Only months after the alcohol-fueled death of British songstress Amy Winehouse, a 12-track album comprised of unheard material will be released in December. Produced by Winehouse pals, Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi, Lioness: Hidden Treasures will feature a number of reworked demos, new compositions (one track even written whilst she was under the influence of heroin), covers and past popular tracks. Prior to her death, she recorded her rendition of “Body And Soul” with Tony Bennett which will also be included on the album.
Amy’s father, Mitch Winehouse told British tabloid The Sun, “I spent so much time chasing after Amy – telling her off – that I never realised what a true genius she was…It wasn’t until I sat down with the rest of the family and listened to this album that I fully appreciated the breadth of her talent. From jazz standards to hip-hop songs, it took my breath away.”
“Had the family felt this album wasn’t up to the standard of Amy’s others, Frank and Back To Black, we’d never have agreed to release it. We believe it will stand as a fitting tribute to her musical legacy.”
One dollar from each album sold will go towards the Amy Winehouse foundation, which the Winehouse family launched on the late singer’s 28th birthday, to assist troubled and vulnerable youths suffering from illness or other circumstances.
The star’s troubled life was cut short at the age of 27 when she was found dead in her Camden flat in London on July 23. Last week, an inquest heard the singer was more than five times over the legal drink-drive limit at the time of her death.
Salaam said of his close friend’s legacy: “I believe she has left something beyond her years. She has put a body of work together that will inspire an unborn generation.”
Lioness: Hidden Treasures tracklist:
Our Day Will Come
Between The Cheats
Tears Dry
Wake Up Alone
Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow
Valerie
Like Smoke (feat. Nas)
The Girl From Ipanema
Halftime
Best Friends
Body And Soul (feat. Tony Bennett)
A Song For You
Words by Celline Narinli
