Daniel Lavoie
and Notre-Dame de Paris
Echos-Vedettes, 8 January 1999
D. Daignault
Daniel Lavoie does not
hide the fact he is rather stunned, like everyone else in show
business in Quebec and in France, by the success of Notre Dame
de Paris, the work of Luc Plamondon and Richard Cocciante,
which has been running in Paris, at the Palais des Congrès,
since last September. We joined him in Paris, the City of Lights,
and, with a smile in his voice, he told us about the marvellous
adventure he is living through, playing the part of Frollo.
«It does not make
sense, it’s so much bigger than anyone could have imagined,
to tell the truth nobody thought it would turn out to be such a
huge success. It’s quite something to think that, for months,
we’ve had the three best selling records in France! The song
Belle has been number one for four months, the album
Notre Dame de Paris is top of the best-sellers list, followed
by the boxed integral version. It is a hit beyond all
expectations and, as they say in France, I’m loving every
minute of it. I’m really enjoying being part of this mega
show», says the singer.
A show with
long-term prospects
There is no need to state that, in addition
to Daniel, Garou, Luck Mervil and Bruno Pelletier are also part
of the cast of a show which will soon spread further afield.
Daniel told us that a lot of people from all over the world are
coming to Paris nearly every week to see the show. «The success of the show has world-wide
repercussions and people come from far away to see how it could
be produced, in England as well as in the States or in Japan.»
Up to now, Daniel Lavoie is the one who has
clocked up the greatest number of performances of Notre Dame
de Paris (he was only replaced twice) at the count of seven
performances a week. If he has any say in the matter, he wants to
be part of it for as long as possible.
«I
will probably do the album in English and be part of the English
cast. As to when this will happen, I don’t know at the
moment but one thing is certain, I’m interested in doing it.
Contrary to Bruno and Luck, for instance, I’m not at the
start of my career, and their participation in the show could, in
the long term, cast a shadow over their respective careers which
are going well at the moment. For me, it’s the opposite, I
already have a long stretch of my career behind me and, right now,
it is rather pleasant to do something different, something new,
it’s a challenge. I feel comfortable doing it and will
probably go on for longer than they will», says Daniel
who lives in Paris with his wife, Louise, and his son.
As for the English version, you already know
that it is Will Jennings, a great American song writer who wrote,
among others, the world famous success My heart will go on
for Céline Dion, who has been asked to adapt and translate all
the songs of Notre Dame de Paris.
«
It’s almost finished, we have already recorded some of the
titles and it’s going great. We started by recording Belle
in English, at first it was just an attempt to see if the words
rang true, now we’re polishing it up, putting the finishing
touches. These people are very professional and leave nothing to
chance. Luc is extremely thorough about it all, as he is with
everything he does, so is Richard (Cocciante) by the way. He
keeps tab on what’s going on. There is no element of chance
in this success, I think that everyone gave their very best and
worked extremely hard. I think it’s the first time ever that
such a ‘football team’ spirit has been seen in the
world of music, when so many professional people have pooled all
their energy together to reach a precise goal. Then, naturally,
it turned out to be irresistible. French show business hates us
for it!»,
he adds laughing.
He writes for Bruno Pelletier
Even if he has little free time, Daniel has
managed to write a few songs for his next album. «It’s my favourite pastime’ reveals
the man who has also composed five melodies for Luce Dufault’s
new album. ‘ I wrote a few songs with Bruno (Pelletier) for
his next album and I’m still working with Thierry Séchan,
he writes fabulous texts and I think we’re going to write
some very good songs together, we’re going to carry on for
as long as we find people to sing our songs’»
In 1999, Daniel will tour until July with Notre
Dame de Paris. Including performances in Quebec, but will not
go back to France in the Autumn.
«I’m
going to get a rest, look after my garden and my wood, at the
same time I’m in going to get ready for the English
version and I might also try to finish my album so that it comes
out in the Spring of 2000.
Daniel Lavoie admits, with modesty, to
having had extremely good reviews up to now for his performance
as Frollo and to receiving a lot of offers.
«It’s
a
second wind and I’m enjoying it a lot more than the first
time round», he says.
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