This album is a retrospective that is a must-have for all lovers of musical theater. Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt first won fame as the creators of The Fantasticks- the longest-running musical in the history of the world, with more than 21,000 performances given in New York over a period of 58 years. But the Jones & Schmidt musicals also include Broadway classics such as "I Do! I Do!," "110 in the Shade," and "Celebration." Selections from these and 12 other shows are included in this deluxe release, which features many previously unreleased "demos" by the songwriters themselves. Jones & Schmidt worked closely with Producer Bill Rudman for over two years to ensure that this album would best represent their legacy. "The purpose of theater is always to reveal us to ourselves. To help us perceive the 'poetry' beneath the prose and the minutiae of our lives. To make us exalt. To make us feel. And not least of all, to make us laugh." (Tom Jones)
For her new recording project "Brother Brother" Anne Ducros wanted a big, blazing sound and boy did she get it! Magnificently arranged by Italian Maestro Giuseppe Emmanuele for the symphonic orchestra, this record combines stunning classical musicians and jazz virtuosos who together recall the greatest orchestrated big-band jazz sounds of the past. Anne once again brings her own style and voice to these carefully chosen songs with the exquisite elegance she is known for. The repertoire includes iconic pop songs and great jazz standards and in Ms Ducros’ skilful hands the genres blend together seamlessly. A selection of vocal music history is presented here honouring the icons of pop, soul and jazz music with compositions from Sting, Stevi Wonder, Joe Cocker as well as songs made famous by great french and american voices such as Juliette Gréco, Yves Montant and Etta James. This album is an emotive plea for joy of life and brotherhood. "Brother Brother" references Marvin Gaye's iconic tune "What’s Going On?" and is Anne's beautiful tribute to her own music-loving brother who passed away in 2016.