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About Chevalier on Broadway -
an American tribute...
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From François
Vals, Grasse, France August 20, 2006 François
Vals was Maurice Chevalier’s manager
and personal assistant for the last twenty years of Maurice’s long career. He and his wife, Madeleine, traveled throughout
the world with Maurice and his long-time accompanist, Fred Freed.
François and Madeleine Vals are retired and live near Pornichet. With his permission, we
are happy to quote François’ reaction to our CD tribute to Maurice Chevalier, translated from his letter written
in French, on Aug. 20, 2006.
“Dear Don Sheppard,
… I will simply tell you that I felt goose bumps the
first time that I heard our dear and great Maurice, the second time upon listening to the unique Judy Garland,
and on Aug. 18, 2006 while relishing your recordings.
It’s really magnificent, moving, the way that you have brought back to life this great artist. You share with
him, his spirit.
How have you been able
to know Maurice so well. One gets the impression that you were close to him, knew him inside, in fact, that you have been
his “homme de confiance” (trusted confidant) at the same time that you were a great performer.
Your English-French mixture is superb and the French
lyrics are more than perfect.
I really liked
“your Ménilmontant” and surprised also that you know that Charles (Trenet) wrote that song for Maurice.
“Chevalier on Broadway – an American tribute” what a wonderful response on the part of an American artist as talented as you, to our dear and great Maurice, who had written:
“ To all my American friends,
Having been liked for such a long time in America,
is the pride of my life.
Maurice Chevalier
7 – 4 – 70 ” Cher
Don Sheppard,
Merci
pour tout (Thank you for everything)
et
de tout mon coeur, (and with all my heart)
(signed) François Vals
BRAVO dear Don”  A book of tribute to Maurice Chevalier not to be
missed! FrançoisVals compiled this
magnificent book about Maurice Chevalier, with many photos, letters, awards, and historical facts about his long career. It
was published in 2002. François and Madeleine Vals were Maurice's personal staff, along with Fred Freed, his accompanist.
They traveled with him during all his many tours throughout the world. François shares with his readers how he first met Maurice when he was only 14 years old and Maurice
was a world famous personality and how much Maurice's friendship and trust in him has meant to him throughout the many years. |
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www.TalkinBroadway.com March 30, 2007
Rob
Lester, CD reviewer
"...It's well honed and well researched. In this case, the performer sets out
to truly impersonate the subject in all ways and mannerisms, and he succeeds quite well. The speaking voice's rhythms,
singing voice, thick French accent, attitude, energy and flair are really there, cannily captured... Don does a very, very
close Chevalier. The bonus tracks of him singing "Gigi" and "Isn't It Romantic" in his quite different,
natural voice (smooth and unassumingly low-key) prove what a remarkable job he did. All the famous songs are here, a good
retrospective."
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September 10, 2007 Sylvia M. writes: "I have enjoyed the CD immensely. ... Many a morning I have listened before I leave for work,
It
is light, enchanting and lively, it starts my day off right. Don
truely sounds like Chevalier; I think from his duplication of the man that he must have admired him to imitate him so well.
I often forget, while I am listening that it is not Chevalier. Don is to be commended. Also
I assume that he is performing before a live audience; perhaps on stage. The audience enjoys him as well."
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Vive la Nostalgie P.O. Box 86831
Tucson, AZ 85745
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