Samedi Soir à Beyrouth (Saturday Night in Beirut) is a return to form for the great restless song poet
Bernard Lavilliers. The musical journey is steeped in reggae, ska, dub, soul, and funk with wonderful arrangements by the great
Willie Mitchell of Memphis soul imprint Hi Records -- though the set is actually produced by longtime associate
Sylvain Taillet. "Solitaire," "Ma Belle," the title track, and the hit bonus duet "Balèze" (with
Tryo) are all standouts from a set that shows
Lavilliers in strong voice and inspiration. ~ Thom Jurek