For the first time in their careers, Martin and Shirlie Kemp join forces to today announce details of their brand new album In The Swing Of It, set for release on Friday 22nd November on Sony Music.
In The Swing Of It brings the couple together for the first time having both individually enjoyed huge chart success in iconic 80’s bands Spandau Ballet and Pepsi and Shirlie.
Tracks include Nice Work If You Can Get It – a playful nod to Martin’s NTA Award-winning acting roles on EastEnders and in Hollywood, and classics Ain’t That a Kick In The Head, Fly Me To The Moon and The Way You Look Tonight.
Daughter Harleymoon, who has been working as a songwriter in Nashville for the past two years, also contributed to the album with two tracks she wrote for her parents, Like We Used To Do and When We’re Apart.
The idea for the album was born off the back of an impromptu recording session with Martin, whilst working with producer Brian Rawling (Cher, Tina Turner, One Direction. He invited Shirlie into the studio for the first time in over 30 years to help with a song. The session was the start of something magical, and made them realise how much they enjoyed recording together going onto work on a carefully selected track listing of uplifting Swing covers, chosen by the couple to reflect on their relationship.
Speaking on the album Martin said ‘It’s brought us even closer’, ‘what they did in the 50s with swing was they made love songs that made you happy. The words that we are singing, what we have created, it is an open love letter for everyone to read, that we are going to leave behind us when we are long gone. ‘When we sing those love songs together there is a truth behind it. For Shirlie and I the words actually mean something so there is a spark there, which is what got everyone excited.’
Shirlie added `I feel happy when I listen to this music, I hope people dance and sing along to the album when they are in their homes doing the cleaning or cooking the Sunday roast’. ‘Singing is a happy drug. If you are singing at home it makes you feel better, it releases endorphins, which is what we both experienced making this record; singing makes you feel good.’
Martin & Shirlie will be performing hits from their album in Big Band Broadway – the live show including a performance at London’s Royal Festival Hall January 25th. For more information and tickets, visit bigbandbroadway.co.uk
You can stream the single here
