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King’s ‘Diva in the Rough’ set to release CD

March 25, 2015   ·   0 Comments

By Mark Pavilons
Wearing her heart on her sleeve, King’s singing sweetheart is set to pull on the heartstrings of music lovers with her newest CD release.
The 14-song album by Catherine Hughes has just been mixed, after a whirlwind three-day recording session at Toronto’s Studio 9. Known to many as the “Diva in the Rough,” Hughes has won a legion of fans in King.
It’s been many years since Hughes has released any “vinyl” and now, she’s combining her technically flawless singing voice with wisdom and emotional maturity, to present a slew of vintage love songs.
The yet unnamed album will include many legendary songs such as Am I Blue?, made famous by Ethel Waters in the 1929 film On With the Show. Hughes performs the American torch song Cry Me a River, made famous by Julie London in 1955.
A little out of her element, Hughes recorded a marvellous French version of La Vie en rose, the signature song of French cabaret singer Edith Piaf.
This, Hughes admitted, was “quite a challenge.” They performed 11 takes of the song to get it just right. Afterwards, Hughes was admittedly exhausted.
The general theme is relaying a story about love and speaking to the human heart.
The album will also include some surprises, as well as a “hidden” live track, recorded at a previous show in Toronto.
Hughes was joined by her long-time partner Don Guinn, talented pianist and “straight-man.”
Catherine’s husband Aladin Jarrah, a former producer and musician, helped her with the CD. He’s a straight shooter and provided some constructive criticism when needed.
Recording these days is more of a science than an art, with various technology that can “bump up” the songs and add background instruments. But Hughes wanted to keep it pure and natural.
She praised Guinn, who steals the limelight. “His playing is nuts,” she beamed. “He did a beautiful job.”
But he’s no siren. That’s Catherine’s department.
Despite being self-critical, Hughes said she likes how the CD turned out.
Her dream is to be featured on CBC radio’s The Vinyl Cafe, hosted by Stuart McLean.
“I hope people are entertained, or taken away for an hour or so,” she said.
Hughes is thrilled by the support of the local, Kettleby “dream team” – Kathy Cartan, Joanne Duclos and Elaine Kitteridge, who will help her market the new CD. Hopes are they can create a video to post on YouTube to grab attention for the CD.
Hughes said they are planning a release party in King first and then head to Toronto for another celebration.
Hughes is definitely someone to keep an eye on.
She will also be performing at the second annual Sip & Savour fundraising gala for the King Township Food Bank. The theme for the October event is “Hurray for Hollywood.”

         

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