Singer-songwriter Amanda Brecker pays homage to Carole King and James Taylor, and commemorates the 40^th anniversary of ‘Tapestry’, with her beautiful new CD ‘Blossom’, produced by Grammy winner Jesse Harris (Norah Jones, Madeleine Peyroux, more,) and featuring musicians from the original ‘Tapestry’ recordings.

The 12 song collection, set for a February 26^th North American release on Decca, is a breath of fresh air in a noisy pop world – Brecker shows a graceful respect for the seminal music, infusing each track with a sweetness and a delicate touch that is matched by Harris’ understated production. From ‘You’ve Got a Friend’ to ‘So Far Away’ to ‘It’s Too Late,’ ‘Blossom’ is filled with beloved songs that hearken back to another era. A Bonus Track, Brecker’s original ‘You Were Mine’, rounds out the winning collection. Listen to audio samples, here: https://soundcloud.com/cpsecondoctave/sets/blossom

‘Blossom’ Track listing:

1.      Blossom
2.      So Far Away
3.      You Can Close Your Eyes
4.      Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?
5.      Sweet Baby James
6.      It's Too Late
7.      Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight
8.      Long Ago and Far Away
9.      Something In the Way He Moves
10.    Natural Woman
11.    You've Got A Friend
12.    You Were Mine (Amanda Brecker)

In a serendipitous twist, Carole King will be honored with the Recording Academy’s Special Merit Award -- a Lifetime Achievement Award to be presented in early February and acknowledged at the 55^th Annual Grammy Award Ceremony on February 10^th.

Brecker is no stranger to the music world – her parents are respected jazz artists, Brazilian pianist/singer Eliane Elias and trumpeter Randy Brecker – and she’s been an active participant in the recording studio since she was a child.  Over the past four years, Brecker has built a name for herself as an award-winning singer in Japan, releasing a series of albums and ultimately signing with Universal Japan, with ‘Blossom’ as her label debut. The album now sees its North American release via Decca.  A full bio is below.

Amanda Brecker will support the release of ‘Blossom’ with a series of U.S. tour dates. Initial appearances in New York are confirmed, with more cities to be announced soon:

January 12             Caffe Vivaldi (APAP Showcase) New York, NY

January 15             Rockwood Stage #1 New York, NY

January 16             Zinc Bar New York, NY

January 22             Caffe Vivaldi New York, NY

February 5             Caffe Vivaldi New York, NY

February 26           Rockwood Stage #2 (CD release night) New York, NY

March 14                Birdland New York, NY

Brecker comments on the inspiration behind ‘Blossom’:

‘Blossom’ is dedicated to two of the greatest singer/songwriters of our time, James Taylor and Carole King, who through their timeless music have touched the hearts of millions all over the world. I’m thankful to Hiroshi Aono (Universal Japan) for proposing the idea of this tribute album, which also celebrates the 40^th Anniversary of Carole King’s “Tapestry.” It’s with great admiration and respect that I celebrate the music of these two legendary artists.     

Contributing musicians on ‘Blossom’ include Russ Kunkel (drums) and Lee Sklar (bass,) two renowned performers who were part of the original “Tapestry” recording sessions.  ‘Blossom’ was recorded and mixed by Darrel Thorpe (Charlotte Gainsbourg, Radiohead, etc.) in Los Angeles, and mastered by Greg Calbi at Sterling Sound, NYC.