YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT LOVE IS
The release of “You Don’t Know What Love Is” (lyrics by Don Raye, music by Gene de Paul) couldn’t feel more timely.
As part of the Don’t Explain EP Studio Project with Greg Goebel, this song resonated deeply with me during the long quarantine years of the pandemic. In many ways, it became my “Ode to COVID.” (Fittingly — or maybe ironically — this track dropped on day 14 of the worst case of laryngitis I’ve ever had: half a dozen canceled gigs, no voice… poor me!)
To me, losing the ability to make, share, and feel music with live audiences carried the same ache as heartbreak itself. That’s why this tune hits so close to home.
Greg’s arrangement and treatment of this classic are truly unmatched. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
LOVE FOR SALE
Cole Porter’s classic “Love for Sale” gets a fresh twist here — Greg Goebel’s signature vibe wrapped in the grit of harmonica and the pulse of a New Orleans street groove. It’s smoky, playful, and alive, honoring Porter’s wit while carrying the swagger of a second-line parade.
DARN THAT DREAM
“Darn That Dream” - A Greg Goebel arrangement, composition and production of a 1939 popular song composed by Jimmy Van Heusen with lyrics by Eddie DeLange.
Sometimes the dreams we chase turn out to be nightmares. And sometimes the ones that never come true are actually blessings in disguise. That’s why I keep dreaming — because even when they don’t unfold as I imagine, something sweeter often waits.
This project with my friend Greg Goebel, “Darn that Dream,” is one of those sweeter realities. His brilliant arrangement makes this classic feel fresh and alive, and I’m so thrilled to share it with you.
“Darn that dream and bless it too. Without that dream, there never would be you.” — Eddie De Lange
BODY & SOUL
I adore Greg Goebel, as a musician, a producer, a professional and as a friend. Here is our latest collaboration, the amazingly beautiful 1930 classic, “Body and Soul,” music by Johnny Green and lyrics by Edward Neyman, Robert Sour and Frank Eyton. Greg’s wonderful work — including his vocals! — is all over this.
I’VE GROWN ACCUSTOMED TO HIS FACE
So blessed to discover that Greg’s goals for his production expansion fit with my goals for bringing something special, but not showy, to the wonderful Great American Songbook. We both believe that this repertoire has so much life in it and that it deserves to be reinvented with the tone, style, and artistry of today. Greg’s taste is impeccable. I’m privileged to be working with him, and I’ve devoted myself to realizing with him a number of songs we’re releasing soon.
Here’s the first!
ADVANCE TESTIMONIALS
Ben Wolfe
“I’ve Grown Accustomed to His Face.” A Greg Goebel styling, arrangement & collaboration. (02.16.2022)
“I have been very much enjoying vocalist Billie Eidson’s wonderful rendition of the Lerner and Loewe classic, “I’ve Grown Accustomed to [His] Face. The intimate duo setting with pianist Greg Goebel couldn’t be more perfect.”
— Ben Wolfe
Ben Wolfe is a bassist and composer whose career includes Grammy award- winning, platinum-selling collaborations with Harry Connick Jr., and Diana Krall, as well as ongoing collaborations with Wynton Marsalis and performances with jazz luminaries such as Joe Henderson, Doc Cheatum, Jon Hendricks, Harry "Sweets” Edison, and Billy Higgins, among many others.
About Greg Goebel
Billie says, “I would love to express my sincere gratitude to Greg Goebel for sharing his passion, creativity and talent with me on this project. This is a quintessential Greg Goebel-esque styling, arrangement and collaboration.”
Here’s what you should know about Greg Goebel.
From straight ahead jazz, funk and pop, to the avant garde, Greg Goebel is considered one of the Northwest's first call pianists.
Praised by critics for "manifesting his ideas with the immediacy and sureness of a master craftsman" (Jazz Times) and as "a force that is stretching known boundaries and moving the music into new territory" (Larry Koonse), pianist Greg Goebel shows himself as firmly rooted in tradition while simultaneously proving to be a unique voice among a new generation.
Greg Goebel is also a master producer. “Touring the world, writing and co-producing records for over 11 years with singer/songwriter/producer extraordinaire, Gino Vannelli,” he remarks, “has provided me with invaluable skills in the production industry. I’ve devoted my life to a deep understanding of music and composition to serve my performances on stage. Now I’ve taken those well-honed skills to the other side of the microphone as a producer.”
Skylark. Released 9.3.2021
My take on Hoagy Carmicheal’s 1941 American popular song Skylark is scheduled to release on Friday, September 3, 2021. Featuring Tom Grant on piano and vocals, upright bassist and veteran of Pink Martini since 2003, Phil Baker, and Ron Steen on drums.
Skylark. Have you anything to say to me?
Just as Johnny Mercer struggled with Hoagy Carmicheal’s 1940 classic composition for over one year trying to “get the lyrics" right,” so too haven’t we all shared a similar struggle over the past year? Sure. Listen to the yearning of this tune. It's based on Mercer’s love affair with Judy Garland. It' s real. It's complicated. It's LIFE.
“And in your lonely flight, haven’t you heard the music in the night? Wonderful music. . . .”
BILLIE’S BIRTHDAY RELEASE - I COULD WRITE A BOOK -IS HERE!
“I Could Write a Book”, a Rodgers and Hart classic, is Billie’s newest release, featuring Portland’s classic rhythm section for American Popular Song (Tom Grant on piano, Phil Baker on bass. and Ron Steen on drums.)
Get it wherever great music is streamed and sold — and at any of the links below!
Choose your stream or purchase option below!
VALENTINE’S DAY WITH BILLIE & KMHD
Do you still listen to the radio? I DO!
Tune into to KMHD (89.1 FM, Portland, OR; or tunein.com/radio/KMHD-891) on Sunday, February 14, 2021, from 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm to hear Lynn Darroch’s virtual interview with Billie on KMHD. Learn about certain aspects of her work both laying the foundation for and serving as an impetus to her debut CD, “Sometimes I Love You,” featuring jazz luminaries, Tom Grant on piano and vocals, Phil Baker on bass, and Ron Steen on drums.
Mr. Darroch’s musical stories include tales of encounters with jazz and Latin music greats including Ray Charles, Phil Woods, Betty Carter and Ruben Blades. Musical colleagues include: Randy Porter, Tom Grant, Clay Giberson, John Stowell, Alfredo Muro, Louis Pain, Jonathan Swanson, Pere Soto, David Evans, John Nastos, Rob Davis and Brian Healy.
Tune in! Sunday, February 14th!
Billie’s Birthday Surprise.
RSVP to my Friday, February 12, LIVESTREAM with Portland’s premier streaming company, Left Door Streaming, to receive MY birthday gift to YOU! Must RSVP to be in the know!
*HINT: After almost half of a decade…I really could write a book!
BE AMONG THE FIRST FIVE TO ACCURATELY GUESS MY SURPRISE AND GET YOUR EXCLUSIVE FREE COPY!
MUST GUESS @ BILLIEEIDSONMUSIC.COM VIA “CONTACT BILLIE” TO WIN!