12th August 2016: ★★★★ review from BBC Music Magazine for Donna Lewis’ ‘Brand New Day’ plus reviews from Jazzwise Magazine, London Jazz News and live show review.

‘I Love You Always Forever’ was such a huge hit for the multi-platinum artist Donna Lewis; a #1 chart hit / dance-pop classic for which people around the globe still have boundless affection – the 1996 song will always be the one for which many fans know her. But the Welsh native is an artist of many dimension. Produced by her longtime friend and collaborator David Torn, who arranged all the songs, Brand New Day redefines her as an artist while maintaining the wonderful open qualities her fans love. Lewis’ fifth studio recording is an intimate, jazz-inflected covers/original album and explores a much more stripped-down acoustic sound. Lewis has toured often in a duo setting, accompanying herself on piano with a bassist at her side; here, however, she pares down her focus even further by handling only the vocals, leaving all instrumental duties with the capable trio featuring pianist Ethan Iverson, bassist Reid Anderson, and drummer Dave King, who are perfectly suited to back Lewis on this project.

Donna recently toured the UK with her British based band (Steve Hamilton-piano, Alex Garnett-saxophone, Michael Janisch-bass and Andrew Bain – drums. This video is from the sound check at The Convent on the opening night which was also streamed live. Scroll down for a photo of the same event.

Here are the highlights from the latest press reviews including a review of the official album launch event at London’s Pizza Express.

“Her vocal style (Lewis’) is lilting and deeply reflective… A refreshing batch of cover versions.”
★ BBC Music Magazine (website)

“A noble attempt at something new.”
Jazzwise Magazine (website)

Live review
London Jazz (Full review)

“An inspired partnership… her (Lewis’) emotive voice with the modern architecture of the jazz piano trio.”
London Jazz (full review)

 

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