No, it’s not a sour grapes tell all saga of infidelity, more so the joining of two worlds and two minds, one voice one instrument.
World renown Jazz artist, James Morrison and leading Soul/RNB singer Deni Hines join forces for “THE OTHER WOMAN”. A 16 track duet album stacked with classics from Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin and two stellar originals of their own titled “The Other Woman” & “Wake Up”.
Jazz can only be sung when the heart has bled, so they say. Many in the genre refer to Jazz as “the other woman” hence the title of the album and the new original composition.
For James Morrison it’s his passion, his achievements and his stature. For Deni Hines it’s another growth curve in her career and only now hitting her stride.
With the likes of Michael Buble, Diana Krall, Jamie Cullum having mainstream cross-over success we feel that its time some Australian’s got in on the game.
“I discovered that Deni has a deep love and appreciation for so many of the legendary singers that I grew up listening to and when I heard that she wanted to do something with this music I immediately felt it would be a wonderful musical adventure - plus she has such a great voice” says James.
“I’ve always had the utmost respect for James Morrison, geez, he’s an Australian legend and icon, the opportunity to do an album with him is beyond my wildest dreams”, says an excited Deni. “I’ve grown up listening to these classics and I’m now at an age where I can relate to the context, the feel of it and to state the obvious, man I’ve lived it”, remarks Deni.
From James Morrison
The track selection is a real mix, including absolute classics (like Summertime), less often heard early pieces (like Strange Fruit), some bluesy grooves and a couple of originals. The thing that ties it all together is that delicious 'soul' feel that Deni brings to whatever she does (and the odd trumpet solo too!).
After touring and recording for many years, the main focus of a musician becomes finding new ways to present the music they love to their audience. This album is an opportunity to collaborate with a vocalist coming from a different tradition to myself and to see where we meet. Developing ideas like this can often lead one in new directions that would otherwise perhaps not have been explored.
We have written two originals for this project. "Wake Up" is a song that speaks of the sometimes nightmare-like state that the world is in and expresses the feeling that I need to 'wake up' to the world that could be - paradoxically, a world that at this stage is only in our dreams.
"The Other Woman" is an interesting one. There are two songs on this album - both with this same name. Of course the famous one sung by Nina Simone and our new original. Deni had put together the song list (without our own 'Other Woman') and we’d named the album after that track. As we worked on the material I felt that although Nina's version is a beautiful song, it's also very sad and not really a great title track - it doesn't really say what Deni and I are about. The trouble was, we still liked the name "The Other Woman" for the album.
Late one night I started thinking about how Deni would be singing if she were the 'other woman' and an idea came to me for a song that was much sassier, much more vibrant - much more like Deni. So we ended up with two!
I think this music will speak to people who are not only Deni fans or James fans - but most of all, fans of passionate music with an earthy groove.
From Deni Hines
While I was doing Dusty last year, I got into all the good music from way back in the day. Like back in 1915! Way before my time but these songs were still good. I thought to myself, ‘who could reproduce this with me in Australia’ and a little voice said James M. So the story begins..
I chose these songs due to the way they still had an impact on me today 2007. “Strange Fruit”. What a song, originally sung by Miss Billie Holiday, haunting lyrics with an eerie feel. “Them There Eyes” by Ella Fitzgerald, well ladies, I know I have had this feeling that the song talks about!!. “The Other Woman” by Nina Simone, this is a sad sad song I chose it because at some stage in my life, I have been the other woman, sadly unbeknown to me. “Too Darn Hot'” - what a groove, Ella Swung this like no-one else. “SummerTime” is a classic song from way back in the day, that still gives a great image today. “The Man I Love”, well this is my mantra… I love what this song has to say. It gives me hope at all times. “Someone To Watch Over Me”….Ella, Ella,Ella, what a song.. “God Bless The Child” I recall my Grandma used to whistle this around the house when I was young, a good message in this song. “The Very Thought of You” - this a cute song that speaks of how forgetful some can become when in love...hehehe. “All The Kings Horses” by Miss A Franklin, this is a classic love break up song. I love how the verses are all sweet and nice, then all hell breaks loose in the chorus when the relationship finds it's self on shaky ground. They don't write songs like this anymore..bummer!. “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” another way of saying.. no, I'm not crying, its the smoke in my eyes...lol. “Lady Sings the Blues”, a classic Billie Holiday song, broken hearted, can't find the right love. story of my life..yish! “I Only Have Eyes for You”. A great song about being in love and being totally blind to all around you, except your love by your side. “Turn Me On”- Nina Simone. A song that talks about a woman waiting for her man to return from wherever he is, and turn her on..
