With the body of a bouncer, the looks of a movie star, and a low, sensual voice, Bernard Lavilliers started as a left-wing singer following in the footsteps of Léo Ferré. This boxer-singer rose to stardom in France in the mid-'70s (other Francophone countries followed quickly) and became an icon of the free-thinking singer/songwriter, the conscience of the French bourgeoisie. "O Gringo" is his seventh album. It was recorded in five different studios between April and December 1979. The album featires mix of the styles - from Reggae to Latin & from Pop/Rock to salsa and even traditional Brazilian rhythms.

Lavilliers and the major orchestras work regularly. We remember his tribute to Léo Ferré at the Théâtre du Chatelet in 2006 with the Pasdeloup symphony orchestra… Just a year ago, he gave a unique concert at the Maison de la Radio with the Radio France orchestra. The experience made the singer want to continue the thread of this evening by recording part of his repertoire with a large classical orchestra.