On December 5th, the world will get to hear a collection of songs the late Amy Winehouse was working on before her untimely passing. The UK Sun was present in a secret listening session for the album, dubbed Lioness: Hidden Treasures.
Amy’s father, Mitch, let out some emotional words at the listening.
“I spent so much time chasing after Amy — telling her off — that I never realized what a true genius she was.
“It wasn’t until I sat down with the rest of the family and listened to this album that I fully appreciated the breadth of her talent. From jazz standards to hip-hop songs, it took my breath away.”
“One of the new songs on the album, Halftime, I’d never heard before. It is just incredibly beautiful,” he said while wiping away tears. “Had the family felt this album wasn’t up to the standard of Amy’s others, Frank and Back To Black, we’d never have agreed to release it. We believe it will stand as a fitting tribute to her musical legacy.”
Producer Salaam Remi, who worked closely with Amy throughout her career, also offered some insight on the project.
“When I listened back you would hear some of the conversations in between — that was emotional. It has been hard, but it has also been an amazing thing. Amy was a gifted girl,” he said. “I believe she has left something beyond her years. She has put a body of work together that will inspire an unborn generation. “I’m blessed to be part of that process, to have known that person and to continue her legacy with this album.”
Proceeds from the album will be donated to the Amy Winehouse Foundation, which is helps various children’s charities.
The UK Sun also gave a brief overview of each song.
“Our Day Will Come (Reggae Version)” – reggae re-working of classic 60’s doo wop song produced by Salaam Remi. Recorded May 2002.
“Between The Cheats” – new Amy composition recorded in London in May 2008 for potential inclusion on album three produced by Salaam Remi.
“Tears Dry” – originally written by Amy as a ballad, this is the original version she recorded in November 2005 in Miami with Salaam. The later uptempo version appears on “Back To Black”.
“Wake Up Alone” – the first song recorded for the “Back To Black” sessions. This is the one-take demo recorded in March 2006 by Paul O’Duffy.
“Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” – Amy’s beautiful reading of the Carole King written Shirelles classic. Produced by Mark Ronson and featuring the Dap Kings with string arrangements by Chris Elliott who did all the strings for Mark’s tracks on “Back To Black”. Recorded in September 2004.
“Valerie” – one of Amy’s jukebox favourites. This is the original slower tempo version of the Mark Ronson produced post “Back To Black” single. Recorded in December 2006.
“Like Smoke” featuring NAS – Amy and Nas became really good friends after Amy name checked the New York rapper on “Back To Black’s” “Me & Mr Jones”. “Like Smoke” is finally Amy doing a song with one of her favourite artists. Produced by Salaam Remi. Recorded in May 2008.
(Read more at the UK Sun)