by using them
as bridges between other songs
and if you see lips moving to those tunes, go ahead and play
"Sur les Ponts des Avingnon" and watch their toes suddenly tap
and fingers rise and fall
now if there are middle aged French women who grew up in the City
and have not had an easy life, treating them to Syvie Berte instead
of doing all Edith Piaf will possibly get you a date !
if you do such as the Petit Waltz, i suggest a true unembellished
note for note of the original performance, as it has been absorbed millions of
times and is engraved in their hearts... please do not jazz it up
when you DO play Hymn 'l Amour, try and keep Piafs image in your
mind.. follow her lips and emotions and play it "acccapella" without
following a beat
it is always good to toss in something from the last decade of
French contributions to the Eurovision contest.. a Frenchman or
Women will very much appreciate your attempt to play a song they
would never expect to hear outside of France
and of course songs to remind them of some beloved
musical hero like Sardou or Chevallier will bring happiness and
even a tear to the eye
if you wish to borrow a few Meusette licks, you will never go wrong
listening to Maurice Larcange
that is how i approach the Continental setlist
ciao
Ventura