Award-winning singer-songwriter, pianist and performer Vonda Shepard returns with ‘Nine Songs’ on September 25 - her first new studio album in almost five years.
It is a stunning collection that reaffirms her place as one of contemporary music's most compelling and soulful singer/songwriters.
Written entirely by Shepard, ‘Nine Songs’ captures an artist at the height of her creative powers, showcasing her unmistakable voice and unique piano style. Every song reflects the artistry that has earned her a fiercely loyal global audience in a career spanning more than four decades.
“Working with Mitchell Froom as a producer, is a great gift to me,” says Vonda. “Besides the fact that he’s my husband, I have been a huge fan of his, ever since I heard Crowded House in the ‘80s. When I recorded my 1995 album ‘It’s Good, Eve,’ I deliberately tried to emulate his production style. It’s truly a magical experience playing a new, unfinished song for Mitchell and to have him play it back to me exactly as I just played it (and in the right key!)
"His additions to the arrangements are brilliant, so I’m always sure to turn on the recording device before he sits down at the piano, to capture that inspiration.”
‘Nine Songs’ also features a very special appearance by Los Angeles rocker and political activist Jackson Browne on “Written On The Water.”
Shepard was a member of Browne’s band in the ‘90s and says of their history of collaboration; "When I wrote ‘Written On The Water,’ I had this strong vision that Jackson’s voice belonged on this song.
"We are friends, so I asked him and he said yes! We’ve worked together previously - I was in his band for a while and he lent me his world-class studio to record my 1995 album ‘It’s Good, Eve,’ on which he sang harmonies on ‘This Steady Train.’ I went on to sing on his song ‘Looking East,’ from the album of the same name.”
Following a string of acclaimed releases and countless sold-out performances around the globe, ‘Nine Songs’ marks an exciting new chapter for an artist whose music continues to resonate across generations and borders.
A recording artist since the late-Eighties, Vonda Shepard first shot to fame in 1997 via her long running appearances, performances and musical accompaniment on the wildly popular US TV show Ally McBeal.
She was cast in the much loved show (which celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2027) as the resident performer in the bar where the characters would hang out at the end of each episode.
She had a massive hit worldwide in 1998 (including a UK Top 10) with the show’s theme song, Searchin’ My Soul, and produced over 500 songs for the series. She has sold a staggering twelve million albums worldwide, won two Golden Globes, two Emmys and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. And to this day, Vonda holds the Billboard record for selling the most television soundtracks in history.
Talking today about her work on the worldwide smash TV show, Shepard enthuses, ”I can hardly believe that the 30th anniversary of ‘Ally McBeal’ is next year! I can’t say the time has flown by, because I’ve done so much writing, recording and touring since then. I’m still close with some of the cast members, and we are all awestruck that it’s been this long since we were on the set of the show back in the ‘90s.
"There is a deep bond that comes from working with people on a groundbreaking phenomenon like ‘Ally McBeal’ — none of use saw it coming, until we watched the pilot! We need to have a 30th reunion party!"
Almost exactly two years since her last barnstorming sold-out road trek Vonda will be returning to these shores to play a set of greatest hits and favourites from her extensive catalogue, and she will bring the tour to a close at The Stables in Wavendon on October 23.
Tickets for the show are available here
Image - Dana Tynan
