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

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