Vonda Shepard's career has ranged in scope from early hits in the late '80s with “Don't Cry Ilene” (Reprise Records) and “Can’t We Try” (with Dan Hill) to her work as an independent artist, and then as the voice of Ally McBeal, selling more than 12 million records worldwide throughout the span of the hit TV show.
Her magnificent new CD From the Sun finds her indie roots firmly planted. Infusing her deep and melodic songwriting style with splashes of powerful vocals, From the Sun is also Vonda’s first studio release since 2003 and her fourth collaboration with legendary producer Mitchell Froom (Crowded House, Elvis Costello, Randy Newman). Froom describes the album as “modern-day soul” with Vonda’s solid piano playing and soulful, blues-inspired voice driving the tracks.
From the Sun also features guitarist James Ralston (Tina Turner), bassist Jim Hanson (Johnny Cash, Bruce Springsteen), and drummer Matt Chamberlain (David Bowie, Tori Amos, John Mayer), as well as mixer/engineer David Boucher (Daniel Powter, Indigo Girls, Andrew Bird).
“I love performing live so much – I wanted to write songs that I could really wail on. I love the idea of making and releasing my own records exactly the way I envision them, then going on the road, getting the music out there and having a blast doing it all. I have tons of energy for music and life.”
From the Sun highlights the work of an artist who began performing original material at small L.A. clubs at age 14. Having released five studio albums of original material, a live retrospective and DVD, and four soundtracks for the series Ally McBeal since, Vonda is a remarkable talent with boundless energy and inspiration. Plans are underway for Vonda to support From the Sun with a U.S. tour, TV appearances, in-store performances and radio airplay. The CD will also be released in Europe November 14 on PanShot Records, and an extensive European tour will begin in early 2009.
At a time when pop stars come and go in the flash of a camera bulb, Vonda Shepard’s From the Sun is yet another reason to believe that there is an artist who stands apart, continues to bring us the quality of music that we crave, and is here to stay.
Your show at Yoshi's on Thursday was WONDERFUL! Thanks so much for playing my favorite song ("If I Could Read Your Mind"). Loved the story about Jack- he must be an amazing little person, to be so verbal at two years old!
You are amazing! I listen to your music when I make my art.... Your version of "Don't Think Twice" has a very special place in my heart... for so many reasons I don't know if you sort of saved my life with it.... In a way you did.
I just came home and what was in the post today?? My autographed copy of your new CD!!!! :) :) :) I LOVE your new album!! It´s so good to have you back!! And I can´t wait to see you back on tour next year!! Cause it´s been ways too long since your last tour here in Germany!! So when you´ll be back on tour in Germany - I will definatly be there!!! ;) ;)
Hi Vonda - just wanted to say how much I'm loving 'From The Sun'. It's already my favorite album of yours and is in heavy rotation in my house! The title track is especially beautiful. Hope to catch you on tour soon. :)
Vonda - I am SO in love with "From the Sun"!! So many great tracks - my favorites right now are Ecstatic, Roll in the Dirt, and Downtown - and I always love Mitchell's production. I was just thinking the other day..."I wish Vonda would come out with a new record." Wish granted!!
Thanks for another great album of true musicianship and serious songwriting...two things becoming more and more extinct in this industry. And P.S., your vocals are better than ever!!
