In his first American debut album, Richard Shelton is ready to make his mark in music with the release of his American debut album titled AN ENGLISHMAN IN LOVE IN LA out now. Featuring 13 songs, the album was primarily recorded at Capitol, EastWest and United Studios, Los Angeles and includes some of the world's finest musicians of this genre, including legendary bass player Chuck Berghofer (Frank Sinatra/Barbra Streisand), drummer Greg Fields (Ella Fitzgerald/Ray Charles), and engineered and mixed by Steve Genewick at Capitol Studios. The album is out now and available at retail stores and all major online retailers, including iTunes and Amazon.
AN ENGLISHMAN IN LOVE IN LA is classic but slick, nostalgic but innovative and timeless but modern and celebrates the rhythmic styling and sophistication of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett but with an English influence - evoking romance and respect for love. Shelton, who arrived in LA from London, celebrates the style of Sinatra with an approach of his own. "I have had a life-long fascination with this genre of music," says Shelton, who was nominated 'Best Actor in a Leading Role' for portraying Sinatra in the hit drama 'Rat Pack Confidential' on the London stage, with rave reviews including the BBC's Mike Young extolling his virtues - 'Shelton as Sinatra is simply phenomenal. He captures the essence of the man perfectly.' - and The Guardian's Michael Billington, "Richard Shelton captures perfectly Sinatra's sting-pulling menace.' "It was during this time that I realized I wanted to record some of these iconic songs and new, contemporary repertoire adding my own twist and feel. It's vital to have your own voice," explains Shelton.
It was no easy undertaking for the determined Brit, who struggled for three years to finish recording the album. "I changed my entire life, and moved cities, countries and grappled with a new language - both culturally and emotionally. There were times when I was overcome with how difficult it all seemed but I realized that this was a journey that I needed to go on because it was all about the love I have for this music and what I discovered about myself in putting the album together. The new possibilities and opportunities being offered were the encouragement I needed," continues Shelton.
Being someone who refused to compromise on his art meant a lot of work had to be done. Together with producer Sean Hargreaves, Shelton worked for 6 solid months on the song selection before stepping into the studio. Shelton illuminates, "And when we did, it wasn't just any studio but the glorious world of Frank Sinatra's very own 'Studio B' at Capitol Studios. Singing into his famed microphone and working with some of his original band mates including legendary Chuck (Berghofer) and Gregg (Field) was just mind-blowing, so by the time I came to open my mouth and sing and bearing my relationship with Frank Sinatra in mind, I really did think I was 'Flying to the Moon!"
The title track AN ENGLISHMAN IN LOVE IN LA, was a result of a serendipitous meeting with composer Alexander Rudd firstly in London at Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club and again in Los Angeles amongst the 17,000 strong-crowd at the Hollywood Bowl. The song is a story of a man longing for a new start in a strange land, excited at what lies ahead. And the theme for the album took center stage.
The repertoire on the album includes two original songs, pop classics and standards, as well the original title track 'AN ENGLISHMAN IN LOVE IN L.A.' The collection is reflective of love - it's pain, courage, and celebration, all of which are part of the emotions which this album reflects - a story of a man longing for a new start in a strange land, excited about the future and all the possibilities that lie ahead.
It was through music that Shelton found his story and it is through music Shelton is able to find his voice. "I still remember the day I stepped foot in Studio B at Capitol - the room Frank Sinatra recorded in - and feeling the pressure and remembering the pain I had gone through to get here. Finding courage in the music and the message has always been what motivated me to never give up." explained Shelton.
'AN ENGLISHMAN IN LOVE IN L.A.' is a labor of love. There were days I had to go without, and in this day and age of instant gratification, I had to endure and be patient. But the music led me with each step and even though it took three years to complete - here we are," says Shelton.
