Madeleine Peyroux & William Galison

In 1996 Madeleine Peyroux dazzled the music world with her debut album “Dreamland” an eclectic gem which Time Magazine called “The most engaging performance by a new artist.. Everybody expected more great work to follow from this young phenomenon, who seemed to embody the most compelling aspects of great singers like Billie Holliday, Edith Piaf, and Patsy Klein. But after a short period of touring, Madeleine disappeared from the stage and studio for nearly seven years. Rumors swirled about reasons for her absence. Madeleine had taken time out, but she was slowly returning to the scene. In 2002 Madeleine met multi-instrumentalist William Galison in a Bleeker street bar, and the electric dynamic between them raised her musical pulse and put her back on the stage. The two started touring as a duo, developing a personal and musical rapport that charmed and delighted audiences at venues around the country. Within a year, they had played dozens of gigs; headlining at the Bottom Line, Joe’s Pub, The Tin Angel, and even with the Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra. In the spring of 2003 they immortalized their collaboration by recording the album “Got You On My Mind”. It was only after Rounder Records heard GYOMM that they signed Madeleine to make “Careless Love” which has dominated the charts since its release in August 2004. With the recording, publicity and touring of this major label release, GYOMM was put on the back burner- but never forgotten. Now, Waking up Music has released this exquisite collaboration between Madeleine and William Galison. You may not have heard Galison’s name, but you’ve definitely heard his music. His unique harmonica playing has been featured in performances and recordings by Sting, Barbra Streisand, Chaka Khan, Carly Simon, Peggy lee, Peter Cincotti, Ruth Brown and hundreds of others. His filmscore credits include “Bagdad cafe, The Untouchables, Prelude to a kiss and the theme of Sesame Street, to name a few. Toots Theileman’s called William “The most innovative musician and an individual of the new generation of harmonica players”. Bill Milkowski adds:” Galison also reveals himself to be an accomplished guitarist on “Got You On My Mind” ...and he delights with a few vocal numbers as well, which makes him a real triple-threat.” On “Got You On My Mind’, Madeleine’s whiskey and honey voice flows through seven tracks, with William providing understated musical comments and some breathtaking solos on harmonica, electric guitar, and dobro. When William sings harmonies with Madeleine, the pair’s voices blend as only those of intimate collaborators can. Galison also provides three instrumental tracks, including the infectious “Rag for Madi” (dedicated to Ms. P) and a rocking musical retelling of the tale of the scorpion and the frog.These tracks feature Tony Garnier (Bob Dylan’s bassist) and Shawn Pelton, who’s drums have been driving the Saturday Night band for the past decade or more. Even more than the unique talents Peyroux and Galison bring to this CD, it is the the synergetic magic between these remarkable artists that makes “Got You On My mind” a treasure, and moved JAZZIZ critic Christopher Louden to rave; “PEYROUX and GALISON are a match made in musical heaven!” Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.