On this stunningly fresh collection of performances of songs from the well-worn
repertoire of Judy Garland, Hilary Kole reveals and brings new life to the emotional core
of each tune while revealing herself as a consummate interpreter. While never
attempting to imitate Garland, Hilary tells Judy’s story — relaying the joy of
falling in love, the hope that love will prevail, the heartbreak when love
fails. And most importantly, the gathering of the will and desire to pick
oneself up again to give it one more try.
Song choices
are based on Hilary’s successful live performances of the Judy canon, her “Over
the Rainbow” tribute concerts held the world over. Fresh from a series of these
performances, Hilary brought the energy and vitality of the live concert hall
to into the studio on Manhattan’s Lower East Side.
Then,
finally, the icing on the cake: Hilary Kole’s stunning interpretation of the
most famous song of all. The signature tune that followed Judy through her
whole life, changing meanings constantly from her teen years through her
battles with demons of all kinds. The song that was almost cut from its famous
movie because it was “too sad”. The song written in 1939, as World War II was
brewing in Europe, the Great Depression was in full swing here at home, and
storm clouds were gathering. It is from that starting point that Kole began
writing her remarkable string quartet arrangement to that remarkable song. In
her equally stunning vocal performance, she embodies every measure of despair —
yet every measure of hope — the composers intended. It is a show stopper. - Richard
Barone, Producer
I remember
my father, who was then my biggest musical influence (he was a Broadway singer
back in the day and a great vocal coach) sitting me down when I was ten or
eleven to watch The Judy Garland Show. Now, I was a huge fan from seeing Judy
as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz – like the rest of the world. But this sealed
the deal for me. She was a pro's pro. A singer's singer. I fell madly in love
with her and her love of performing. With this project, I hoped to capture her
love of these songs, done in my own way, but with a very respectful nod to
someone who has influenced me beyond belief. So many times I have thought about
how to approach a certain song or phrase in a song, and so many times I have
asked myself – how would Judy do it? She was fearless, as I aspire to be on
stage and in the studio. I recorded this project to pay homage to a singular
talent, and to thank her for changing my life. - Hilary Kole
Tracklisting:
Zing! Went
the Strings of My Heart
The Boy Next
Door
Just in Time
You Made Me
Love You
Stompin' at
the Savoy
The Man That
Got Away
A Cottage
for Sale
I Wish I
Were in Love Again
Look for the
Silver Lining
The Trolley
Song
Get Happy
Embraceable
You
As Long As
He Needs Me
It Never Was
You
Over the
Rainbow
1 comment:
Nice work
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