Quincy Jones has become Paul McCartney’s greatest PR agent.
Paul McCartney album mixing at the Capitol Studios
On December 19th 2011 Paul announced that February 2012 would see the release of his brand new studio album. Last month it was confirmed that the album was to be titled ‘Kisses on the Bottom’ – a reference to the album’ opener ‘I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself A Letter’. Now ahead of the release music legend and long-term friend of Paul McCartney, Quincy Jones has spoken about the upcoming album.
Jones comments: “The songs Paul chose for Kisses on the Bottom are songs I’ve heard and loved since I was a kid. I sat with Paul backstage at the first concert of his recent tour and had the privilege of listening to the entire record. These are some of the best songs ever written, and it takes a very special talent to bring them to light. Paul didn’t bring 1/8th notes with him to these songs; he knows how to swing like the old school or Sinatra used to say, “he’s in the pocket.” There is simply no artist today who has the credibility, grace, and depth of character that Paul has. Our 49-year-relationship goes back to before the Beatles came to America and I love that Paul has taken the time to do this album. I’ve heard a lot of records covering these songs, but none of them have the authenticity that Paul’s has.”
‘Kisses On The Bottom’ is a collection of standards Paul grew up listening to in his childhood as well as the two new McCartney compositions ‘My Valentine’ and ‘Only Our Hearts’. With the help of Grammy Award-winning producer Tommy LiPuma and Diana Krall and her band-as well as guest appearances from Eric Clapton and Stevie Wonder, McCartney’s new album is a deeply personal journey through classic American compositions that, in some cases, a young Paul first heard his father perform on piano at home.
Paul had some fun with his choice of album title – while causing some confusion amongst those who have historically subjected his every move to microscopic scrutiny (with many fixating on an anatomical interpretation!) – the phrase ‘Kisses On The Bottom’ actually comes from the album’s opener ‘I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter’. Originally made a big hit by Fats Waller in 1935, the song opens with the lines “I’m gonna sit right down and write myself a letter and make believe it came from you. I’m gonna write words oh so sweet. They’re gonna knock me off of my feet. A lot of kisses on the bottom, I’ll be glad I got ’em'”.
‘Kisses On The Bottom’ – Full track-listing:
01. I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter
02. Home (When Shadows Fall)
03. It’s Only A Paper Moon
04. More I Cannot Wish You
05. The Glory Of Love
06. We Three (My Echo, My Shadow And Me)
07. Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive
08. My Valentine
09. Always
10. My Very Good Friend The Milkman
11. Bye Bye Blackbird
12. Get Yourself Another Fool
13. The Inch Worm
14. Only Our Hearts
