Title: Romantika
Artist: Holst, Anders
Label: CD Baby
Product Type: COMPACT DISCS
UPC: 880270243426
Genre: Jazz

"His honest and original love songs can give romantic music a brand new chance. Do your heart a favor and check him out." - Quincy Jones Three years since making an impressionable introduction with the release the 'Five'EP, New York City based, Swedish-born Anders Holst, is back to seduce listeners once again with the release of his long-awaited full-length debut album, 'Romantika'. This 10 song collection recaptures his remarkable fondness for penning songs that are truly from and of the heart, while adding both a genuine and refined pop sensitivity and an incomparable elegance. Romantika's carefree ease adds a much-needed finesse to the ever-changing adult contemporary canon. Lush in Anders' emotive candor, the album explores countless sides of love and heartbreak, vulnerability and redemption. Even in love's grayest moments comes peace, and such a theme flourishes throughout these heartfelt songs, especially on the ballad, "Fight the Tide." A refreshing sense of optimism pours from Anders' songwriting. From the lilting, piano-driven ballad of "Lovers In the Dark", which also hits upon the album's rich, soulful spirit, recalling the jazz-tinged sophistication of Michel Legrand to Anders' sultry rendition of Billy Joel's "All About Soul," Anders' lyrical honesty and refined approach is true. "All About Soul," Romantika''s vibrant first single, is also scheduled for release via Anders' Facebook and MySpace page this month, with a release via iTunes and other digital outlets to follow. Anders co-produced and arranged the album with Alar Suurna, Jerker Eklund and Mats Bystrom. Upon hearing it, Quincy Jones commented, "His honest and original love songs can give romantic music a brand new chance" and Billboard's Fred Bronson said, "It grabbed me instantly; I haven't heard music and lyrics like this before. When you can play something unique after listening to music for 35 years, that's fantastic!" WHAT THE PRESS ARE SAYING: "...a regal contender to become the new crowned prince of contemporary romantic music." BILLBOARD MAGAZINE "I love this album. I've been eagerly awaiting it's arrival. I've been a fan since the very first moment I heard Anders' voice. His choice of instrumentation to offset his distinctively rich, stylish voice is impeccable... His boyish good looks and penetrating stare fill the deliciously artful cover... possibly making it worth bypassing the download and opting for the tactile experience. Even the coolest hearts will find traces of warmth that they forgot existed upon hearing Romantika." SMOOTH JAZZ.COM "The Sting of Stockholm is back and this time he's singing about love. From start to finish the lyrics and music on Romantika come together for a mellow and easy sound...Holst sings like a man comfortable in his own skin. He does not try to fit into the jazz singer mold; he just sings his own song. Maybe Holst would consider leading men on a journey from Mars to Venus?" ALLABOUTJAZZ.COM "He begins the album with a stroke of genius - a cover of Billy Joel's 'All About Soul' that surpasses the original with it's careful but tender reading, sparked by David Wilczewski's sax solo.... His baritone voice recalls Roxy Music's Bryan Ferry, or perhaps at times a more mellow Kurt Elling. His material is overtly romantic, but never cloying or cliched. That's a potent combination." STRAIGHT NO CHASER JAZZ ''All About Soul' is the best I've heard from Holst... his smooth jazz interpretation makes it a great track for our smooth jazz channel. People hear Boz Scaggs and Robert Palmer in the music ... The vocal approach is best described as a blend of Bryan Ferry and Peter Gabriel." MUSIC CHOICE 'The album itself highlights Holst's ability to perform cool jazz and groove. Holst's song writing melds fervent, solicitous, fanciful lyrics with strains that will touch your heart, mind and soul... this release will drive you through a sentimental pilgrimage, visiting jazz and blues in contemporary soundscapes. Heartily recommended!' JAZZ REVIEW "Soulful Swedish singer/songwriter Anders Holst blends smoky jazz with the adult contemporary melodicism of Sting, Seal, and Leonard Cohen. Introspective, spiritual, and romantic, Anders deftly weaves pop, jazz, and classical into a smooth style all it's own." ALL MUSIC GUIDE "Kick off your heels, ladies, and pour yourself a glass of champagne - because this one's for you and it's bound to be romantic. Swedish singer Anders Holst will ease you into tenderness with his soothing, smooth voice and mix of soul, jazz, and melodies that will linger in your mind. And it doesn't hurt that the guy is good looking." NORDIC REACH "Anders Holst's album, Romantika, has forever changed the way artists will compose Jazz music." THE QUE 98.2FM.

Tracks:
1.1 All About Soul
1.2 Make It Shine
1.3 Tainted Shots
1.4 Told You a Thousand Times
1.5 Fight the Tide
1.6 Innocent ; Blue
1.7 Two Sides
1.8 Across the Border
1.9 Lonelier Laughter
1.10 Lovers in the Dark

Audio Sample:
All soundclips are provided by Tidal and are for illustrative purposes only. For some releases, the tracks listed may not accurately represent the tracks on the physical release.