Legrand has touch of class

“Legrand Jazz” Bridgewater Hall, Manchester,


A taste of grandeur filled the Bridgewater Hall last night, courtesy of the legendary Michel Legrand and his Orchestra.

Composer, song-writer, pianist, conductor, singer, writer and producer rolled into one, the charming Frenchman takes pride in a musical career which spans more than half a century in which he says he was keen not to miss out on anything.

Jack of all trades might be an apt description of the man, but master of none is certainly far from the truth.

Legrand has surrounded himself with amazing musicians, who together make up an extraordinary orchestra.

He likened the evening of entertainment to being at home and enthralling a group of friends with his music and orchestra.

But that, he said, would be too expensive to lay on, so instead he contented himself with turning a theatre into his home and doing it there.

By the end of the evening, we did indeed feel like a group of his friends.

Legrand romped his way through his choice of pieces — all of which were his own compositions, with an energy that belied his 76 years, lending his own inimitable voice to some, and relying on the magnificent voice of Alison Moyet as his special guest in the second half of the concert.

She sang a handful of songs, including “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life,” and “I Will Wait For You,” in her fabulous, rich and remarkable voice.

Another treat was a special appearance by world-famous harpist Catherine Michel, who gave a glorious performance which rippled throughout the hall, making the hairs stand up on the back of the neck.

A fabulous show, it ended with Legrand and Moyet singing an exquisite duet, “Windmills of Your Mind”, from the “The Thomas Crown Affair”, before the master musician played the same piece on the piano.

His nimble fingers danced over the keys with dazzling speed to tease out the haunting melody which, deservedly, brought the house down.