GHOSTLIGHT RECORDS is proud to announce the release of the debut CD from LISA HOWARD –
one of the Broadway stars of William Finn's The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee – on April
12, 2011. Songs of Innocence and Experience: The Music of William Finn is the first solo recording
to exclusively feature the music of the Tony Award winning composer and lyricist of Falsettos, A New
Brain, Elegies and more.
Songs of Innocence and Experience: The Music of William Finn showcases Finn's trademark
combination of pathos and idiosyncratic wit, brought to life by Howard's extraordinary voice. In addition
to songs from Finn's acclaimed shows Falsettos ("Father To Son," "Trina's Song"), A New Brain
("Sailing") and Elegies ("When The Earth Stopped Turning"), this CD presents the world premiere
recordings from his song-cycle Songs of Innocence and Experience and the yet-unproduced musical The Royal Family of Broadway. Other highlights include the rousing opener "Listen To The Beat" from
Royal Family, the soaring "Infinite Joy" from Elegies, and the tender "That's Enough For Me" from
Romance In Hard Times. Howard's interpretations perfectly capture the pluck, sass and drama that
make Finn such a seminal composer.
On the CD Howard is joined by a 14-piece band led by Music Director Vadim Feichtner and a team of
backing vocalists. Derrick Baskin – her Spelling Bee co-star also known for roles in Memphis and The
Little Mermaid – and Sebastian Arcelus, Broadway star of Elf The Musical, Jersey Boys and Wicked,
join Howard for special duets.
"The first time I heard Lisa Howard sing, my head exploded," said William Finn. "Her diction is always
perfect, her singing powerful yet effortless. When she sings, she illuminates a song like a lightbulb
illuminating a maze. She makes the act of interpreting a song look ridiculously easy, even when it's
ridiculously hard." The CD – which was produced by Vadim Feichtner, with Jen Namoff and Lisa
Howard serving as Executive Producers – features orchestrations by Carmel Dean, Eugene Gwozdz,
Matt Hinkley, Brian Lowdermilk, David Siegel and Michael Starobin.
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