I've
started recording my latest project, and it is scheduled to be
released in November. I'm grateful to Andreas Hellingh for me giving this
opportunity to bring you up to date on what I've been doing since
"No Regrets."
The
support and encourgement of my fans across Europe mean a great deal
to me. During the period after Gold Circle (the company that first
put out, "No Regrets") went out of business, I was certainly buoyed
by the fact that so many people were listening to my music! Because
I got no reports (or revenue) from the label, the only way I could
keep up was through the internet. And what surprises I found! My
music was being played all across Great Britain, as well as Finland,
the Netherlands, Germany, France, and even Hong Kong. So I thank
all of you and hope you'll stayed tuned for my next project.
"Setting New Standards", will give me a chance to explore the roots
of my music exposure. Being the the South, much of my first music
experience was gospel at my Baptist church. At home I had older
brothers who only played jazz music, and very little R&B or soul
music. But those two music genres form the basis of my musical
exploration on this next project.
I
wanted to pay tribute to some of the great standards that I have
come to know, so among the songs you'll hear will be, "Time After
Time", as well as the beautifully haunting, "You Are Too Beautiful."
Of course, with arrangements being done by both Phil Davis(www.phdproductions.net,)
and Kenny Banks (www.kennybanks.com),
each song has a twist or two that makes it sound brand new, yet
still respects its classic form.
We're
also excited about the arrangements of a couple of Negro Spirituals,
which were songs of hope and praise written during and immediately
after the years of slavery in the U.S. (mid 1800's). "Wade in the
Water", produced and arranged by Phil, features the outstanding
percussive talents of "L'il" John Roberts, who has toured and/or
recorded with Janet Jackson, Rachelle Ferrell, Musiq Soulchild, and
Al Jarreau, among others. The swinging, "Since I Laid my Burdens
Down", was arranged by Kenny Banks. It's been a great crowd pleaser
here for audiences in Atlanta as well as New York, and I'm hoping
you'll be bobbing your head and patting your feet when you hear it,
too.
And of
course, I'm very excited about my originals, one of which is
entitled, "Cool Blue Water." I love it, and it's a rhythmic
departure from anything I've done previously. Can't wait for you to
hear it.
My CD
will be available online at
www.kathleenbertrand.com sometime in
November. We're working through details for placment on CDnow as
well as Amazon. Andreas will be THE FIRST to have it, so stay
tuned to his site for the exact release date, or check back with
me. Be sure and buy it and tell your friends!! I look forward to
hearing from you...
All
the best to you,
Kathleen Bertrand
Article written by Kathleen Bertrand - September, 2005.
© 2005 The Soul of Amsterdam/Kathleen Bertrand
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