I don't know if Brigitte Fontaine has ever been introduced to this forum and I was about to write sth about Phew.
but wanted to open a thread dedicated to maybe the biggest (living) avant-garde Diva.
Basically a French poet, writer and singer started her ever-lasting artistic career in 1968 with her breakthrough album Brigitte Fontaine est.. folle! (Brigitte Fontaine is.. crazy!) collaborating with Jean-Claude Vannier (the "mind" behind Histoire de Melody Nelson of Gainsbourg)
In 1969 she released a benchmark album in music history praised by numerous artists until today. " Comme a la Radio " (collaborating with Art Ensemble of Chicago and Areski - her then for ever companion in life and arts)
Free jazz blended with arabesque and poetry characterized the album.
In 1972 she released her third titleless album (probably one of my top 3)
sth like an obscure poetic avant-garde film. with political also dimensions. Brigitte has always been between leftism and anarchism.
From 1973-1980 she created some amazing avant-gardist albums with Areski (and other collaborators) that can be well described as pro-freak folk (like Cocorosie existing in the 70s or sth)
Her next period marked by her shaved head :P was also artistically acclaimed and more than interesting.
Worth mentioning her Genre Humain album, Les Palaces, Kekeland, Libido (creating baroque n roll- amazing one), Prohibition (that caused a stir in France regarding the libertarian political raw lyrics)
and her numerous collaborations with artists like Sonic Youth, Stereolab, (even) Grace Jones, Arno, Gotan Project, Archie Shepp and more..
She is almost 73 years old, the same prolific and even more rebellious and witty
and
currently working on a new album with.. Tricky
Certainly worth checking her out..
As I cannot yet insert any link check some indicative videos/songs on youtube..
Comme a la Radio
L'Auberge
Patriarcat
Genre Humain