MARTHA WAINWRIGHT Sans Fusils, Ni Souliers, A Paris. Martha Wainwright's Piaf Record (2009 UK 15-track CD album - Produced by Hal Willner and recorded over three intimate performances in New York's Dixon Place Theatre in June, Martha assembled a unique band of musicians including long-time collaborator Brad Albetta [who produced Martha's first two albums], pianist Thomas Bartlett and electric guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Doug Wieselman to capture the French chanteuse's venerable catalogue, beautifully coupled with Martha's incredible, evocative and characterful voice. Cautious of avoiding the cliché of looking sad, pretending to be drunk with a glass of absinthe on the table, Martha creates tension and urgency on this charming record - delivered with paralleled emotion conveying Edith Piaf's mystical vulnerability. With highlights including 'Adieu Mon Coeur', 'Vieux Piano', 'Une Enfant' and a transfixing version of 'La Foule')