New PETRA HADEN Album Out Today
Petra Haden’s wondrous new album Petra Goes To The Movies is available today via Anti-. The record is already generating acclaim from the press with the New York Times saying, “the arrangements are ingenious, emphasizing Ms. Haden’s gift for mimesis.” This absolutely unique work offers a one of a kind opportunity to experience some cinematic soundtracks in an extraordinary new way.
The album features Haden, a highly regarded musician and former member of That Dog, delivering a cappella versions of songs from films such as Rebel Without A Cause, Taxi Driver, Superman and more. Haden, who hails from a musical family that includes her father, distinguished jazz bassist Charlie Haden, has contributed to records by Beck, The Twilight Singers, The Decemberists, Foo Fighters, Mike Watt and others as well as collaborated with the acclaimed guitarist Bill Frisell. She previously released an a-cappella rendition of the Who’s pop art masterwork “The Who Sell Out” which Pete Townshend called “beautiful.”
In addition to Haden’s multi layered vocals, the new record features notable guest appearances by jazz pianist Brad Mehldau, bassist Charlie Haden and Bill Frisell.
Haden will be performing songs from Petra Goes To The Movies live in Los Angeles on January 26th at the Getty Center. In addition she will perform on February 9th at the First Unitarian Church. For these events, Haden will be joined by a 16 person choir.
Early Acclaim For Petra Goes To The Movies:
"The arrangements are ingenious, emphasizing Ms. Haden’s gift for mimesis: she can suggest the swoon of a string section as handily as the blare of a solitary bugle. Her “Carlotta’s Galop,” from Fellini’s “8 ½,” has just the right jolt of Nino Rota circus mania; her “Psycho“ has all the spikiness and stealth grandeur of Bernard Hermann’s famous title theme." – New York Times
"It’s a weird listen, but a great one all the same." -AV Club
“The quirky singer re-creates famous movie scores like Psycho and Superman using orchestral layerings of her own gorgeous vocals." - Entertainment Weekly
“In the same way that great scores turn visuals into sound, Haden's music makes instruments of wood and string even more sensual, mutable and human." – New York Daily News
“She illustrates the joy of a single voice, multiplied fruitfully." – New Yorker