A new CD has just been released that takes some of Laura Nyro’s greatest songs and re-imagines them in a beautiful new way…
“Map To The Treasure” Indeed!
This new CD pays tribute to one of music’s great Artists. As the terrific NY Daily News review stated, “stars from country (Alison Krauss), jazz (Esperanza Spalding), blues (Susan Tedeschi) R&B (Ledisi), and even opera (Renee Fleming) find startling ways into the Nyro classics. They twist tunes, shift rhythms and explode arrangements to both reinvent Nyro’s canon and parallel its sense of adventure.”
The review goes on to give the credit to one brilliant musician: “The participating stars have a key man to thank for this: renowned jazz/classical pianist Billy Childs. His keyboards anchor the work, giving it a through-line few tribute albums find.”
The Wall Street Journal had a great feature as well, pointing out that jazz composer and pianist Billy Childs was a huge fans of Nyro’s, and he assembled an all-star tribute album, including Renee Fleming, Esperanza Spalding, Yo-Yo Ma, Ledisi, Wayne Shorter and Alison Krauss and Jerry Douglas, who join Childs on a version of “And When I Die”.
“And When I Die” is one of Laura’s biggest hits – as WSJ notes: “Nyro wrote the song as a teenager, and sold it to Peter, Paul and Mary. The folk trio recorded it for their 1966 release “The Peter, Paul and Mary Album.” Blood, Sweat & Tears later took the song to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart when they recorded it for their self-titled second album in 1968.”
From the WSJ: “This version takes a more quietly mournful tack. Krauss wraps her silky voice around lyrics that, in retrospect, seem achingly prophetic: Nyro was just 49 when she died of ovarian cancer in 1997. Childs accompanies Krauss here with nimble piano figures, and Douglas, who plays in Krauss’ band Union Station, adds a rousing Dobro solo.”
Billy Childs – The Making of Map to the Treasure: Reimagining Laura Nyro
Here is a great behind-the-scenes look at the making of the CD:
This was published on Youtube – Music video by Billy Childs performing The Making of Map to the Treasure: Reimagining Laura Nyro. (C) 2014 Sony Music Entertainment
Here is Laura Nyro’s earliest recording of “And When I Die” in 1966, when she was 18. Afterward is a short spoken clip of Laura in 1995 as well…
Thanks to S. Adam Bernstein, who posted this on youtube in 2010!
The Todd Rundgren / Laura Nyro Connection!
And of course, if you don’t know, Laura had a huge influence on the music of Todd Rundgren…read all about that by clicking here:
And be sure to buy the Billy Childs tribute, it’s really terrific!
Categories: 70's Music, Art, Awards, Books / Media, documentary films, Memoirs, Music, New York, Obscure Music, Talent/Celebrities, Uncategorized
Hi John, I got to this page via a google query for Laura Nyro. I did that because I found her on IMDB and the only picture is some guy. I didn’t want to steal a picture of her for the site. I thought that perhaps you own a copy. If so, could you donate one to the site.
I do not own any Laura Nyro photos…the ones I use are to support the review of the project or music that I am discussing…
is this going to be a live show anywhere?
A great question! I would head to Billy Childs website to see – since I think he performs a lot, but this would be a great night of music!
Listened to the new album this morning…it is indeed very well put together…highly recommend it to anyone interested in Laura
I am always wary of a tribute album, no matter how well-intentioned…but this one is really beautiful – really highlighting her songwriting talent…I really enjoy it – thanks for the comment, I appreciate it!
I love the fact that Laura is finally being recognized. Too bad it’s after her passing , but that’s the way it always is. I’m a purist when it comes to Laura. Nobody can interpret a Laura song like Laura does , nobody. I won’t buy it , but I did listen to the CD through a friend. I thought the orchestrations & the arrangements were nice , but the song selection leaves a lot to be desired. The artist selections were not to my liking as well. If I had the money , I would do one myself , just to prove my point. Mr. Childs has brought Laura’s music to the public’s eye , so I am grateful for that. I don’t want to re-imagine her music. I want to listen to it just the way it is…….perfection
Thanks for your comment! I completely understand fans who do not want Laura’s music interpreted…I only hope it continues to keep her music, and spirit, alive!