Donkey Skin

Michel Legrand's enchanting album, Donkey Skin, is a captivating journey through the realms of French jazz. Released on 15 December 2008 via Playtime, this 57-minute masterpiece weaves a sonic tapestry that transports listeners to a world of whimsy and romance.

With a richly detailed tracklist, Donkey Skin unfolds as a cinematic narrative, guided by Legrand's masterful compositions. From the opening 'Theme song (Générique)' to the final 'Final', the album is a testament to Legrand's skill in crafting emotive, jazz-infused soundscapes. Tracks such as 'Love…Love (Amour… Amour)' and 'Declaration of Love (Déclaration d'amour)' showcase the artist's ability to balance delicate, lilting melodies with more upbeat, energetic pieces like 'Rigodon On the Farm (Rigodon à la ferme)'.

Throughout the album, Legrand's French jazz sensibilities are on full display, blending elegant orchestration with subtle, nuanced performances. The result is an album that is at once both nostalgic and timeless, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in its charming, old-world charm. With Donkey Skin, Michel Legrand has created a work of enduring beauty, one that will continue to enchant and delight audiences for years to come.

Michel Legrand, the legendary French composer, pianist, and arranger, left an indelible mark on the world of music with his prolific and diverse body of work. Born in the Paris suburb of Bécon-les-Bruyères, Legrand's career spanned over half a century, during which he composed over 200 film and television scores, as well as numerous enduring songs. His collaboration with French New Wave director Jacques Demy on films like "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg" and "The Young Girls of Rochefort" earned him international acclaim and multiple Academy Award nominations.

Legrand's signature jazz-infused compositions have enchanted audiences worldwide, with his most famous work, "The Windmills of Your Mind" from "The Thomas Crown Affair," winning him his first Oscar. His musical genius was further recognized with additional Oscars for "Summer of '42" and "Yentl." Beyond his film scores, Legrand's contributions to theatre, ballet, and opera solidified his status as one of the most important names in contemporary music. His legacy continues to inspire, making him a true icon in the realm of French jazz and beyond.