Like many a traveler over a number of years either for pleasure or for relocation, I have been to many exotic locales, such as Paris, Kentucky; London, Ohio; and Lima, Ohio, to name but a few. Obviously, I have not been to European countries, such as the divine France on the CD, Acoustic Paris, but we North Americans like to name our towns after places we may never visit, or maybe came from long ago.

Regardless, if you have never been to France or Peru, all this vamping on my part is to tell you of Putumayo's enjoyable CD offering, Acoustic Paris.

One of the more pleasurable aspects of a Putamayo label CD is that there is often some lagniappe, or extra features thrown in. For example, in addition to the CD, there is a download for the album itself, and a booklet detailing information about the performers and the songs. And joy of joys, one can also access this CD on various media platforms. It's almost like being in the real Paris!

One of the more wonderful aspects for the listener, too, is that, despite the songs being sung in French, one doesn't have to be fluent in French to understand the elements within the music. The feelings evoked by the group, Pomplamoose, a popular online and live group singing "Je Me Suis Fais Tout Petit" with a rockabilly vibe, makes one want to dance. From the notes included with this song, one learns that it is a song about a lover who doesn't pay proper respect to his lady.

With "Un Bateau Une Ile" sung and played by Daniel Roure, one hears the song of the sea, any sea, anywhere, since the siren calls from the sea are essentially the same, once the shore is out of sight, and one can dream and thinkand reminisce. Continuing the trend of songs from various parts of France, Romani singer-guitarist Lollo Meier sings a jazz-style song in the mode of his idol, Django Reinhardt.

Acoustic Paris is packed with the many delights of a dinner prepared by a group of chefs from throughout the world. Even if one has never been to France, this CD is full of songs that make one hunger for more. And that is no bad thing. Bon appetit!