Personnel: Henri Crolla (guitar); Freddy Balta (accordion); Hubert Rostaing (clarinet); Bob Castella (piano).

Recording information: Paris, France (05/07/1948-05/09/1949).

Arranger: Bob Castella.

French pop singer Yves Montand was, along with Edith Piaf, Maurice Chevaliar, and Jacques Brel, one of the most beloved pop singers in France throughout the 1940s, `50s, and beyond. A PARIS 1948-49 captures Montand in the bloom of his early career, performing such classics as "Clopin-Clopan," "C'est Si Bon," and "Clementine," all with the poignant, bittersweet charm that was his trademark. Lovers of classic French singers will want to snatch this up, as it is a fine sampler not only of Montand's early sound, but of a vintage era of French pop as well.