New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Following their well-reviewed album Lovéren, multi-Grammy nominated musician/composer
David Arkenstone and enchanting vocalist
Charlee Brooks have teamed up once again with INAMORATA. In time for Valentine's Day, this magical CD is set to release today, February 3rd, on the Green Hill label. One of the most anticipated releases of 2015, this gorgeous collection features Arkenstone's incomparable music with lyrics and vocals by Brooks.
Speaking from his Laguna Beach home, Arkenstone talked excitedly about this new album of love songs. "There are eight original songs in addition to the themes from Downton Abbey and Game of Thrones, Zedd's 'Clarity' and
Sarah Brightman's 'Harem.' This time out, we wanted to craft some songs that were more pop/crossover tunes, and we chose a few cover songs that we felt we could bring something fresh to; the lullaby is for my niece, who was born during the recording."
Often compared to
Sarah Brightman and Enya,
Charlee Brooks made her debut on their first collaboration, Lovéren, followed by Celtic Garden, and she performs many of their songs with Arkenstone in the epic live concert event,
David Arkenstone's
Symphonic Adventure, currently a popular public television special.
"We usually start with the music…a melody or theme, then
Charlee comes up with some evocative lyrics that complete the musical thought I have," says Arkenstone.
Adds Brooks, "Overall, this record is very sweet, of course, with its deeper moments. The lush strings and arranging that
David did on both the originals and covers really move it to another level. When he writes, the lyrics are almost unnecessary as the music itself evokes so much on its own. The additional strings added by
David Davidson complemented the tracks so well, he is an amazing violinist. Many of these songs are written from the female's perspective, especially the main title, 'Inamorata.' This piece in particular is written from a place of longing to be somebody's everything. A reassurance to them that they will be there forever."
"'Inamorata' was the first track we wrote and it set the tone for the rest of the album," says Arkenstone.
Brooks continues, "Inamorata is an Italian term for a person's female lover. Lyrically and melodically, this album takes you through many emotional journeys. I feel that everyone has experienced some interpretation of love, whether it was great or just a passing moment."
Celebrating the 25th year of his impressive recording career that includes more than 40 albums, 20 Billboard hits, film & TV soundtracks and game scores, three-time GRAMMY®-nominee
David Arkenstone has established himself as one of the best contemporary instrumental musicians of our time. This visionary continues to create distinctive tracks that inspire the imagination. A musical storyteller, Arkenstone is passionate about taking his listeners on a journey, creating sonic tapestries that evoke every emotion. "I envision a place where I would like to go, or an adventure I would like to take, and let my imagination run free," says Arkenstone.
Drawn to music and the arts at a very young age, Brooks began singing and dancing at age 3, accompanied by her father on his guitar and other instruments that her grandfather carved by hand. Raised in a small Pennsylvania town, Brooks' parents encouraged her to participate in all live theater productions, which led to a guest appearance on Carnival Cruise lines at age 11. At 17, Brooks moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams. A gifted audio engineer, she met Arkenstone while recording his tracks for Blizzard Entertainment's World of Warcraft Cataclysm expansion. This chance meeting led to their collaboration on numerous songs and ultimately their epic orchestral album, Lovéren.
"The combination of
David Arkenstone and
Charlee Brooks is pure magic, bridging diverse genres to evoke fresh musical perspectives and inspired performances. Inamorata is a romantic masterpiece that bears repeated listening to absorb the intricate orchestral details and heartfelt threads of emotion woven into the fabric of its lush sonic tapestries."
Behind the scenes of the album: https://vimeo.com/112805828
David and
Charlee talk about Inamorata: https://vimeo.com/114272540
