If you're looking for a life raft in the standardised sea of French chanson, a wind farm to blow away the sonic pollution, Louis Chedid is it. But enough of the laboured analogies. Listen to the music and you'll see what I mean. Louis grew up in Egypt on a strict diet of rock, rhythm 'n' blues, pop and... any other type of music he could get to hear. He remains open-minded and curious to this day, the proud possessor of an overflowing iPod brimming with all styles. He's also no newcomer to the business: his first hit was in 1973, and he actively contributed to creating the French rock scene, very much in awe of UK and US acts at the time. His sense of melody and talent for lyrics have been honed over the years. He often subtly adds Latino or tropical hints to the melody or percussion of his songs, and his perfectionism and integrity - both in preparing his music and the message it conveys, a sort of 'musical ethics' - have made him a respected figure. Standing onstage with just his six-string guitar, voice and moustache for company, you can see - and hear - that Louis savours life, tries to make the make the most of every moment, strives to make the world a better place. You can feel it in the soft, honeyed vocals. Perhaps he's a dreamer, perhaps he's an idealist. H'e probably say that at 50 there are worse things to be.