Concord Records presents "Michael Feinstein with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra"

CD AVAILABLE IN STORES AS OF MAY 7th

Michael Feinstein, one of the top interpreters of the popular American song, has been a household name since the success of his one-man Broadway show "Isn't It Romantic" in 1988. His fourth Concord release, "Michael Feinstein With The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra" (CCD-4987-2), is a special event marking the first time that the singer-pianist has recorded with a symphony orchestra. The CD is available in stores as of May 7th.

The recording contains lush and inventive treatments of a dozen veteran American standards. The 88-piece orchestra, led by the Alan Broadbent Trio, perfectly frame Feinstein's voice, with Broadbent providing most of the arrangements. "Even though Alan Broadbent is known as one of the great jazz pianists," says Michael, "he has studied classical music since he was quite young and I felt that he would bring the right sensibility to the project. His orchestral ideas are not only fresh, but they showcase the orchestra as well as my voice."

"His arrangements are each quite different and eclectic" continues Michael. "'Stormy Weather' might very well be my favorite on the collection because it's very theatrical and very daring. I love the lushness of 'The Folks Who Live On The Hill,' the string writing really evokes the image of Oscar Hammerstein's lyrics. 'By Myself' has a real swagger to it. It was Alan's personal homage to Nelson Riddle and it is fun to see that the Israel Philharmonic can really swing!"

"'Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out To Dry' was a bit of a challenge for me because it's so closely associated with Frank Sinatra and yet I think we were able to present it in a fresh setting." In addition, Feinstein was particularly pleased to have an orchestration of "Laura" by its composer, 89-year old David Raskin.

Additional songs on the CD include "On A Clear Day (You Can See Forever)," "Spring Will Be A Little Late This Year," "I Won't Send Roses," "How Deep Is The Ocean?" and "Somewhere" (one of the emotional highpoints of the recording). Alan Broadbent arranged "Somewhere" specifically as an homage to Leonard Bernstein and his well-known affiliation with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. Feinstein and the orchestra performed it with a renewed dedication to peace in the Middle East, focusing on the children and groups like Seeds of Peace. Inspired by the orchestra and the inventive arrangements, Feinstein performs at the peak of his powers.

Michael Feinstein enjoys an active concert calendar, including college campuses, intimate jazz clubs and symphony orchestras. More than a mere performer, he is nationally recognized for his commitment to the American popular song, both celebrating its art and preserving its legacy for the next generation.

Michael started playing piano by ear when he was five. As a teenager, he played at weddings and parties in Columbus, Ohio. After graduating from high school, he worked in local piano lounges for two years, moving to Los Angeles when he was 20. Through the widow of legendary concert pianist-actor Oscar Levant, he was introduced to Ira Gershwin in July 1977. "Initially I was asked to work for Ira in the capacity of cataloguing his phonograph records. After that I was elevated to the position of organizing all his music. I played the piano for him and considered myself fortunate to be in the presence of one of my musical idols. Eventually I became Ira's eyes and ears to the outside world when he was no longer very mobile, and had the pleasure of keeping him updated on all the new musical events."

Continuing to perform in piano lounges, Michael Feinstein was too talented to be anonymous for long. Liza Minnelli helped sponsor his 1986 New York debut and his 1988 Broadway show Isn't It Romantic made him famous. Through his live performances (from Hollywood Bowl to Carnegie Hall), recordings, film and television appearances, and his songwriting (in collaboration with Alan and Marilyn Bergman, Lindy Robbins and Carole Bayer Sager), Feinstein has been an important musical force during the past 15 years. In addition, he scored the original music for the film Get Bruce and co-owns the most successful nightclub in New York City, Feinstein's at the Regency.

In 1998 Feinstein became a Concord artist where he has thus far recorded "Michael and George: Feinstein Sings Gershwin," "Big City Rhythms" (with the Maynard Ferguson Big Band) and the double-CD "Romance On Film, Romance On Broadway," in addition to "Michael Feinstein with The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra." Currently, the singer is working on a variety of different projects for a new Concord subsidiary label created for him called Feinery, including recording favorite current artists and restoring musical broadcasts from the golden age of radio, featuring legends such as Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney.

In addition, Michael is currently working on a six-part Warner Home Video series for television that depicts the history of the American popular song up to 1960, and continues his composing pursuits for both film and recordings.

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