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Track Listing:

1
Cuban Soil, Cuban Sun
 
2
I See
 
3
Ice Hotel
 
4
Every Little Movement
 
5
Paris To Cuba
 
6
Magic Circus
 
7
Snake Eyes
 
8
Before She Walked Away
 
9
Ice Hotel (Piano Version)
 
10
Three Dozen Roses
 

Mario Grigorov :

Paris to Cuba


Mario Grigorov
co-creator of Billboard's Classical
Crossover chart-topper: Aria
Releases: Paris to Cuba

The ten tracks on Paris To Cuba are the embodiment of summertime. Composed and created by Mario Grigorov, the 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. 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."

 

Mario explains his inspiration behind the album:

"Every time I go to Paris, I get inspired. I start thinking about ways I can embrace the city and absorb its magic...

This album takes me back to my time there, and I reflect on how I have always enjoyed traditional and classical French music – been intrigued by the use of melody and sultry textures.  I started playing with some melodies on the piano; inspired by the Parisian mood and architecture, I was trying to re-create the buildings I had seen that stood like frozen compositions. The compositions I began to write would soon lend themselves to a melding with the energy and simplicity of the music I also love from Cuba, along with all of its influences.

It's not always easy to combine styles of music from their technical anatomies, but I was in no way trying to do that here.  This album, inspired by my appreciation of both styles, came about from the feel-good spirit that both Paris and Cuba share. 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's talents span from painting, to poetry, to singing, to writing lyrics. As a vocalist, Melissa 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, hired Melissa to collaborate with him on a well-known commercial project featured during the Superbowl. 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".