Amy Winehouse - Lioness: Hidden Treasures

"It was very exciting to work with Amy Winehouse. When you listen to the recording of 'Body And Soul,' it's a testament to her artistic genius and brilliance as one of the most honest musicians I've ever known." Tony Bennett

On the album "Lioness: Hidden Treasures", the best twelve unreleased songs of the gifted singer were compiled in consultation with Amy's family by some of her former producers, including Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi. The producers noticed that she never interpreted a song the same way, which also brought some well-known songs in new edition to the posthumous album. The rest of the tracks are from all the times before, during and after her two albums "Frank" and "Back To Black".

Her father Mitch Winehouse on the album: "I spent so much time chasing Amy around and telling her off that I never realized what a true genius she was. It wasn't until I sat down and listened to this album with the rest of the family that I realized the range of Amy's talent, from jazz standards to hip-hop, and it really took my breath away. 'Halftime' was something I had never heard before. It's just incredibly beautiful. If the family hadn't been sure this album would live up to the standards of 'Frank' and 'Back To Black,' we never would have agreed to release it. We believe it will be a fitting tribute to Amy's musical legacy."

In memory of Amy Winehouse, we look forward to "Lioness: Hidden Treasures", an album that will once again remind us of the genius of one of the most talented, authentic and beloved singers of our time 

(universal-music. de)

The tracklisting is as follows:

"Our Day Will Come (Reggae Version)" - reggae reworking of the 60's doo wop classic produced by Salaam Remi. Recorded in May 2002.

"Between The Cheats" - a new composition by Amy, recorded in London in May 2008 for possible inclusion on album #3, produced by Salaam Remi.

"Tears Dry" - Originally written by Amy as a ballad. This is the original version she recorded in Miami with Salaam in November 2005. The later uptempo version appeared on "Back To Black".

' "Wake Up Alone" - The first song recorded for the "Back To Black" sessions. This is a one-take demo recorded in March 2006 by Paul O'Duffy.

"Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" - Amy's beautiful version of the Shirelles classic song written by Carole King. Produced by Mark Ronson and featuring The Dap Kings with string arrangements by Chris Elliott, who was responsible for all the strings on Mark's tracks for "Back To Black". Recorded in September 2004.

"Valerie" - one of Amy's jukebox favorites. This is the original slow tempo version produced by Mark Ronson after "Back To Black". Recorded in December 2006.

"Like Smoke" featuring NAS - Amy and Nas became very good friends after Amy mentioned the New York rapper by name on the song "Me & Mr Jones" ("Back To Black"). With "Like Smoke," Amy recorded a song with one of her favorite artists. Produced by Salaam Remi. Recorded in May 2008.

"The Girl From Ipanema" - the first song that the then 18-year-old Amy sang when she first went to Miami to record with Salaam. Salaam noted, "The way she reinterpreted this bossa nova classic made it clear to me that I was dealing with a very special talent. Her approach to the song was so young and fresh, it really inspired the rest of our sessions." Recorded in May 2002.

"Halftime" - Amy had been talking with Ahmir 'Questlove' Thompson of The Roots about a collaboration. "Halftime" is a song that Amy and Salaam have been working on since the "Frank" sessions. The result is beautiful. Recorded in August 2002.

"Best Friends" - live set opening song of the "Frank" era produced by Salaam Remi. Probably the first song early fans of Amy heard from her live. Recorded in February 2003.

"Body & Soul" with Tony Bennett - a cover of the 30's jazz classic featuring hero Tony Bennett. Recorded at Abbey Road Studios London in March 2011 and produced by Phil Ramone. Amy's last studio recording.

"A Song For You" - a heartbreaking and emotional version of the Leon Russell classic by the famous Donny Hathaway. Hathaway was Amy's all-time favorite artist. The song was created with a single recording, just Amy and her guitar, at her home in London in the spring of 2009 as she battled her demons. Produced by Salaam Remi 

Reviews

,,No question at all: Of course Amy Winehouse would have wished that these songs would see the light of day! In this respect ,,Lioness: Hidden Treasures" must definitely be understood as a friendship service." (Rolling Stone, January 2012) 

"From the estate of Amy Winehouse, Salaam Remi and Mark Ronson put together twelve quite heterogeneous recordings of the last ten years for the posthumous third album of the chanteuse." (Stereo, February 2012) 

,,Twelve recordings that pay tribute to the talent and voice of Amy Winehouse." (Stereoplay, February 2012) 

,, "Lioness: Hidden Treasures" is the result of a successful treasure hunt." (Audio, February 2012) 

,, "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow," formerly a hit with the Shirelles, she had recorded back in 2004. Here it is a highlight. The 1930 Edward Heyman composition "Body & Soul" (in a duet with Tony Bennett) and Leon Russell's "A Song For You" close this worthy farewell album from an impressive artist." (Good Times, February / March 2012)