'And Now I Swing,' the latest solo recording project of the inimitable Tony Award winner Chita Rivera arrives in stores today, October 13. From classic theatre songs to jazz standards, this new album pays homage to Chita's stage legacy while also displaying her passion for jazz. All tracks featured on this album have received new arrangements recorded by New York's finest musicians, reimagining some of Chita's favorite tunes.
In a statement, album producer and Yellow Sound Label co-founder Michael Croiter said, "'And Now I Swing' is a realization of one of Chita's lifelong dreams. We are proud to deliver this recording to both theatre fans and music aficionados who enjoy groundbreaking albums such as this."
The track list for "And Now I Swing" follows:
I Won't Dance/Let Me Sing
Nowadays
Where Am I Going
Sweet Happy Life/Mas Que Nada
Love and Love Alone
Carousel
Not Exactly Paris
I Don't Remember You
More Than You Know
Circle of Friends
A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square
To celebrate the CD release, Chita Rivera will perform at Birdland for six shows only Wednesday, October 14 through Saturday, October 17. The show will feature the multi-Tony Award-winning Broadway star performing selections from her most celebrated musicals including numbers from West Side Story ("America"), Sweet Charity ("Where Am I Going?" and "Big Spender"), Chicago ("All That Jazz" and "Nowadays") and The Rink ("Chief Cook and Bottle Washer") and more. Ms. Rivera will be accompanied by a six-piece band led by music director Michael Croiter that includes Andy Ezrin, Jim Donica, Entcho Todorov, Charlie Pillow, Trevor Nuemann.
An accomplished and versatile triple threat, Rivera has won two Tony Awards as Best Leading Actress in a Musical and received seven additional Tony nominations. She recently starred in the new Kander,Ebb and McNally musical The Visit at the Signature Theatre, and the Broadway and touring productions of The Dancer's Life, a new musical celebrating her career. Chita was awarded The Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama on August 12, 2009. She received the coveted Kennedy Center Honor in December 2002 and was the first Hispanic ever chosen to receive this award. It was her electric performance as Anita in the Broadway premiere of West Side Story (1957) which brought her stardom. She starred in the original Broadway productions of such landmark musicals as Chicago, The Rink, Kiss of the Spider Woman and Bye Bye Birdie among many others.
Chita Rivera at Birdland will have the following performance schedule: Wednesday & Thursday, October 14 and 15 at 8:30 PM; Friday & Saturday, October 16 and 17 at 8:30 PM and 11PM. Tickets are $40 (General Admission) and $50 (Premium Seating) and may be obtained by calling (212) 581-3080 or online at www.birdlandjazz.com.
Rivera will also perform and sign copies of her new CD as part of the Live At Lincoln series at Barnes & Noble, Lincoln Triangle (Broadway at 66 St), Monday, October 19, 7:30 PM.
Photo Credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.
