A new CD of American Songbook Composers including George & Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Harold Arlen and Cole Porter has been released by Australian performer Brenda Clarke just in time for Mother’s Day.
Brenda’s love of the American Songbook Composers stemmed from her Mother’s influence of watching all those fabulous Hollywood movie musicals when she was growing up.
This 12 track album is a nostalgic return to some well known standards and lesser known numbers including Embraceable You, I got Rhythm, I Used to be Colour Blind, Come Rain or Come Shine, It’s De-Lovely and the timeless Over the Rainbow.
When revisiting these classic American songs, Brenda has remained true to the composer’s melody and lyrics while performing them in various styles. Her vocal range and dynamic delivery are testament to her years of experience working in the entertainment industry.
A versatile performer, Brenda has worked extensively in theatre, film and television, both in Australia and the United Kingdom. While this is her first solo album, it is not her first experience in the recording studio, having worked as a voice-over artist for TV and radio, a variety of backing vocal sessions and the Australian Cast Album of The Sound of Music.
Brenda has worked with composer Leslie Bricusse for the English production of Sherlock Holmes the Musical starring Ron Moody (Oliver), and participated in the Oxford Musical Writers Workshop with Stephen Sondheim. Other musical credits include: Mame, Kiss Me Kate, The Wizard of Oz, Nunsense, Get Happy, and her own production Perfectly Porter.
For more information, visit: www.brenda-clarke.com for details.
Image: Brenda Clarke CD Cover