Hubert Mounier first became known in the late ‘80s as the frontman for French band L'Affaire Louis' Trio, where his sophisticated, ironic lyrics blended with a wide array of influences, from jazz to New Wave. But when he struck out on his own in the ‘00s, this songsmith transformed himself from a quirky popster to a cool crooner. He stripped things down, penning songs that spoke from a quieter, moodier place. The result was graceful, melodic music that was more likely to evoke his heroes such as Henri Salvador (with whom he eventually recorded) than his former band.