Wouter Hamel - Little Torch (LP)

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EAN code : 8720589667129
Carrier : LP
Release date : 11-11-2022

On his new, seventh studio album 'Little Torch', Wouter Hamel opts for a surprising collaboration with singer/producer Lilian Hak. The result is a headstrong new direction, in which jazzy, cinematic sounding pop takes shape within Hak's progressive, electronic productions. Layered samples and synths create the illusion of specific sets and film noir suspense, all in service of Hamel's expressive voice.

In the absence of heartbreaks and breakups, which had been grateful subjects for Hamel's albums in the past, Wouter had room to use his imagination for the songs on 'Little Torch'. "I came up with a story about a mermaid in a lighthouse and from that moment on a well of enchanting fantasy was tapped. An escape on the back of a dolphin, an adventure among the giants, suddenly the sky was the limit. There were also lyrics about love, but imagination prevailed during the writing."

Instead of opting for a conventional studio, Hak and Hamel decided to record in each other’s homes during the summer of 2020. The intimate setting forms a striking contrast to the baroque atmosphere of the songs the duo wrote. Samples of brass and strings create both a fairytale, orchestral grandeur and a minimal, mysterious sound.

“During the writing process, we stuck to the idea of ​​letting Wouter’s voice really seduce,” says Hak. It’s not for nothing that they share a love for American torch song singer Julie London. “Wouter sings softer than ever on these songs, much more intimate. I know Wouter from school, so I started listening to his albums again. And then I thought: ‘Woah, his voice is just really beautiful.’ I think we should seek out simplicity and purity.”

At the end of November, Wouter will present his new repertoire in the Amsterdam Concertgebouw and the Vereeniging in Nijmegen. On stage, he will be accompanied by his regular keyboardist Thierry Castel, bassist Sven Happel, drummer Mark van Kersbergen, violinist Yanna Pelser and special guest Lilian Hak.

Tracklist:

• 1. Never Been In Love
• 2. Little Torch
• 3. Close Range
• 4. Giant Dream
• 5. The Spell
• 6. Games We Play
• 7. Chasing Beauty
• 8. For Good
• 9. Two Arms
• 10. Dolphin Boy
• 11. Belvedere
• 12. Lucky Streak
• 13. Till April