Escale au Grand Rex

Essentially a soundtrack recording for the double DVD, this concert, issued in 2005, offers proof that Bernard Lavilliers — the ever-traveling boxer and convict turned songwriter — came home in fine form, allowing his muse to possess him once again. On this release lasting nearly two hours and containing 22 songs (plus incidental bonus material), Lavilliers performs music from throughout his three-decade career, revealing just how deeply the rhythms of Cuba and Latin America had influenced his songwriting. Commencing with a bouncing, rollicking "Voyageur," the proceedings are energetic, effective, and inspired. Other stops along the way include "On the Road Again," "La Mort du Che," "O Gringo," "Pigalle la Blanche," "La Peur," "La Salsa," and "Stand the Ghetto."