CONDITION OF CD: Mint Condition!
Sandra Bernhard 'Whatever It Takes', 10 songs, 2009 release on the Mi5 Records label.
One review reads 'Comedian, singer, actress and author Sandra Bernhard will release a new music recording, Whatever It Takes, on August 25, 2008 (Mi5/EMI/Caroline). Produced and co-written by Ted Mason (Modern English) the inspired body of work melds the sophistication, sensuality and drive of pure rock & roll, stirred with the rousing passion of authentic world music. Reflective of Bernhard's rebellious nature, and powered by her sincere passion for the new sounds and rhythms she has embraced, the album is a musical cross-cultural road trip which takes the listener from New York, to Africa, the middle east, and South America. Special guest artists include rock legend Chrissie Hynde (The Pretenders), DJ U-Cef, Erol Josue, and Rwandan cultural ambassador and Kora award-winning singer / songwriter Jean Paul Samputu.
Conceptually, Whatever It Takes bears a distinct meaning and reinforces Bernhard's passion and politics for equality. Its rock & roll core infuses intense blends of African Soukous (Congolese rumba), Raï (Algerian "rebel" folk music), Rwandan dance and hymns, Brazilian samba, all topped off with lush string arrangements. When Bernhard first approached Mason about collaborating on a rock album, he immediately suggested a conversion to world / Afro Rock: "We live in a Global world and the new rock & roll should represent the voice of all ideas no matter how controversial or unpopular." As an artist with a natural ability to surprise and challenge her audience, it is no shock that Bernhard, a classically trained singer, would gravitate towards such a sound and concept.
The album kicks off with "All Around," an anthem-esque marriage of Rwandan Hymn, Soukous rhythm and rock & roll, with ripping guitar solos by Ted Mason and guest vocalists Chrissie Hynde and Jean Paul Samputu. The lyrics pray for a world without thought and chained by mundane solitude. "Why So Blue" is a call and response which alludes to violence in the world (much against women) with vocals by Jean Paul Samputu. "We're On Our Way" is a wry jab on colonialism, American style, backed by DJ U-Cef's Arab percussion (Darbuka and hand cymbals). Inspired by Terrence Malick's The New World, "It's a New World" introduces the sitar (India) to counterbalance a modern, ethereal guitar riff.
For 25 years, Sandra Bernhard has been challenging fans and critics with her knife-edged humor, satire and emotive performances on film, television and stage. Though largely famous for her comedic talent and biting social commentary, Bernhard's background in music bears respectable weight. Musical performances include "An Evening with Sandra Bernhard," "Stormy Weather Benefit '98," organized by Don Henley, which also featured Stevie Nicks and Joni Mitchell, as well as "The Elton John Tribute for Broadway Cares." Her critically acclaimed 1998, one-woman Broadway hit, "I'm Still Here...Damn It!" which played the Booth Theater, had critics raving. In 2001, Bernhard hosted her own talk show, "The Sandra Bernhard Experience" for A&E television. Along with writing for performance, Bernhard has put her musings into book form, and is now working on her fourth edition.. Currently, she is celebrating the 20th anniversary of her award winning production, "Without You I'm Nothing" with an international tour. The groundbreaking show was a massive success worldwide, and served as inspiration for the critically acclaimed film and Grammy nominated album of the same name.' |
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