Jazz legend Liane set to launch new album

The launch event will feature a 40-strong orchestra, and the strings section will be made up of local music students.

Ballads is an eclectic mixture of material comprising 11 songs, from Great American Songbook to a Todd Rundgren cover, and it also includes an original song written for Liane.

The album has not only been recorded and produced in Hastings but has also involved local music students and the album artwork is by critically acclaimed local artist, Lester Magoogan, in a move away from traditional jazz covers.

This is Liane’s second album with twice Grammy nominated Hastings-based music producer James McMillan.

He said: “Liane is a virtuoso as a singer and a pianist. This album totally reflects Liane; it is emotional and deeply honest like her. Ballads is very personal and intimate, a lot of time, love and attention has gone in to create something truly special.”

McMillan describes it as a very collaborative album, as a host of people have been involved, from local musicians to top Hollywood arranger, Chris Walden, who wrote three orchestrations for the album. Walden wrote the music arrangements for the recent Oscar ceremony in Hollywood. Tickets are £15 on sale on March 18 from 07973 416856 or on the door.