''Jacques'' is the fifth studio album by the British singer-songwriter

Marc Almond Peter Mark Sinclair "Marc" Almond, (born 9 July 1957) is an English singer. Almond first began performing and recording in the synthpop/ new wave duo Soft Cell where he became known for his distinctive soulful voice and androgynous image. He ...

. It was released in December 1989. The album is a tribute to the Belgian singer-songwriter

Jacques Brel Jacques Romain Georges Brel (, ; 8 April 1929 – 9 October 1978) was a Belgian singer and actor who composed and performed literate, thoughtful, and theatrical songs that generated a large, devoted following—initially in Belgium and France, l ...

and was instigated by Almond's collaboration with Paul Buck, who adapted Brel's original non-English lyrics specifically for Almond. The songs for the album were recorded at Milo Studios, London, over four years. Almond was accompanied both by his assembled band (comprising "La Magia" and "Willing Sinners" members

Annie Hogan Annie Hogan (sometimes spelled as Anni Hogan) also known as Ann Margaret Hogan is a British musician, record producer, composer and club DJ, born in 1961. Originally known for her association with British musician Marc Almond, Hogan has since c ...

, Billy McGee and Steve Humphreys) and various studio musicians. The artwork and cover painting was designed and painted by Johnny Deux.

Track listing

Personnel

* Marc Almond – vocals, all arrangements, song adaptation *

– piano on tracks A1-A5, B1-B5 * Audrey Riley – cello, string arrangements on "The Town Fell Asleep" *

Martin McCarrick Martin McCarrick (born 29 July 1962) is an English cellist, keyboardist, guitarist and composer. Aside from being a live and recording artist, he is also a teacher and visiting lecturer in music. Career His first recording in the pop/rock ar ...

– cello, accordion * Billy McGee – double bass, oboe arrangements, string arrangements on "The Devil (Okay)", "If You Go Away" and "The Town Fell Asleep" * Steven Humphreys – drums, percussion * Richard Riley – guitar * Charles Gray – keyboards * Julia Girdwood – oboe * Gini Ball – violin * Maurice Horhut – piano on "I'm Coming" and "My Death" ;Technical * Charles Gray – producer, all other instrument arrangements * Jim Toler – engineer * Johnny Deux – cover painting

References

{{Authority control 1989 albums Marc Almond albums Covers albums Some Bizzare Records albums Rough Trade Records albums Cultural depictions of Jacques Brel