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A&M 31454 0588 2 October 8
1996
Pre-release information from
Jerry502C@aol.com
Karen dedicates this album to Richard saying, "Dedicated to my brother Richard with all my heart - Karen Carpenter"
Then a note from Ramone, "To Richard: Thank you for letting me borrow your sister to make this album - Phil Ramone"
From Richard: For personal reasons, which have been
chronicled in other sources, I needed and decided to take a leave of absence
from my career in 1979. Karen, who was not interested in
remaining idle during my hiatus, elected to record a solo album.
To
produced the album, Herb Alpert suggested Phil
Ramone, a highly talented and successful producer who had enjoyed both
critical and commercial success with such artists as Paul Simon,
Billy
Joel,et al. Phil signed on and on April 30,1979,
Karen left LA for New York, with the first session commencing
on May 2. Due to the scheduling conflicts, the album was not delivered until
early 1980. Upon completion of the playback, reaction of A&M executives and
others, including me, was, to say the least, ambiguous. The result was that on
May 5 1980, Karen decided to shelve the album.
As time
passes and events unfold, one's perspective on certain matters can change, as
has mine regarding this album. Karen was with us precious
little time. She was a great artist. This album represents a certain period and
change of approach in her career. As such, it deserves to be heard. -
Richard Carpenter
From Phil: To completely understand the love and
adventure of Karen's solo project, people should know that we
made a conscious decision to experiment with music and styles that were not in
the Carpenters' albums. We wanted their fans , as well as a
new audience, to hear one of the greatest voice in a different surrounding. We
knew some things were trendy and that the intimate songs would express her love
of all music.
It was inconceivable to those of us involved with the project
that a rumor might spread regarding the end of the Carpenters.
That truly was beyond realm of possibility: Karen loved
Richard and the music they made together. I've always related
to Richard's arrangements and composing with deep admiration
and we remain friends.
The love of Billy Joel's band - Rod Temperton
and the other players, who had the best time working with her - gave
Karen Carpenter's work in New York a sparkle that can be heard
on this album. Karen and the rest of us who worked on this
project understood the decision to wait on the release. As years passed, both
Richard and I wondered when it might be released. Together we
stand proud as this was a piece of work that meant so much to
Karen, it was truly a labor of love.
I have not remixed or
done anything to the tapes. These mixes, the material and style are the way
Karen approved them. The bonus track is unmixed and was one of
several that might have been finished. I miss her terribly - but I know she's
watching with a smile. - Phil Ramone
From the A&M website, August 13 1996
Karen Carpenter recorded one solo album in her career in the mid-Seventies. Produced by famed helmer PHIL RAMONE -- Karen Carpenter contains 12 cuts never before released. And it is a revelation. The songstress is heard in stripped-down arrangements -- with sparse over dubbing -- allowing her solo voice to be front and center. And the songs range in scope from the remarkable bluesy If I Had You, to the sultry My Body Keeps Changing Its Mind. Recorded in New York City, Karen Carpenter is finally seeing the light of day almost 20 years after it was recorded -- in digital, remastered sound.
A&M Press Release
Entertainment Weekly review, October
11, 1996 issue
New York Times Magazine
article, October 6, 1996
Los
Angeles Times review, October 6, 1996
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Last changed: Sun Jul 8 18:45:36 EDT 2007
