Post by davidhr on Mar 12, 2013 11:18:18 GMT -5
Lara spent the past week caught in two time different zones – the past, associated with her “Best Of” tour, in Russia, and the future, associated with her new album ‘Le Secret, in France.
The Russian tour at which she was physically present hit full swing with concerts in 4 different cities (Irkurtsk – 3/6; Perm – 3/8; Izhevsk – 3/9; Arkhangelsk- 3/11). Today she has another concert in Penza, followed tomorrow in Volgagrad, and finishing the day after in Saratov. The set list was pretty much the same as in the ‘Best of’ tour last fall. We are fortunate to have complete videos of two of the concerts, the first link provided by Paula at:
Perm www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZYi7XZ1P2k
And also
Izhevsk www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRm0DlV1QeU
Her Russian tours continue to be quite successful, and all fan reports indicate very happy audiences, despite the elements. As can be seen in the video from Izhevsk, it was quite cold, apparently 12°C, and it also appeared to be cold in Arkhangelsk. When the schedule first appeared, Russian fans had noted that some venues were (covered) ice rinks, and they wondered about the wisdom of that. Clearly Lara didn’t understand, she was likely depending on local promoters. The result in this case was visually pretty ludicrous, although it showed Lara to be a trooper, and despite everything, she was in very fine voice! However, this can’t be good for her health, vocal or otherwise. It’s probably the worst time for her to have to face that sort of challenge, with the pressure of performing and promoting for her upcoming album release back in France. The guess here is that she won’t make that mistake again.
Since one doesn’t normally get to see performers dressed on stage like that, it is worth commemorating. A few nice pictures showing that Lara was as bundled up inside as she was outside are available at:
www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=474079502645719&set=a.168982793155393.43222.166959643357708&type=1&theater
And that wasn’t the only problem. The Mlle. Zhivago website carried the following story:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Singer Lara Fabian is on a concert tour in Russia. But, as usual, not everything goes smoothly. On Monday, after a speech in Arkhangelsk the singer was preparing to fly to Penza for a concert. Chartered aviabort was expecting the actress and her fellow musicians at the airport. At the moment when the plane left the runway and is clocked to take off suddenly at the liner there was emergency braking.
Quick stop of the aircraft did not lead to serious consequences - the singer and concert group escaped with minor injuries and fear. Passengers had to leave the plane. Drove them to the emergency parking. Management of Fabian at the moment is in search of an alternative way to Penza, where today's star concert is NOT canceled."
(source: vk.com)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One has to wonder whether this particular concert tour, at this time, was a good idea…
Meanwhile, back in France, plenty of news percolated concerning the new album. Lara has already sent copies to the press, and several people have already commented on it. The general feeling (from admittedly a small sample) is that it is a ground-breaking album for Lara, with very different, ‘nonlinear’ songs (as Alex on LFIAG put it) – perhaps the type of work that Universal had told her the general public was not ready for. She gets high marks for originality and singing, and taking chances. In a way, a number of these characteristics we believe will be in evidence in the Mlle. Zhivago movie as well - so perhaps their convergence in time of release will work together to solidify these aspects in the public’s mind. The album is available for pre-ordering on amazon.com at:
www.amazon.fr/Secret-Fabian-Lara/dp/B00BM98S0W/ref=sr_1_2?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1362663189&sr=1-2
and at FNAC at:
musique.fnac.com/a5618756/Lara-Fabian-Secret-CD-album
The release date for Amazon is still listed as April 15th; there have been times when it has actually sent a CD a few days early.
With the album in the hands of the press, we have a track listing available (and Lara’s own website, bowing to the inevitable, provided it as well). If you haven’t seen it yet, it is:
CD1
01. Le Secret; 02. Danse; 03. Amourexique; 04. Un ange est tombé; 05. Je t'appelle;
06. Mirage; 07. Que j'étais belle; 08. La vie est là
CD 2
09. Je rêve d'une étoile; 10. Kalpataru; 11. Deux ils, deux ells; 12. Ce qu'il reste...;
13. Putain de grand Amour; 14. Il est lune; 15. Mon désir; 16. L'enfant de Gwenved
17. I am A-Wa (in English)
Already there is a divergence among the few reviews as to which songs are ‘the best’. .
