Pop Reviews : An Energetic Goldman Saturday at the Palace

It was pretty obvious from the two drum sets and the double bank of synthesizers flanking the stage at the Palace on Saturday that Jean-Jacques Goldman was not about to embark on a set of wimpy French cabaret songs.

Far from it. The Gallic singer/guitarist who’s been described as the French Bruce Springsteen lived up to that comparison with a collection of high-energy material. The two-hour, non-stop program included everything from his early hit “Je Te Donne” to the more recent “La-Bas” and “Entre Gris Clair Et Gris Fonce.” There was an a cappella gospel song performed with Goldman and his seven musicians lined up dramatically across the stage; there were powerful guitar solos--especially on “Puisque Tu Pars”--and dramatic ensemble work.

Above all, there was Goldman’s charismatic presence and sheer musicality. One may have sensed at times that his heart was with Charles Aznavour and Yves Montand, but there was never any doubt that his spirit and energy were with rock ‘n’ roll. If they’ve got any more like Goldman back in Paris, and if they’ll sing a few songs in English, the French Wave just might be one of the most fascinating new sounds of the ‘90s.