Romantika by Anders Holst (CD) The Sting of Stockholm/Romantic JazzPop/Last Copy

Description: "I do believe that his honest and original love songs can give romantic music a brand new chance, so do your heart a favor, check him out." -- Quincy Jones Anders Holst is a regal contender to become the new crowned prince of contemporary romantic music. The original compositions across Romantika glide with the ease and beauty of a springtime drive through the countryside. Utilizing the gloss of majestic grand piano, breezy horns, sweet sax and whispering strings, Holst accompanies with a vocal style that sweeps the listener along, even as he offers a frank lyrical portrait of decidedly grown-up themes: love gone wrong, resulting sorrow and isolation along with hints of resolve and redemption. Ironically, while his life was always surrounded by music, the Swedish-born Holst was unknowingly destined to become a career musician. With a background in strategic management consulting, he eventually moved to the United States as co-chairman of the Ross Institute, which fostered international dialogue about teaching, health care and the environment. But melodies pervaded his soul. Writing his first song at age 11 and performing for friends and family, in 2005 and by then living in New York, Holst released smooth jazz-infused debut EP Five, recorded in Sweden and Los Angeles. Among the highlights: Until the End of Time, which features tenor sax player Gerald Albright and guitarist Paul Jackson Jr. Romantika ushers in a new chapter for the superlative singer, songwriter and producer, conjuring a varied palette of performers, including Alan Parsons, Seal, Sting and Chicago. The album was recorded in Stockholm and produced and arranged by Alar Suurna, Jerker Eklund, Mats Byström and Holst. Highlights on the collection include the reflective Two Sides, exploring the idea that it first takes pain to journey into healing; jaunty A Lonelier Laughter, looking back on love that We almost got right ; and the regretful, melancholy Tainted Shots, in which Holst sings, Why didn't we talk things over? Why didn't we speak the words of truth/So many miles ahead, We will never walk. He also serves up a cool, jazzy take on Billy Joel s 1993 hit All About Soul, colored with sensual saxophone. Romantika closes with the beautiful Lovers in the Dark, a confessional treatise on the downturn of his ultimate love, with the poetic observation, Autumn came around/Leaves on the ground/Follow them down? Three years since making an impressionable introduction with the release the 'Five'EP, New York City based, Swedish-born Anders Holst, is back to seduce listeners once again with the release of his long-awaited full-length debut album, 'Romantika'. This 10 song collection recaptures his remarkable fondness for penning songs that are truly from and of the heart, while adding both a genuine and refined pop sensitivity and an incomparable elegance. Romantika's carefree ease adds a much-needed finesse to the ever-changing adult contemporary canon. Lush in Anders' emotive candor, the album explores countless sides of love and heartbreak, vulnerability and redemption. Even in love's grayest moments comes peace, and such a theme flourishes throughout these heartfelt songs, especially on the ballad, "Fight the Tide." A refreshing sense of optimism pours from Anders' songwriting. From the lilting, piano-driven ballad of "Lovers In the Dark", which also hits upon the album's rich, soulful spirit, recalling the jazz-tinged sophistication of Michel Legrand to Anders' sultry rendition of Billy Joel's "All About Soul," Anders' lyrical honesty and refined approach is true. Anders co-produced and arranged the album with Alar Suurna, Jerker Eklund and Mats Bystrom. Billboard's Fred Bronson said, "It grabbed me instantly; I haven't heard music and lyrics like this before. When you can play something unique after listening to music for 35 years, that's fantastic!" WHAT THE PRESS ARE SAYING: "...a regal contender to become the new crowned prince of contemporary romantic music." BILLBOARD MAGAZINE "I love this album. I've been eagerly awaiting it's arrival. I've been a fan since the very first moment I heard Anders' voice. His choice of instrumentation to offset his distinctively rich, stylish voice is impeccable... His boyish good looks and penetrating stare fill the deliciously artful cover... possibly making it worth bypassing the download and opting for the tactile experience. Even the coolest hearts will find traces of warmth that they forgot existed upon hearing Romantika." SMOOTH JAZZ.COM "The Sting of Stockholm is back and this time he's singing about love. From start to finish the lyrics and music on Romantika come together for a mellow and easy sound...Holst sings like a man comfortable in his own skin. He does not try to fit into the jazz singer mold; he just sings his own song. Maybe Holst would consider leading men on a journey from Mars to Venus?" ALLABOUTJAZZ.COM "He begins the album with a stroke of genius - a cover of Billy Joel's 'All About Soul' that surpasses the original with it's careful but tender reading, sparked by David Wilczewski's sax solo.... His baritone voice recalls Roxy Music's Bryan Ferry, or perhaps at times a more mellow Kurt Elling. His material is overtly romantic, but never cloying or cliched. That's a potent combination." STRAIGHT NO CHASER JAZZ ''All About Soul' is the best I've heard from Holst... his smooth jazz interpretation makes it a great track for our smooth jazz channel. People hear Boz Scaggs and Robert Palmer in the music ... The vocal approach is best described as a blend of Bryan Ferry and Peter Gabriel." MUSIC CHOICE 'The album itself highlights Holst's ability to perform cool jazz and groove. Holst's song writing melds fervent, solicitous, fanciful lyrics with strains that will touch your heart, mind and soul... this release will drive you through a sentimental pilgrimage, visiting jazz and blues in contemporary soundscapes. Heartily recommended!' JAZZ REVIEW "Soulful Swedish singer/songwriter Anders Holst blends smoky jazz with the adult contemporary melodicism of Sting, Seal, and Leonard Cohen. Introspective, spiritual, and romantic, Anders deftly weaves pop, jazz, and classical into a smooth style all it's own." ALL MUSIC GUIDE "Kick off your heels, ladies, and pour yourself a glass of champagne - because this one's for you and it's bound to be romantic. Swedish singer Anders Holst will ease you into tenderness with his soothing, smooth voice and mix of soul, jazz, and melodies that will linger in your mind. And it doesn't hurt that the guy is good looking." NORDIC REACH "Anders Holst's album, Romantika, has forever changed the way artists will compose Jazz music." THE QUE 98.2FM. Combined shipping discount on all items unless otherwise noted. Just use the add to cart option and proceed to checkout when done. Please note that the Buy It Now button voids the discount.

Price: 11.99 USD

Location: Old Saybrook, Connecticut

End Time: 2024-02-26T20:36:23.000Z

Shipping Cost: 3.95 USD