Some of the titles have raised questions among fans, and the Internet has proved a valuable aid in deciphering them. For example:
Kalpataru is a mythological, wish-fulfilling divine tree said to fulfill all desires. It was mentioned in Sanskrit literature from the earliest sources onwards.
Gwenwed is literally the "White World" in neodruidism. The third circle, Gwenwed, the white world, is where man will find the memory of his numerous transmigrations. Circle of bliss and wholeness, it is by exceeding the cycle of reincarnations that wise men can reach the white world.
Perhaps this gives one some idea of what it means to say that this album has some different aspects!
In fact, several fans have wondered whether Lara’s title, ‘Le Secret’, was in any way related to the popular book/DVD, ‘The Secret’, by Rhonda Byrne. That work [based on the ‘teachings of Abraham’ as dictated by Esther and Jerry Hicks], states that one experiences reality in accordance with one’s vibrational state – for example, positive vibrations, generated by positive emotions, will be mirrored in one’s external experience. The idea that Lara would make this connection is not at all far-fetched; Lara expressed similar sentiments to this in her controversial Belgian radio interview when promoting the Mlle. Zhivago release last fall. In fact, this was her explanation for not wanting the MZ film to be released in the form that emphasized the darkness in existence (a film which is about reincarnation). And the ‘Lara Fabian Is Here’ FB site, in a posted review of Lara’s concert in Izhevsk (with translation provided by ‘Stavri’), said that Lara talked about believing only in the best, the brightest, stating, “What you think will come true, will happen in your life”. It will mark a bold move if Lara is using this album as a platform for her spiritual beliefs, in addition to her usual exploration of love and social injustice.
Getting back to social questions, Lara is making a video for ‘Deux ils deux elles’, and she has invited couples, both straight and gay, to apply to be in it. It will show people kissing, and will be filmed March 23rd, in the Paris region. You may remember the video for ‘La Difference’ had similar visuals. The announcement continued:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
To submit your application is very simple, just send an email to this address cliplara@gmail.com with the following information:
° Participation of a couple is preferable
° Your age (all ages from 18 years), measurement (size + weight), participation in couples (heterosexual or homosexual), and pictures: a photo walk-portrait + couple.
° Do not forget to add to your message: Name, Phone Number.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Continuing on with this theme, Lara gave an interview with the magazine ‘Muse and Out’ in which she gave her opinion that it was no use discussing homosexual rights with those who could not get past their religious objections, which she felt to be invalid – or, as she put it, whose beliefs called forth their fears.
As far as the Mlle. Zhivago film is concerned, there have been no additional comments by Badoev, but Lara’s people released the following statement on her FB page:
“To keep you up-to-date on the project ‘Mademoiselle Zhivago’ at the moment there is no official information, all will be announced on the page. Good evening to all!”
While this does not actually ‘move the ball forward’, its neutral stance is at least a much more positive response than the horrified reaction that greeted Badoev’s first attempt to release the film in the fall of 2011. And it acknowledged that Lara would be assuming responsibility for keeping the fans informed, rather than sweeping it under the table.
Lara has released a video promo for her concert in Ankara, Turkey, available at:
www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=472622052791464&set=vb.166959643357708
Interestingly, she did not put it on her youtube site.
Lara’s Russian fan website has been updated in its usual fine style; it is available at:
www.lara-fabian.com/
And Lara herself is closing in on the opening of a new official website, at:
larafabian.com/
Lara presumably will return to the west following her last few Russian concerts to(if she indeed gets to them). Her TV appearances, mostly taped ahead of time, will be emerging in the coming weeks, with the first taking place March 16th on TF1, as Lara will be present for “The Voice”, and that will be true the following week, the 23rd as well. On the 29th she will be on both ‘Les Enfants de la Tele (TF1) and Pour un Soir Simplement (France 2). There should be many shows in April, when the album is officially released.
