The Black Sessions

Broadcast on Radio France, the `Black Sessions' are hosted by Bernard Lenoir (called the `Black Sessions' because of his last name, which literally translates to `the-black' in English). They are live shows in front of an audience, usually performed in a France Inter studio, lasting anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and simulcast on the radio. Black Sessions recordings are often released as promo CDs, given free with new albums or provided free to new subscribers of the station’s magazine. Those shows that are made available on CD are pressed in very limited quantities. There have been almost 250 of these sessions (which is pretty amazing in itself) since the show’s premiere in February, 1992. FYI, the very first live show was by Welcome to Julian – and how many of you remember them? (they were a French alternative band – if you never heard of them, you are excused)

Anyway, back on June 1, 1993, a year before “Amplified Heart” would re-make their image and turn them into international stars, Everything But The Girl performed on The Black Sessions. They sang a number of cover songs in their 13 song set, including “The Only Living Boy In New York” (Simon & Garfunkle), “Love Is Strange” (Mickey & Sylvia), “Firefly” (American Music Club) and the song I included today, “My Hometown,” by Bruce Springsteen. EBTG were still in their “folky” stage in 1993, as you can hear. The lead vocal is by Ben Watt, with harmony by the very amazing Tracey Thorn.

Everything But The Girl – “My Hometown”

Years later (11 years later, to be exact), Leslie Feist performed on the Black Sessions, and scattered among songs from her current album, “Let It Die” and Broken Social Scene were a couple of covers, including “That Girl” (the Kinks song) and the one I included here, “Foolproof,” written by Ron Sexsmith. It’s a beautiful song to begin with, but Feist makes it her own. See what you think.

Feist – “Foolproof”

And since I know you’re curious, I even included a track from our mysterious new friends Welcome to Julian, whose sound may remind you a little of the Faces, the Black Crowes, or Drive-By Truckers.

Welcome To Julian – “Leaving This Town”

Next time, the amazing voice of Johnny Adams, a singer you should know, and the soulful New Orleans sax of Amadee Castenell.