As artist, I like to learn new things and expand my musical knowledge. Singing these songs and working with James on this project will be the biggest learning curve I have had in about 5 years. In saying that, it makes me both excited and very nervous. Classic songs sung by me. I hope I don't make anyone annoyed. I have the utmost respect for all the artists I am covering. They are some of the best female singers of all time. I hope by me doing this Album, I will open up new doors of music and musical minds. Maybe people who have never wanted to purchase a Deni Hines album, will take a second look at A Jazz album by James Morrison and Deni Hines. Full of great songs and great instrumentation.. Expect the Unexpected and be pleasantly surprised
Deni Hines has sold in excess of 1.2 million records worldwide with hits such as “Its’ Alright”, “Aint No Sunshine”, That Word LOVE”, It’s Not Over”, “Joy”, “I Like The Way” in Australia, UK, France and 1 in Japan. She received an ARIA award for breakthrough artist and has performed in hit musicals such as “Jesus Christ Superstar”, “Big River” and more recently “Dusty: the Original Pop Diva”.
Deni has hosted her own music TV program “Soul Kitchen” on Channel V, toured with Earth Wind & Fire, Lighthouse Family and Chaka Khan to name a few.
This is just another journey in the path of Deni’s illustrious career.
James Morrison is well known for his trumpet prowess, but he is also a true multi-instrumentalist, playing the trombone, euphonium, flugelhorn, tuba, saxophone and piano, to name a few. He is also a composer, writing for ensembles of various sizes and styles, be that the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, or a local school band. In 1997, James was recognised for his service to the arts in Australia and awarded a medal of The Order of Australia.
James has performed with Dizzy Gillespie (the first Australian to do so), Don Burrows, Ray Charles and BB King for a 1990 World Tour, Wynton Marsalis, Frank Sinatra, Whitney Houston, Quincy Jones and George Benson. James sponsors yearly scholarships for young musicians, and is actively involved with several youth bands. Having released over 19 albums in his career thus far, James doesn’t look like slowing down any time yet.
“THE OTHER WOMAN” is an album that’s perfect for all occasions, be that dinner parties, chilling out on the train with the ipod, or even when you need a wild ride. No matter what the mood, this music speaks to your soul.
Deni Hines & James Morrison's Friend Space (Top 8)
Wts goin on, just passing through to say i have new tracks on my myspace from the latin jazz vol.1 plz check them out peace P.s dnt 4get 2 give me feedback it will be much appreciated.
Hi Deni! was great to see you at our W&t's gig, hope you enjoyed it. All the best with this project, looks like some great gigs coming up! cheers mark and anth the hipstones
Hi Deni and James Love this album. Favourite songs are Someone To Watch Over Me and I Only Have Eyes For You. But I love them all really. I look forward to seeing you both in Hobart in February. cheers Elizabeth
Too Darn Hot, I think it's you Deni who is too darn hot!! anyway thanks for the add request, looks like you're a real jazzer now, playing with JM and all. All the best Mr. J Nouveau
Mizz Deni..Love love love your voice! Can never get bored of hearing you sing. Will let you know when my soul/r'n'b/jazz EP is done in Nov, would luv for you to hear it. Keep spreading that voice of yours & hope to see you in Melb again soon :)
Hello Deni and James, Thanks for the add. Love this song. Can't wait for the album to be released.Hope to see you somewhere around the country soon. best wishes Elizabeth.
The Other Woman album will be released on the 13th October 2007 through MRA Entertainment. The track "I Only Have Eyes For You" will be released to radio on the 17th September. Stay tuned for more updates.
