In front of a room full of a very cheerful audience, Patrick Bruel began his series of four concerts at the Théâtre St-Denis on Thursday evening, in great shape. This reunion with the Montreal public was expected, and the public fully demonstrated to him that he was bored.
Like a mountebank who walks from place to place, Patrick Bruel arrives by advancing slowly on the bare stage, crossing a door to enter the light, while interpreting “I sing”.
In all simplicity, the singer, who will be 62 years old in two days (May 14), tells his story with authenticity and a certain vulnerability. He remembers in particular his youth with “Where are the dreams”, then “I tell you anyway”, “Peur de moi”, “Voulez-vous” or “Le fil”, a very tender song which speaks of her relationship with her two teenagers.
Alternating guitar and piano, he shares his life story with us in a very intimate way, secrets that resonate with the spectators (mostly in the room) who loudly demonstrated all their love for Bruel, when they were not singing along with him. .
Crescendo
With the arrival of two musical acolytes, the intimate show opens on a more festive and electric dimension with “So look at”, presented in a new version, which ends in euphoria. Followed “Pas had time”, “Stop smiling”, a very beautiful song that Pierre Lapointe wrote to him, “Place des grands hommes” or even “I would lie to you”. Instantly, the audience rose to their feet to sing, clap and applaud.
Unlike a banal succession of songs, Bruel offers sometimes funny, sometimes moving, but always sincere slices of life, on his artistic journey as well as his personal life. His voice is more mature, just as powerful and a bit hoarse at times. He knows how to play with it and modulate it, just like his natural charm which still and always has its effect.
Special mention to the magnificent lighting in the sentimental part and which intensifies as the concert progresses, as does the scenography which adds an atmosphere of intimacy.
Committed, the French singer gave a nod to the news by performing “On Départ”, a song he had written at the time of the migration crisis in Europe, a few years ago, but which still resonates today. today with the war in Ukraine.
The classics
Alone on the guitar, Patrick Bruel delivered a beautiful version of “Quand les hommes vivront d’amour” in homage to Raymond Lévesque, before continuing with a string of his great hits from yesterday or today, including “How are you”, “My lover from St-Jean”, “Coffee of delights”, “Break the voice”, “Who has the right” or even “Stand up”.
After two dozen songs and a fine balance between intensity, emotions and intimacy, Patrick Bruel ended his reunion with the Montreal public with Barbara’s song, “My most beautiful love story”.
“Patrick Bruel in acoustics” is presented until May 15 at the St-Denis Theater in Montreal. It will be from May 19 to 21 in Gatineau, May 25 and 26 in Trois-Rivières, and May 28 in Sherbrooke.
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