Melody Gardot & Philippe Powell - Entre eux deux, The Paris Sessions

Following the celebrated success of 2022’s ‘Entre eux deux’, where  Melody Gardot joined forces with French-born, composer and pianist Philippe Powell (son of Baden Powell) for her first-ever studio album in duo, the pair are back with ‘Entre eux deux: The Paris Sessions’, which is an EP of four handpicked songs from the album, set with brand-new luscious string arrangements. 

There are four songs chosen for the EP by Powell and Gardot including the captivating ‘This Foolish Heart Could Love You’ described by Jazzwise as a “standard-in-the-making”, ‘Perhaps You’ll Wonder Why’, ‘Darling Fare Thee Well’  and ‘Samba Em Prelúdio’ a song that pays tribute to and revisits the legacy of Powell’s father (Brazilian composer/guitarist Baden Powell), proudly carrying the Franco-Brazilian torch lit so many years ago between celebrated artists Pierre Barouh, Vinicius de Moraes, and Baden Powell. The arrangements feel even more like “instant classics” thanks to the expertise of Alan Broadbent, renowned pianist, composer, and arranger, who has worked with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Charlie Haden, Diana Krall, and Natalie Cole. This stunning quartet lineup features members of the National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia (violinists Astghik Vardanyan and Gohar Papoyan and violist Astghik Gazhoyan) and Armenian-born musician and producer Artyom Manukyan on cello. The ensemble was also featured on Gardot’s most recent ‘Entre eux deux’ tour in 2022. 

"We're thrilled to be working with such an incredible team of musicians and collaborators," says Gardot. "We wanted to create something special for our fans to celebrate the one-year anniversary of ‘Entre eux deux’, and we couldn't be happier with the results. Press releases are boring. Just listen to it…"

Regarding the new collaboration, Powell explains, “In Paris, during the rehearsals the stunning musical encounter with these four incredible artists took place. They came from Yerevan, during a time when the Armenians were suffering the effects of a war that continues to this day. Yet, from the first notes played together, the songs we had written were suddenly reinvented with their hope, love, and strength. At each concert, this expression became deeper and the music was renewed. Through this recording, we had the chance to capture this musical communion. We hope it will touch your hearts...”

In addition to the release of her 6th studio album and first duo collaboration, 2022 saw Gardot receive the prestigious title of Chevalier in the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, France’s highest cultural accolade, and undertake an extensive run of live dates, including five sold out shows in Paris. This year, from June stretching into early 2024, Melody embarks on a global tour including multiple runs in North America and Europe. Full tour dates and tickets are available here.

‘Entre eux deux’ shines a spotlight on both artists in their lane as composers and performers, showcasing Gardot’s mellifluous vocals and Powell’s consummate piano technique and a seemingly telepathic connection between two distinctive musical voices. Now with the addition of rich string arrangements, ‘Entre eux deux: The Paris Sessions’ further illuminates the duos breathtaking collaboration.