Valerie by Valerie J Miller

Valerie Miller's debut Classical-Crossover solo vocal album, “VALERIE,” features fourteen songs in a diversity of styles including aria, folk, musical theater, sacred, and classical.

Dominated by Miller’s command of musical genre and by her exciting and fresh soprano vocals, the collection is filled with time-honored songs and arias, audience favorites as well as lesser known great works, written by Puccini, Verdi, Sondheim, Judy Collins, Bach and Gounod among others. Through Valerie's astonishing spinto soprano vocal range, power, and the beauty and clarity of the voice itself, discover a command of musical styles which extends from Opera (O Mio Babbino Caro), to Musical Theater: both classic (Anyone Can Whistle) and contemporary (No One Is Alone), to Classical (Ave Maria), and Folk (Secret Gardens).

Miller’s influences include the passionate and emotionally true work of singers Maria Callas, Barbra Streisand, and the legend of Jenny Lind. Valerie also relates to Renée Fleming’s work, as they share a love of performing new music and music of diverse styles. Miller's extensive onstage experience in the opera, musical theater, and as a legit actress infuses the album with an emotional depth arising from her insight into story and character.

For “Valerie,” Miller has partnered with instrumentalist and arranger Steve Welch who has ably accompanied her through several musical styles. Recorded in Los Angeles with Welch, the album’s sound is evocative of songbook “standards” and arias, here written by Puccini, Verdi, Sondheim, Bach, and others with a freshness and modern sensibility that can easily encompass the contemporary folk of Judy Collins.

Miller’s astonishing voice runs the gamut, her instrument mustering both the power and range of the opera and the realism and ease of pop. Her singing balances passion with beauty and clarity, revealing an artist of skill and accomplishment. As actress, Valerie J Miller plunges the emotional depths of story and character. As musician, she delivers exciting thrills and spine-soaking chills.

TRACK LISTING:
1. Lakmé: Flower Duet
2. Mass, Op.12: V. Panis Angelicus
3. Anyone Can Whistle
4. Susannah: The Trees on the Mountains
5. La Reine de Saba: Plus grand, dans son obscurité
6. Faust: The Jewel Song
7. I Masnadieri: Tu del mio Carlo
8. I Masnadieri: Carlo vive?
9. No One Is Alone
10. Chérubin: Vive amour qui rêve, embrase et fuit
11. Gianni Schicchi: O mio babbino caro
12. Ave Maria (Bach/Gounod)
13. Lakmé: Flower Duet (Alternate Version)
14. Secret Gardens

Tracklist

1.	Lakmé: Flower Duet	1:38

2.	Mass, Op.12: V. Panis Angelicus	2:41

3.	Anyone Can Whistle	2:54

4.	Susannah: The Trees on the Mountains	4:20

5.	La Reine de Saba: Plus grand, dans son obscurité	5:17

6.	Faust: The Jewel Song	3:28

7.	I Masnadieri: Tu del mio Carlo	2:52

8.	I Masnadieri: Carlo vive?	1:53

9.	No One Is Alone	3:22

10.	Chérubin: Vive amour qui rêve, embrase et fuit	3:08

11.	Gianni Schicchi: O mio babbino caro	3:18

12.	Ave Maria (Bach/Gounod)	2:53

13.	Lakmé: Flower Duet (Alternate Version)	1:38

14.	Secret Gardens	4:53

Credits

released November 16, 2014

Vocals: Valerie Miller
Arrangements: Steve Welch and Valerie Miller
Orchestrations, Keyboards: Steve Welch
Sound Engineer: Bob Wayne
Producer: Valerie Miller
Production Company: Valerie Miller Productions
Recorded at: Sunburst Studios, Culver City, CA
Mixed by: Steve Welch, Valerie Miller, and Bob Wayne
Mastering: Charlie Watts
Photography and Design Direction: Ed Brown
Graphic Design: Elizabeth MacFarland
Hair and Make-up: Gregory Mooney

License