Stacey Kent's Album

Stacey Kent‘s latest album, “Summer Me, Winter Me,” was inspired by the requests of her devoted fans. After live performances, fans would approach the acclaimed American jazz singer, inquiring about songs she had sung during shows but hadn’t yet appeared on her studio albums. These inquiries led Kent to recognize the demand for these unreleased renditions and sparked the idea for a requests album.

Fans, enthusiastic about hearing particular live performances on recorded albums, convinced Kent to compile these unreleased songs into a cohesive collection. The singer, known for her romantic and sublime vocals, saw an opportunity to satisfy the desires of her audience. Released just last month, “Summer Me, Winter Me” features covers of popular standards spanning decades, including titles like “Under Paris Skies,” the album’s eponymous track, and “Ne Me Quitte Pas.” Additionally, the album includes original compositions co-written by Kent’s spouse, producer, and saxophonist Jim Tomlinson.

While there isn’t a defined theme connecting the diverse songs on the album, Kent observed an unintentional commonality during the compilation process. Several of the songs shared a 3/4 time signature, a detail that wasn’t deliberate but added a unique consistency to the collection. Kent noted that fans frequently requested songs in this time signature, appreciating the dynamic and rhythmic qualities it brings.

The recording process for “Summer Me, Winter Me” felt like a natural and seamless journey for Kent. Despite featuring songs from different periods and styles, the album has a cohesive flow, resembling the experience of a live performance. Kent expressed her joy in creating the album, describing how everything effortlessly fell into place.

As Stacey Kent continues to enchant audiences with her timeless voice, “Summer Me, Winter Me” stands as a testament to the intimate connection between an artist and their fans, showcasing the collaborative spirit that can emerge from live performances and fan requests.

_{Repurposed article originally published in Forbes}