David
The Russian tour at which she was physically present hit full swing with concerts in 4 different cities (Irkurtsk – 3/6; Perm – 3/8; Izhevsk – 3/9; Arkhangelsk- 3/11). Today she has another concert in Penza, followed tomorrow in Volgagrad, and finishing the day after in Saratov. The set list was pretty much the same as in the ‘Best of’ tour last fall. We are fortunate to have complete videos of two of the concerts, the first link provided by Paula at:
Perm www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZYi7XZ1P2k
And also
Izhevsk www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRm0DlV1QeU
Her Russian tours continue to be quite successful, and all fan reports indicate very happy audiences, despite the elements. As can be seen in the video from Izhevsk, it was quite cold, apparently 12°C, and it also appeared to be cold in Arkhangelsk. When the schedule first appeared, Russian fans had noted that some venues were (covered) ice rinks, and they wondered about the wisdom of that. Clearly Lara didn’t understand, she was likely depending on local promoters. The result in this case was visually pretty ludicrous, although it showed Lara to be a trooper, and despite everything, she was in very fine voice! However, this can’t be good for her health, vocal or otherwise. It’s probably the worst time for her to have to face that sort of challenge, with the pressure of performing and promoting for her upcoming album release back in France. The guess here is that she won’t make that mistake again.
Since one doesn’t normally get to see performers dressed on stage like that, it is worth commemorating. A few nice pictures showing that Lara was as bundled up inside as she was outside are available at:
www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=474079502645719&set=a.168982793155393.43222.166959643357708&type=1&theater
And that wasn’t the only problem. The Mlle. Zhivago website carried the following story:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Singer Lara Fabian is on a concert tour in Russia. But, as usual, not everything goes smoothly. On Monday, after a speech in Arkhangelsk the singer was preparing to fly to Penza for a concert. Chartered aviabort was expecting the actress and her fellow musicians at the airport. At the moment when the plane left the runway and is clocked to take off suddenly at the liner there was emergency braking.
Quick stop of the aircraft did not lead to serious consequences - the singer and concert group escaped with minor injuries and fear. Passengers had to leave the plane. Drove them to the emergency parking. Management of Fabian at the moment is in search of an alternative way to Penza, where today's star concert is NOT canceled."
(source: vk.com)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One has to wonder whether this particular concert tour, at this time, was a good idea…
Meanwhile, back in France, plenty of news percolated concerning the new album. Lara has already sent copies to the press, and several people have already commented on it. The general feeling (from admittedly a small sample) is that it is a ground-breaking album for Lara, with very different, ‘nonlinear’ songs (as Alex on LFIAG put it) – perhaps the type of work that Universal had told her the general public was not ready for. She gets high marks for originality and singing, and taking chances. In a way, a number of these characteristics we believe will be in evidence in the Mlle. Zhivago movie as well - so perhaps their convergence in time of release will work together to solidify these aspects in the public’s mind. The album is available for pre-ordering on amazon.com at:
www.amazon.fr/Secret-Fabian-Lara/dp/B00BM98S0W/ref=sr_1_2?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1362663189&sr=1-2
and at FNAC at:
musique.fnac.com/a5618756/Lara-Fabian-Secret-CD-album
The release date for Amazon is still listed as April 15th; there have been times when it has actually sent a CD a few days early.
With the album in the hands of the press, we have a track listing available (and Lara’s own website, bowing to the inevitable, provided it as well). If you haven’t seen it yet, it is:
CD1
01. Le Secret; 02. Danse; 03. Amourexique; 04. Un ange est tombé; 05. Je t'appelle;
06. Mirage; 07. Que j'étais belle; 08. La vie est là
CD 2
09. Je rêve d'une étoile; 10. Kalpataru; 11. Deux ils, deux ells; 12. Ce qu'il reste...;
13. Putain de grand Amour; 14. Il est lune; 15. Mon désir; 16. L'enfant de Gwenved
17. I am A-Wa (in English)
Already there is a divergence among the few reviews as to which songs are ‘the best’. .
