PAUL RODGERS CELEBRATES THE SONGS AND MUSICIANS OF MEMPHIS
ON “THE ROYAL SESSIONS”
Bad
Company’s Founding Singer, Songwriter And Multi-Instrumentalist Records
Versions Of Classic Songs At Memphis’ Royal Studios With Original Session
Musicians
Paul Rodgers, longtime singer,
songwriter and multi-instrumentalist with Bad Company, has partnered with 429
Records and is gearing up for the release of “The Royal Sessions”—a lovingly
crafted collection of classic R&B and soul songs re-imagined by the iconic
rock singer recorded at Memphis’ Royal Studios, historic home of Willie
Mitchell and Hi Records, with many of the musicians who played on the original
tracks. Truly a lifetime in the making, Rodgers has come full circle with “The
Royal Sessions” as he pays homage to the legendary hits he collected on 45s
released on Stax/Volt, Goldwax and Hi Records—recordings by Otis Redding,
Albert King and Ann Peebles which made such an indelible impression on the
young Rodgers inspiring him to pursue a career as a singer. Produced by Perry
Margouleff, “The Royal Sessions” is an extraordinary recording which captures
the music in its pure form—live band and vocal takes as performed together at
Royal Studios by Rodgers and an all-star roster of legendary musicians. The
band is a dream lineup of those who played on the original hits dating back to
the 60’s. The classic rhythm section includes Reverend Charles Hodges (Hammond
B3), Michael Tolls (guitar), LeRoy Hodges Jr. (bass), “Hubby” Archie Turner
(Wurlitzer), Steve Potts and James Robertson Sr. (drums), The Royal Horns and
the Royal Singers. “The Royal Sessions” will be released on 429 Records in the
U.S. (international release dates below).
“The Royal Sessions” is a
remarkable project that came together as Rodgers was working on a solo record
and producer Margouleff had just discovered that Royal Studios was still up and
running under the auspices of Willie “Pops” Mitchell’s son Lawrence “Boo”
Mitchell. The opportunity to record in such a hallowed place with musicians he
considered personal heroes was a dream come true. The Memphis players forged an
immediate bond when presented with his formidable talent and sincere love of
the songs. Deeply felt, powerfully sung and expertly played, it features a
cross-section of material hand-picked by Rodgers, songs of great historical
significance and personal meaning.
Says Rodgers: “I really felt I had
to get deeper inside myself than I ever had in my life. The end result is that
recording these songs left me recharged as a singer and also as a songwriter.
My favorite part was the love we could feel in the room throughout all the
sessions. We all spoke the same language.”
Says Margouleff: “I wanted to make
the most of this incredible opportunity so I recorded Paul and the band live in
the studio. We captured the pure energy of their performance. Recording in an
all analogue format the sonic quality is unparalleled and the listener can
experience the music on a deeper level.”
All of the proceeds from “The Royal
Sessions” will be donated to local Memphis music education programs. Special
showcase performances by Paul Rodgers with the musicians on “The Royal
Sessions” will be announced.
“The Royal Sessions” track listing:
1) Thank You
2) Down Don’t Bother Me
3) I Can’t Stand The Rain
4) I’ve Been Loving You Too Long
5) That’s How Strong My Love Is
6) Walk On By
7) Any Old Way
8) It’s Growing
9) Born Under A Bad Sign
10) Dreams To Remember
“The Royal Sessions” will be
released worldwide on the following dates:
Europe — January 27th
Canada — January 28th
Japan — January 29th
United States — February 4th
Australia — February 7th
Deluxe 2 Disc Edition comes with a 'Making Of ' DVD and Three 'Bonus' tracks
11) Shake
12) Walk In My Shadow
13) Wonderful World
