Decca Records releases Richard Carpenter's Piano Songbook, which reinterprets a number of The Carpenter's biggest hits, and chosen favourites, on solo piano. Some of the most beloved melodies of all time, including 'Close to You', 'Yesterday Once More', 'Top of the World', 'We've Only Just Begun' and 'Rainy Days and Mondays', are expertly performed on this tuneful and relaxing album by Richard, one half of the duo who, to date, have sold over 120 million records worldwide...

Even if you're not old enough to remember the Carpenter's when they were at the height of their fame you'll know their songs. However, chances are this is not the sort of album that will be randomly purchased. Now while the songs were very much a collaboration between the brother and sister team of Karen and Richard Carpenter I couldn't help feeling that Richard tries to put himself in the limelight here. In fact, his quote on the press release (see below) doesn't pay tribute to her at all. While the songs are beautifully written, there's no doubt that Karen's wonderful vocals were what drew most in.

Talking about the project, Richard Carpenter said: "I've not only been into music since I was a kid, but records as well, and everything to do with them. In the late forties and early fifties, the Big Three labels were: Columbia, Victor, and Decca... Bing Crosby was on Decca! When the label asked if I might be interested in recording an album of Carpenters songs on solo piano, I could only think of my Mom and Dad, and what an enormous compliment this was to their son, who never wanted to practice. But this was a challenge. For somebody who likes to turn everything into a production, like our records, to adapt them for solo piano was a tall order, but the piano is a remarkable instrument, with a remarkable range, and I believe I've given the songs chosen a fairly good reading".

Now, if you're a fan of the Carpenters, or love their music, this Piano Songbook allows you to hear those classic songs from an entirely new perspective. This is wonderfully conceived album that will take you on a trip down memory lane.

01 - Medley: Sing, Goodbye to Love, Eve, Rainy Days and Mondays (6:00)
02 - I Won't Last a Day Without You (3:49)
03 - For All We Know (2:59)
04 - (They Long To Be) Close to You (2:54)
05 - Yesterday Once More (3:22)
06 - I Need To Be In Love (3:48)
07 - The Rainbow Connection (3:14)
08 - Top of the World (3:18)
09 - We've Only Just Begun (2:24)

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Nick Smithson