Some of the titles have raised questions among fans, and the Internet has proved a valuable aid in deciphering them. For example:
Kalpataru is a mythological, wish-fulfilling divine tree said to fulfill all desires. It was mentioned in Sanskrit literature from the earliest sources onwards.
Gwenwed is literally the "White World" in neodruidism. The third circle, Gwenwed, the white world, is where man will find the memory of his numerous transmigrations. Circle of bliss and wholeness, it is by exceeding the cycle of reincarnations that wise men can reach the white world.
Perhaps this gives one some idea of what it means to say that this album has some different aspects!
In fact, several fans have wondered whether Lara’s title, ‘Le Secret’, was in any way related to the popular book/DVD, ‘The Secret’, by Rhonda Byrne. That work [based on the ‘teachings of Abraham’ as dictated by Esther and Jerry Hicks], states that one experiences reality in accordance with one’s vibrational state – for example, positive vibrations, generated by positive emotions, will be mirrored in one’s external experience. The idea that Lara would make this connection is not at all far-fetched; Lara expressed similar sentiments to this in her controversial Belgian radio interview when promoting the Mlle. Zhivago release last fall. In fact, this was her explanation for not wanting the MZ film to be released in the form that emphasized the darkness in existence (a film which is about reincarnation). And the ‘Lara Fabian Is Here’ FB site, in a posted review of Lara’s concert in Izhevsk (with translation provided by ‘Stavri’), said that Lara talked about believing only in the best, the brightest, stating, “What you think will come true, will happen in your life”. It will mark a bold move if Lara is using this album as a platform for her spiritual beliefs, in addition to her usual exploration of love and social injustice.
Getting back to social questions, Lara is making a video for ‘Deux ils deux elles’, and she has invited couples, both straight and gay, to apply to be in it. It will show people kissing, and will be filmed March 23rd, in the Paris region. You may remember the video for ‘La Difference’ had similar visuals. The announcement continued:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
To submit your application is very simple, just send an email to this address cliplara@gmail.com with the following information:
° Participation of a couple is preferable
° Your age (all ages from 18 years), measurement (size + weight), participation in couples (heterosexual or homosexual), and pictures: a photo walk-portrait + couple.
° Do not forget to add to your message: Name, Phone Number.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Continuing on with this theme, Lara gave an interview with the magazine ‘Muse and Out’ in which she gave her opinion that it was no use discussing homosexual rights with those who could not get past their religious objections, which she felt to be invalid – or, as she put it, whose beliefs called forth their fears.
As far as the Mlle. Zhivago film is concerned, there have been no additional comments by Badoev, but Lara’s people released the following statement on her FB page:
“To keep you up-to-date on the project ‘Mademoiselle Zhivago’ at the moment there is no official information, all will be announced on the page. Good evening to all!”
While this does not actually ‘move the ball forward’, its neutral stance is at least a much more positive response than the horrified reaction that greeted Badoev’s first attempt to release the film in the fall of 2011. And it acknowledged that Lara would be assuming responsibility for keeping the fans informed, rather than sweeping it under the table.
Lara has released a video promo for her concert in Ankara, Turkey, available at:
www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=472622052791464&set=vb.166959643357708
Interestingly, she did not put it on her youtube site.
Lara’s Russian fan website has been updated in its usual fine style; it is available at:
www.lara-fabian.com/
And Lara herself is closing in on the opening of a new official website, at:
larafabian.com/
Lara presumably will return to the west following her last few Russian concerts to(if she indeed gets to them). Her TV appearances, mostly taped ahead of time, will be emerging in the coming weeks, with the first taking place March 16th on TF1, as Lara will be present for “The Voice”, and that will be true the following week, the 23rd as well. On the 29th she will be on both ‘Les Enfants de la Tele (TF1) and Pour un Soir Simplement (France 2). There should be many shows in April, when the album is officially released.
David
