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The Queen of 42nd Street and Other Songs by Jacques Prévert and Joseph Kosma

Eric Bentley
The Queen of 42nd Street and Other Songs by Jacques Prévert and Joseph Kosma Theater critic and playwright Eric Bentley (b. 1916) explores the poetry and music of French poet Jacques Prévert (1900–1977) and composer Joseph Kosma (1905–1969). Bentley groups the 20-plus songs into three categories: on childhood, love, and social issues. Perhaps Prévert’s and Kosma’s most popular composition was “The Dead Leaves” ("Les Feuilles Mortes"), known to American audiences as “Autumn Leaves.” Bentley sings Prévert’s original lyrics translated into English rather than the lyrics penned by Johnny Mercer. James Johnson accompanies Bentley on piano and organ. Bentley wrote the liner notes.

Track Listing

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101
Intro (1) James Johnson 01:14
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102
After School Eric Bentley 02:26
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103
Childhood Eric Bentley 02:18
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104
Song for the Children in Winter Eric Bentley 01:01
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105
Kids Who Love Each Other Eric Bentley 01:32
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106
Chanson Eric Bentley 00:50
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107
Barbara Eric Bentley 03:12
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108
The Garden Eric Bentley 01:09
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109
Paris at Night Eric Bentley 00:38
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110
Immense et Rouge Eric Bentley 01:20
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111
Cafe au Lait Eric Bentley 01:20
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112
Noises in the Night Eric Bentley 02:41
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113
Outro (1) James Johnson 01:13
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201
Intro (2) James Johnson 01:08
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202
This Love Eric Bentley 04:54
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203
The Dead Leaves Eric Bentley 03:34
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204
The Lighthouse Keeper Loves Birds Too Much Eric Bentley 01:21
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205
The War Is Over (1945) Eric Bentley 01:43
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206
The Queen of 42nd Street Eric Bentley 03:45
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207
Paris in August Eric Bentley 00:52
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208
The Richest City in the World Eric Bentley 03:48
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209
Buddies in Bad Times Eric Bentley 02:13
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210
Outro (2) Eric Bentley 01:00