DECCA RECORDS
Richard Carpenter - Richard Carpenter’s Piano Songbook
(Vinyl LP)
Richard Carpenter's Piano Songbook features the revered musician, producer, songwriter, and arranger interpreting hits and personal favorites from the much-adored catalog of the Carpenters on solo piano. Carpenter brings his unique interpretations to some of the most beloved melodies in the entire pop canon, including such enduring hits by sister Karen and himself as "Close to You," "Yesterday Once More," "Top of the World," "We've Only Just Begun," and "Rainy Days and Mondays." Other much-loved songs that he presents from a catalog that has sold over 120 million records worldwide include "I Won't Last a Day Without You," "I Need To Be In Love," and "The Rainbow Connection." He also offers a medley featuring "Sing," "Goodbye to Love," "Eve," and "Rainy Days and Mondays."
Says Carpenter of the new project: "I've not only been into music since I was a kid, but records as well, and everything to do with them. In the late forties and early fifties, the Big Three labels were: Columbia, Victor, and Decca...Bing Crosby was on Decca! When the label asked if I might be interested in recording an album of Carpenters songs on solo piano, I could only think of my Mom and Dad, and what an enormous compliment this was to their son, who never wanted to practise. But this was a challenge. For somebody who likes to turn everything into a production, like our records, to adapt them for solo piano was a tall order, but the piano is a remarkable instrument, with a remarkable range, and I believe I've given the songs chosen a fairly good reading."
Richard Carpenter's Piano Songbook casts an inspiring new light on the catalog of one of the most successful and globally admired of all recording acts, who combined Karen Carpenter's beautifully distinctive contralto vocals with Richard's warm and encompassing harmonies, arrangements and compositions.
Track List