The Puppini Sisters new album and single released
The Puppini Sisters
‘Hollywood’
The new album was released 14th November 2011
The new single ‘Hollywood’ was released 14th November 2011
On Decca Records
The glamour and lights of Hollywood’s golden age are celebrated with The Puppini Sisters’ fourth album. ‘Hollywood’ is a gloriously evocative record that pays homage to the music of the silver screen in The Puppini Sisters’ inimitably stylish manner. The Puppini Sisters – real names Stephanie O’Brien, Marcella Puppini and Kate Mullins – have always had a fascination with the idols and history of early Hollywood, but the rearrangements and vivacity the classically-trained performers have brought to the album ensures each classic number is being heard here as if for the very first time. For example, ‘Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend’ – immortalised by Marilyn Monroe in ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’ – is musically recast as a sparky, upbeat number but is sung in a minor key to give it a more subversive and sinister nature. Meanwhile the classic, chirpy ‘Good Morning’ becomes a reluctant, stiff-upper-lip wake-up call. That ability to renew and revivify each song, effortlessly harmonising vocal lines while staying true to the classic Tinseltown aesthetic, is evident all throughout ‘Hollywood,’ which was recorded in the old-fashioned way by the three ladies all standing round one microphone. The album takes in a whole range of dynamics, from the tongue-twisting ‘Moi Je Joue’ and the high-energy upswing of ‘I Got Rhythm’ – written by the Gershwin brothers – to a delicately fragile take on ‘Moon River’ and Frank Sinatra’s ‘September Song.’ On each song, the sweetly charming vocal harmonies of the Puppinis bring to new life songs that have existed in the public consciousness for over half a century. Introducing this richly arranged set of songs is the title track, penned by the band themselves. Over a rumbling double bass and vibrant horns, ‘Hollywood’ could quite easily fit into any film from cinema’s Technicolor beginnings. A song about “the pursuit of getting your name in lights”, ‘Hollywood’ is a gateway into the deliriously exciting musical world The Puppini Sisters are exploring, yet is quintessentially the sound of the band themselves. The links with the Hollywood dream don’t end with the music, as The Puppini Sisters have been feeling the bright lights of attention on them more and more over the past few years. The band were personally handpicked by Michael Bublé to appear on two songs on his upcoming Christmas album – including the first single – while they will also perform with him at his upcoming ITV special. Working with Bublé has been a personal highlight of the past year, with Marcella saying “it was amazing to work with such an incredible artist.” The girls have also been fortunate enough to join up with Mad Men designer Janie Bryant as their Creative Director. Janie worked with the band on their photo shoot and video for ‘Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend’, and Kate stated it was “like a dream come true … Janie is a joy to be around. I’ve never felt so glam!”
The Puppini Sisters have been thrilling audiences with their close harmonies and chic image since before their Gold-certified debut album, 2006’s ‘Betcha Bottom Dollar.’ After viewing the French film ‘Belleville Rendez-Vous’, Marcella was inspired to form an act with fellow Trinity College students Kate and Stephanie that would marry a timeless sense of style with effortless charm and refreshingly masterful musicianship. Starting out in 2004 with a dedicated following before they were even signed, The Puppini Sisters were at the vanguard of the burgeoning retro burlesque revival. Their second album, 2007’s ‘The Rise & Fall Of Ruby Woo’ refined their retro-pop styling and asserted their position on the international stage, becoming their second Top 5 album in the US Jazz Charts. With TV appearances and tours worldwide, the band soon developed a large fan base throughout Europe and in North America. Last year saw the release of ‘Christmas With The Puppinis’ to coincide with their annual seasonal shows, which have become a highlight of the festive calendar and will again return to the UK this December. As Stephanie notes, The Puppini Sisters’ take on life is that “whenever we have a strong idea, we go for it” – this has extended to all parts of their fabulous career to date and has led to an album that not only spectacularly evokes a bygone era but also distils the Puppini ethos perfectly. The Puppini Sisters are the living embodiment of 1940s glamour, and ‘Hollywood’ will take the listener right back to a more alluring time, where stars were stars and dreams are lived. The Puppini Sisters will be on tour this December for their Christmas Special Shows:
Tuesday 6th December Cardiff Glee Club
Wednesday 7th December Birmingham Town Hall
Thursday 8th December Gateshead The Sage
Sunday 11th December London Union Chapel
Monday 12th December Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms
‘Hollywood’ Tracklisting:
1. Hollywood
2. Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend
3. I Got Rhythm
4. Moi Je Joue
5. True Love
6. Good Morning
7. Get Happy
8. Moon River
9. I Feel Pretty
10. September Song
11. Parle Plus Bas
www.thepuppinisisters.com
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