The Essential: Alternative Sleeve / Marble Vinyl 2LP

"Melody Gardot: The Enchanting Voice of Modern Jazz"

Melody Gardot is an artist whose musical identity defies simple categorisation. With a history marked by depth and singularity, she has built an impressive body of work that reflects her unique journey and exceptional talent. Gardot’s music flows with an unclassifiable originality, echoing the timeless traditions of vocal icons like Billie Holiday, Peggy Lee, and Edith Piaf. Her style, marked by minimal gestures and maximum air, creates a hushed intimacy that crosses generations and languages, continuing to captivate and resonate deeply with listeners.

Gardot’s musical career is intertwined with her remarkable personal story. After a debilitating accident at 19, she used music therapy as a crucial tool in her recovery, relearning how to speak through singing and songwriting. This process not only helped her regain essential skills but also solidified her connection to a musical legacy characterized by restraint and delicacy. Despite the challenges of growing up in the public eye, Gardot has continuously evolved her sound and stagecraft, navigating her career with a resilience and creativity that have set her apart in the music industry.

Her new album, “The Essential,” is a testament to Gardot’s enduring artistry. This collection, curated by Gardot herself, spans 14 years of her career and includes 25 tracks that showcase the breadth of her musical abilities. Featuring selections from her six studio albums, remixes, live recordings, and previously unreleased tracks, the album captures the essence of Gardot’s talent. Highlights include her multilingual performances, emotive renditions of classics like Elton John’s “Love Song,” and live recordings that convey the raw honesty of her concerts. Each track offers a glimpse into the diverse emotional landscapes Gardot can traverse, making “The Essential” a rich and compelling portrait of an artist whose music speaks for itself.

Tracklist:

A1. Baby I’m A Fool
A2. If The Stars Were Mine
A3. C’Est Magnifique
A4. Morning Sun
A5. Sweet Memory
A6. Mira
A7. Over The Rainbow

B8. Worrisome Heart
B9. Our Love Is Easy
B10. Love Song Feat. Ibrahim Maalouf
B11. La Chanson des vieux amants
B12. Les Etoiles (Live)
B13. La Vie En Rose

C1. First Song *NEW*
C2. This Foolish Heart Could Love You (Paris Strings Session)
C3. Once I Was Loved
C4. Ain’t No Sunshine (Live In Paris)
C5. Moon River

D6. Your Heart Is As Black As Night
D7. If I Tell You I Love You
D8. Who Will Comfort Me
D9. Love Me Liker A River Does (Live In Paris)
D10. Bad News (Live)
D11. La Llorana (Live) *NEW*