Mario Grigorov Teams Up With Vocalist Melissa Newman To Release The Album Paris To Cuba On June 23rd

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) June 23, 2009 -- New York, NY, June 23RD, 2009 – Mario Grigorov, co-creator of Billboard's Classical Crossover chart-topper, Aria, is set to release Paris to Cuba which is available in stores and online June 23rd.

The essential summer soundtrack, album’s sound conjures up beautiful complexions, mid-afternoon mojitos, linen garments, and vintage Cadillacs. This is music that immediately evokes an aural landscape, a narrative of striking up a wandering romance with a stranger, a “paseo” through Plaza Vieja or a sunset on the Seine. Lilting, sensual brass sections flirt with gentle vocals on “I See”, “Every Little Moment”, and “Snake Eyes”- the three tracks which feature singer, Melissa Newman. Blending hints of Pink Martini and Buena Vista Social Club, the percussion section laps as a wave on an empty beach. It is easy for the listener to get lost in the guitar solos, mysterious accordion and nostalgic, sweeping strings. This is not your typical jazz or world record.

Mario Grigorov, the mastermind behind the record, is best known for conceiving and creating the 1998 classical crossover hit, Aria, with composer Paul Schwartz. The album immediately landed on Billboard’s Classical Crossover chart. Writer Douglas Levy declared Aria as “the CD that could save classical music,” and the following two releases within the series also debuted within the Billboard Top 10 (where they remained for over two years). Aria sold over half a million copies worldwide and was licensed to Café Del Mar.

Mario has scored countless acclaimed movies, among them Oscar winners and festival darlings; most recently, Lee Daniels’ Sundance (’09) success, Precious. The film, whose cast members include Mo’Nique, Paula Patton, Lenny Kravitz, and Mariah Carey, took home the ‘Grand Jury Award’ for best feature film and ‘Audience Choice Award’ at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. At the 1998 Hamptons International Film Festival, Mario was recognized with a ‘Best Original Score’ award for his work on Leonardo Ricagni’s El Chevrolé. Another film he composed is Taxi to the Dark Side, which won a 2008 Oscar for Best Documentary.

Says Mario, “I must admit, working with my good friend Melissa Newman brought it all together; she embodies the spirit and beauty of these musical cultures. Her voice created the perfect accent for this project.”

Melissa Newman studied opera under legendary voice teacher Marlena Malas. Performing at venues such as The Russian Tea Room, Melissa is a seasoned live performer in Manhattan as well as Chicago. Eminent song and jingle writer, Robin Batteau, ultimately connected Melissa to Mario Grigorov, who was immediately inspired by her voice; describing it as “a cross between Billie Holiday and Patsy Cline”.

The album will soon be heard on World Music and NPR stations nationwide. The music and digital download cards are being incorporated into special events at Cuban restaurants, Cigar Bars, and boutique hotels in New York City, Chicago, Miami, and the Hamptons.

Adult Contemporary Music     latin jazz     world music