That they were friends, it was known. In the past they have collaborated, for example in Never Too Late. But not everyone knew that they had recorded an album together, despite the scattered clues, some declaration, a letter sent to the fans, a blow of Pete Townshend of the Who in an interview. It is now official: on April 4 the English Elton John and the American singer -songwriter Brandi Carlile will publish Who believes in Angels?.
It contains 10 songs (out of 14 engraved by the couple) and was recorded at the Sunset Sound Studios in Los Angeles in October 2023. They have not only recorded it, but also written in just 20 days. The drummer Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), the bassist Pino Palino (Nine Inch Nails, Gary Numan and David Gilmour), the guitarist Josh Klinghoffer (Pearl Jam, Beck).
Elton John's texts are written by Bernie Taupin and Carlile, the producer is Andrew Watt. March 26 will be held at the Palladium in London An Evening with Elton John & Brandi Carlilea unique evening of “performance and storytelling”.
“This record was one of the most difficult I have ever made, but it was also one of the greatest musical experiences of my life,” said Elton John (see the video below). «It gave me a new starting point from which I can go on. With Who believes in Angels? I seem to enter another era, I am opening the door to enter the future. I am satisfied with everything I've done so far, it was brilliant, surprising. But this is a new beginning for me. As for me, this is the beginning of a new phase of my career ».
«I am still surprised by this job and from having the opportunity to work in an incredibly stimulating environment, where everyone share ideas and listen to those of others. As in a family, “said Carlile. «The world is a wild place to live right now. It is difficult to find peace and realization. This album focuses exactly looking for joy and euphoria. And this is what this album represents for me ».
Carlile recalls that Elton called her: “He said:” We will be like Robert Plant and Allison Krauss! “. The day Dppo recalled: “No! We will be the Eurythmics … “. “No, Patsy Cline and Buddy Holly!”. And then one day he called and said: “I understood. We will be ourselves “».
The disc will also contain Never Too Latefrom the documentary of the same name on Elton John, a song that could win an Oscar. The first extract is the title track. Among other titles, The Rose of Laura Nyro And Little Richard's Bibleprobable tributes to heroes of the two.
“If you know me,” writes Carlile, “you also know that Elton John and I sing together from practically a life, only he does not know. I worked and dreamed of getting to this moment since I was 11 years old. In every record I made there is the name of Elton in the cover notes, thanks to the artist without whom I would never have written even a song. It was impossible to imagine that one day it would not only be my hero, but perhaps also my best friend. Or maybe in some way I knew it ».
At the beginning of his career, Carlile wrote a letter to Elton asking him to play the plan on his album. “I didn't know her,” said John, “but when we met I fell in love with her and we immediately entered in tune. A real, emotional and musical link has been created, it is one of the greatest friendships of my life ».
The cover and tracklist:
The Rose of Laura Nyro
Little Richard's Bible
Swing for the Fences
Never Too Late
You Without Me
Who believes in Angels?
The River Man
A Little Light
Someone to Belong to
When this old world is done with me