Photo Credit: Danielle Levitt
Tori Amos re-imagines a personally handpicked collection of songs spanning her entire catalogue with her thirteenth studio album, Gold Dust. Produced by Amos with arrangements by long-time collaborator John Philip Shenale, the new album features reworkings of songs in orchestral settings which Amos recorded with the renowned Metropole Orchestra, conducted by Jules Buckley. Slated for release in October 2012, Gold Dust is Amos’ second recording for Deutsche Grammophon and a natural progression following 2011’s classically influenced Night of Hunters. The release will be accompanied by a European and US orchestral tour with opening performances in Rotterdam, Brussels and Warsaw.
What better way to commemorate the 20-year career of an artist who has sold over 12 million albums, played over a thousand shows, won numerous awards and, more importantly, touched, healed or changed the lives of millions of fans than with a new album paying tribute to her past? “The 20 years is about celebrating different times that have happened – all the blessings, all the conversations which have taken place and inspired these songs. This is a collection of new studio recordings of where they are now and who they have become” comments Amos.
Gold Dust is a personal journey through the Amos songbook that reaffirms the timelessness of her music. Beloved gems like “Silent All These Years” and “Precious Things” take on new life alongside lesser-known treasures such as “Flavor” and a number of tracks underwent significant reworking when adapted for orchestra. Almost autobiographical in structure, the songs represent stories culled from Tori’s own life relationships: “Jackie’s Strength” is about her relationship with her mother, “Winter” is about her father and grandfather and “Snow Cherries from France” is about her husband. "My relationship with all of these songs has changed over the years and they have changed my life. So it wasn’t just about capturing the past it was about realizing that the songs had a new narrative now – 10 or 20 years later than they did when I originally recorded them” comments Amos.
The origins of Gold Dust began in 2010 when Tori received a call from the Metropole Orchestra in the Netherlands inviting her to perform with them. After hearing the songs performed in a live orchestral setting, Tori was compelled to put them down on record.
Since the release of her debut album Little Earthquakes 20 years ago in 1992, where she pushed boundaries with her confessional style of song-writing, Amos continues to be adored, picking up new fans along the way, romanced by her messages of empowerment, tenderness, acerbic assertiveness, and that utterly unique sound.
Tori Amos is one of the most successful and influential artists of her generation. A pioneer across multiple platforms, she was the first major label artist to offer a single for download, had her songs turned into graphic novels, and produced groundbreaking videos throughout her career. Ms. Amos is also a noted humanitarian and co-founder of RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network), which is the United States’ largest anti-sexual assault organization.
2012 TOUR DATES
October 1 – Holland, Rotterdam, De Doelen – Metropole Orkest conducted by Jules Buckley
October 2 – Belgium, Brussels, Bozar – Metropole Orkest conducted by Jules Buckley
October 13 – Poland, Warsaw, Sala Kongresowa
Further European and US Dates to be announced shortly on www.toriamos.com
