by Ken DrydenMichel Petrucciani worked long and hard to come up with some of the extensive medleys heard in this brilliant solo piano concert, Au Theatre des Champs-Elysees. Much like the intriguing medley Potpourri heard on his American debut (100 Hearts), Petrucciani blends a number of recurring themes into a smoldering performance; the 40-plus-minute opening medley includes numerous songs, including Maiden Voyage, On Green Dolphin Street and more. A breakaway run through Monk's I Mean You unfolds into a very dramatic arrangement of 'Round About Midnight. His original waltz Even Mice Dance is segued into a startling virtuoso adaptation of Caravan. Two original ballads, Night Sun in Blois and Love Letter, add to the rich texture of this live date. The two-CD set closes with a dazzling rendition of Bésame Mucho, which he restores to grace by bringing out the lyricism of this very sad ballad, which is often destroyed when played by less talented musicians.