Bernard Lavilliers refuses to take the easy route: rather than simply revamping his repertoire, he offers a true artistic reinterpretation. With Métamorphose, he revisits fourteen tracks spanning nearly half a century of creativity, from Le Stéphanois to recent commitments such as La Bandiera Rossa. The whole thing is reinvented thanks to a rich but subtle orchestration, conducted by Cyrille Aufort, a specialist in cinematic atmospheres.
Far from being a simple “symphonic” album, Métamorphose blends genres with finesse. The orchestra acts as a delicate backdrop to the vocals and melodies, without ever distorting the essence of Lavilliers: a commanding guitar, muted percussion and velvety bass. This new approach brings renewed intensity to tracks such as On The Road Again, Traffic and Betty, revealing a voice that is closer, more peaceful, but still full of life.
The album also highlights the artist’s militant and travelling side. His politically engaged lyrics – Noir et Blanc, Petit, Les mains d’or – take on new colours, borrowing from bossa nova, jazz, tango and world music. Lavilliers continues this momentum with La bandiera rossa, a new track with a clear message: commitment remains essential.
The album closes with L’espoir and is accompanied by a collector’s edition including tracks recorded in 2006 during the Lavilliers chante Ferré show.
Métamorphose, the symphonic album, released on 17 November 2023.
BOOKING
Olivier Gluzman
ogluzman@visiteursdusoir.com
