*** Raquel Bitton, “Sings Edith Piaf,” Higher Octave. *** Charles Aznavour, “Live at the Palais Des Congres 97/98,” EMI.

Mention French cabaret and the names Edith Piaf and Charles Aznavour always come to mind. Piaf, of course, has been a seminal figure, a primary influence and a musical model since her death in 1963 at the age of 47. French Moroccan singer Bitton (a longtime Bay Area resident) does indeed sing the songs of Edith Piaf, but she does not do a simulation or an impression. Her remarkable French articulation of the lyrics to such classics as “La vie en rose” and “Non, je ne regrette rien” is Piaf-like, but Bitton’s phrasing and her sound are her own. The result is a glorious contemporizing of one of the classic 20th century musical styles.

The two-CD Aznavour set traces to a greatest-hits concert recorded during his sold-out run at Paris’ Palais Des Congres in 1997 and 1998. His connection with Piaf (he was a close friend and companion in the early ‘50s) is immediately celebrated via a duet (in the manner of Natalie and Nat King Cole’s “Unforgettable”) with a Piaf recording of “Plus bleu que tes yeux.” A collection of 36 Aznavour songs will appeal most to his serious fans, but even the casual listener will appreciate the charm and the sophistication of “La boheme,” “Je m’voyais deja” and “Il faut savoir.”

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