Jacques Brel - Grand Jacques (Music CD)

European copyrights on recordings run for only 50 years, and that means that, as of 2005, Jacques Brel's earliest recordings for Philips Records entered the public domain, allowing Irish label LMM (Luxury Multimedia Ltd.) to step in and assemble this unlicensed compilation, which begins with the full contents of Brel's 1954 nine-song debut album (originally released as a 10" LP), Jacques Brel et Ses Chansons. The additional four tracks are drawn from singles, including Brel's first single release from 1953, "La Foire"/"Il Y A." Still, the disc runs only a little over half an hour. None of the singer/songwriter's best songs is included, but his dramatic style is already in evidence, making this an interesting purchase for Brel fans unfamiliar with his beginnings. ~ William Ruhlmann