'The Billy Joel Project' from The Broadway Ensemble coming out this summer
Billy Joel was praised by the founder of the Broadway Ensemble for his gift as a storyteller. Credit: Getty Images/Ethan Miller
The Piano Man is about to get a tribute on a grand scale from a group of Broadway talents.
"The Billy Joel Project," a new music collection featuring 24 of the Hicksville native's songs as interpreted by the 11-member Broadway Ensemble, is set to come out on July 11 on streaming and digital formats with an album release from the Yellow Sound Label set for later this summer. The album’s first single, “She’s Got a Way,” performed by Donna Vivino ("Wicked," "Hell's Kitchen") dropped on Friday.
“For over 50 years, Billy Joel, the ultimate Piano Man, has given us unforgettable characters and stories — touching, complex, funny, and deeply moving," producer and founder of the group Phil Geoffrey Bond said in a statement. "Now the Broadway Ensemble is honored to present his music with our debut recording.”
He added: “Billy Joel is more than a musical genius — he’s a master storyteller.”
According to a representative for the label, the project was in the works before Joel, 76, announced on May 23 that he was canceling all of his upcoming concerts after being diagnosed with a brain disorder.
The Broadway Ensemble, which was created earlier this year, features Broadway vocalists performing songs by other artists to the accompaniment of pit musicians.
“The Billy Joel Project” is a new album by the Broadway Ensemble. Credit: Yellow Sound Label
While the album will contain such Joel favorites as "New York State of Mind," "Scenes From an Italian Restaurant" and "Only the Good Die Young," it will also showcase lesser-played numbers, including "Bows," "Summer, Highland Falls" and "Where's the Orchestra?" Also on the disc will be Joel's single released last year "Turn the Lights Back On" performed by Annie Golden ("Assassins").
Most Popular
Top Stories
