Youn Sun Nah with John Cowherd – Elles – CD

The award-winning singer is working with pianist Jon Cowherd on a new collection of songs that became world-famous by legendary artists such as Nina Simone, Edith Piaf, Grace Jones and others: Youn Sun Nah has long been celebrated for her cross-stylistic interpretations of artists ranging from Tom Waits and Jimi Hendrix to Marvin Gaye and Metallica. With Elles, she now brings her distinctive voice and unique perspective to a series of songs that have shaped her own difficult-to-describe musical approach and features artists such as Björk, Sarah Vaughan, Grace Jones, Roberta Flack, Edith Piaf, Grace Slick , Maria João gained fame.

“I first heard Nina Simone’s version of ‘Feeling Good’ when I was in high school,” says Youn Sun Nah. “From the moment I decided to study jazz, I listened to their music constantly. Nina Simone is like a shaman. She is not just a singer – she is the music itself.” Recorded in New York City with renowned pianist Jon Cowherd (Brian Blade, Cassandra Wilson, Lizz Wright) and producer/musician Tomek Miernowski, Elles includes a wide range of songs either written or performed by notable female artists, from soulful spirituals (“Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child”) and psychedelic milestones (“White Rabbit”) to long overdue versions of “My Funny Valentine” and “Killing Me Softly With His Song” (the latter only with a lovingly guarded music box played).

Supported by Cowherd’s subtle yet imaginative accompaniment on a variety of keyboards, Youn Sun Nah reinterprets old and new standards in his usual captivating manner, ensuring that gender and generational boundaries are crossed with precision, magic and urgency. “I have found that most of the songs I have recorded over the years are by male singers,” says Youn Sun Nah. “So this time I wanted to honor the singers I have long admired, the songs that move me and the voices that touch me.”