Paris to Cuba by renowned musician and film composer Mario Grigorov takes you on a journey around the globe as soon as you press play. The sound conjures up images of unwinding on an oceanfront veranda in Havana, late-afternoon mojitos, sampling a home-cooked meal with your closest friends, the gentle lapping of the waves, and a sensual dance with a new found romance as the darkness falls over the city.
Part of “Magic Circus” (track 5, and a clear favorite) transports me to Paris, where I stroll along the Seine, admire the sunset, and observe eccentric passer-bies from a sidewalk café.
Inspired by the Parisian and Cuban feel-good spirit, the album is not your typical jazz or world record. Brass sections flirt with sexy vocals, guitar solos and sweeping strings, and hints of Buena Vista Social Club and Pink Martini unite in an interesting latin jazz style. Paris to Cuba embodies the summertime better than any other recent album release. Three of the ten tracks — “I See”, “Every Little Moment”, and “Snake Eyes” — feature vocals by singer (and Mario Grigorov’s good friend) Melissa Newman who is a seasoned live performer in both New York and Chicago. Instantly inspired by Melissa’s voice, Mario described it as “a cross between Billie Holiday and Patsy Cline”.
Best known for co-creating Billboard’s classical crossover hit “Aria” with composer Paul Schwartz, Mario Grigorov debuted in 1994 with Rhymes with Orange (produced by Oscar Castro-Neves and Miles Goodman). Since, he has scored both Oscar winners and festival sensations; most recently, Lee Daniels’ Sundance (’09) success, Precious.
Mario explains his inspiration behind the album:
Every time I go to Paris, I get inspired. I start thinking about ways I can embrace the city and absorb its magic…
This album takes me back to my time there, and I reflect on how I have always enjoyed traditional and classical French music –- been intrigued by the use of melody and sultry textures. I started playing with some melodies on the piano; inspired by the Parisian mood and architecture, I was trying to re-create the buildings I had seen that stood like frozen compositions. The compositions I began to write would soon lend themselves to a melding with the energy and simplicity of the music I also love from Cuba, along with all of its influences.
Paris to Cuba was released in stores and online June 23rd. For more information about the album, visit www.paristocuba.com and www.warmandgenuinerecords.com
And now, the best part. Thanks to Two Sheps That Pass, a boutique entertainment marketing and branding firm based in New York, I have some CDs to give away!
The first four readers to comment on this post can expect to receive Paris to Cuba in the mail this summer. Simple as that. (If you’re one of them, you will hear from me via email… to make sure the album ends up at the right address.) I hope you’ll enjoy the album as much as I did.
Disclaimer: I received Paris to Cuba in MP3 format by entertainment marketing and branding firm Two Sheps That Pass.
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Oh my goodness it looks fantastic, I’d love to give it a listen!
Erica,
Pick me, pick me, pick me! I want to win this album!!!!!!!!!! Paris and Havana are 2 of my favourite cities in the world!
Jen Laceda´s last blog ..A Travel Quote
Weee, what a combination, Paris and Cuba! I’m really really curious now =)
This looks like a great CD, I’m partial to the cover, yes it’s all about the look of the cover as well as the music.
Cate´s last blog ..Back to New Zealand, the sea and the lighthouse
Doh, fifth again. Well, sounds like a great album to try out anyway.
Fred H Schlegel´s last blog ..Buffalo Bill, Eiffel, Otis and The Keys To Success
Darn! Why did I have to be traveling for 24 hours yesterday? Oh well, congrats to the lucky four! I’ll just have to buy my own copy because this cd sounds like divine perfection!
Melissa´s last blog ..Adiós!
Ah shoot, I’m late! I’ll listen through their website.
Anil´s last blog ..3 Ways To Celebrate The 4th of July Outside of the US
I played percussion in the album and I am curious to hear it finished……
Thanks all for your comments on this post. Congrats again Heather, Jen, Kat and Cate! I hope you enjoyed the album.
If you haven’t listened to the album yet, I highly recommend purchasing it. You can listen to some samples on http://paristocuba.com/?page_id=20
http://www.apartrental.com/en/paris/%20la-vie-en-rose.html
Very good indead. I crack presently for a young Parisian full of potential. I heard with him la vie en Rose rue des Lombard in Paris, like Edith, hearing his lyrics, freshness and lightness of tone.his song Rose gives seem dedicated to our love!
I LOVE Edith Piaf! Thanks for commenting.