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| Critical Acclaim for Valerie Ghent "The French Sessions" New CD & France Tour 2017 Powerhouse NYC recording artist Valerie Ghent celebrates the release of her surprise new album, The French Sessions, with a June tour in France. An inspired musical adventure, The French Sessions takes the listener from ballads to blues; from smooth soul, jazz and funk to French chanson; from reggae to rock. Uniting the album into a stellar whole is Valerie's evocative, emotive voice that can hurtle into the stratosphere, whisper in your ear or fall into a low croon at will, the extraordinary talents of co-producer Jérôme Buigues and the undeniable groove of the French musicians. With a voice that "touches your soul" matched by Valerie's powerful keyboard chops, her sterling record production, songwriting and engineering skills, and her radiant physicality shaped by years of martial arts training, combined with her vitality and joy, Valerie's music transforms listeners and fans around the world. Completing The French Sessions are A-list musicians from France & NYC whose collective credits include Luther Vandross, Ashford & Simpson, Serge Gainsbourg, Nina Simone, Cliff Richard, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Gerard Blanc, Chic, Beyonce, Ray Lema, Roberta Flack, Stevie Wonder, Toto, Debbie Harry, Franck Biyong & many more. Why The French Sessions? "My mother was born in Paris and I've been retracing her steps there, reconnecting with long-lost family while writing and recording the songs on this album. The French Sessions was born in France - all twelve songs were recorded in Provence. The entire album was mixed in the French countryside by Jérôme Buigues, in a studio surrounded by Provençal vineyards. Magical really, an incredible journey of discovery, history and love." For her first-ever release in France and fifth solo album, Valerie draws on the full range of her talents forged over 20+ years performing & recording alongside music luminaries Ashford & Simpson, Nina Simone, Debbie Harry & Cliff Richard to deliver a breathtaking, spell-binding performance that draws the listener in and never lets go. "Ever since recording Nina Simone in the South of France I dreamed of making an album here" says Valerie. "The French Sessions is a dream come true." Musicians on The French Sessions: Valerie Ghent - vocals, piano, rhodes, clavinet, organ, backing vocals Jérôme Buigues - guitars, bass, backing vocals Pierre Sibille - synthesizer, harmonica Franck Taieb, Philippe Jardin - drums Bashiri Johnson - percussion Elina Real - violin Alfa Anderson, Keith Fluitt, Dennis Collins, John James - backing vocals Mano "Korani" Camara - guest lead vocal "Love Divine" Dave Eggar- cello Katie Kresek - violin, viola Marc Borlet-Hôte - trumpet Nicolas Baudino - saxophone Produced by Valerie Ghent & Jérôme Buigues Mixed by Jérôme Buigues Mastered by Greg Calbi at Sterling Sound "Valerie Ghent est une des artistes à suivre de la scène soul indépendante" - Soul Bag "Ghent is a complete artist who knows how to play, sing, compose and produce... A genuine talent... Enthralling and engaging... " Music Zoom (Italy) ""Ghent, herself, is a vocal phenomenon...she has the glistening, effervescent energy of a top pop/rock star." - NY Cabaret Today write your comments about the article :: © 2017 Jazz News :: home page |