THEN AND NOW – THE NEW RECORDINGS

 

THESE ARE THE DAYS OF OUR LIVES (4:19)

This song was first performed by Petula live on her UK concer tour in 1992. With arrangements by Petula’s musical director Kenny Clayton, the song was later recorded in the studio. The track features a simple synth arrangement and an impressive guitar solo over the middle eight. Petula provides her own backing vocals and harmonies. A worthy recording of the Queen classic and a welcome addition on this collection.

COME ALONG WITH ME (3:59)

Petula wrote the lyrics to this Grant Sturiale composition – this recording dates from late 2006 when Petula was preparing for her concert at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London. The recording features impressive programming and creates a full sound despite it being only synth backing. It would have been nice to have heard the fully orchestrated version as performed at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane utilising the string section of the BBC Concert Orchestra.

HEAVEN’S DOOR (3:20)

A brand new composition with music and lyrics by Petula. The track has a very r&b / gospel sound with inspirational lyrics relating to faith.

And now we hold the golden key
Here at heaven’s door
There are angels watching over me
Smiling down so tenderly
Who could ask for more?

The recording was completed during a session at George Martin’s Air Studio in London in April 2008. The session was produced by John Williams (the man responsible for Sanctuary’s ‘The Ultimate Collection’ in 2002).

IT’S OK (3:13)

Another new song with music and lyrics written by Petula. This track is perhaps the most commercial of all the new recordings with an upbeat and catchy sound. Petula double tracks her vocal for the majority of the song producing a stand out ‘pop’ feel. Both ‘Heaven’s Door’ and ‘It’s Ok’ are both planned to be performed in Petula’s forthcoming UK concert tour.

Hopefully ‘It’s Ok’ will be highlighted during the wave of radio promotion that will accompany the ‘Then & Now’ album. Overall a very impressive recording, well produced and the highlight of this album.

TO MEMPHIS (3:35)

Audiences are already very familiar with this composition by Petula since she first performed the song in concert in 2005. In January 2005 Petula recorded a demo of this song accompanying herself on piano, this session was produced by Joseph Baker. For this new 2008 recording, Petula again accompanys herself at piano, the recording also features percussion and a guitar solo, creating a ‘memphis’ bluesy style arrangement. The vocal is recorded maintaing the usual Petula stage adlibs on the song, perhaps a more straight vocal (like the demo) would have worked better on this recording.