NEW YORK (Top40 Charts/ Doreen D'Agostino Media) - Three years since making an impressionable introduction with the release the Five EP, New York City based, Swedish-born Anders Holst, is back to seduce listeners once again with the release of his long-awaited full-length debut album, Romantika. This 10 song collection recaptures his remarkable fondness for penning songs that are truly from and of the heart, while adding both a genuine and refined pop sensitivity and an incomparable elegance.
Romantika' s carefree ease adds a much-needed finesse to the ever-changing adult contemporary canon. Lush in Anders' emotive candor, the album explores countless sides of love and heartbreak, vulnerability and redemption. Even in love's grayest moments comes peace, and such a theme flourishes throughout these heartfelt songs, especially on the ballad, 'Fight the Tide.' A refreshing sense of optimism pours from Anders' songwriting. From the lilting, piano-driven ballad of 'Lovers In the Dark', which also hits upon the album's rich, soulful spirit, recalling the jazz-tinged sophistication of Michel Legrand to Anders' sultry rendition of Billy Joel's 'All About Soul,' Anders' lyrical honesty and refined approach is true. 'All About Soul,' Romantika''s vibrant first single, is also scheduled for release via Anders' Facebook and MySpace page this month, with a release via iTunes and other digital outlets to follow.
Anders co-produced and arranged the album with Alar Suurna, Jerker Eklund and Mats Bystrom. Upon hearing it, Quincy Jones commented, 'His honest and original love songs can give romantic music a brand new chance' and Billboard's Fred Bronson said, 'It grabbed me instantly; I haven't heard music and lyrics like this before. When you can play something unique after listening to music for 35 years, that's fantastic!'
WHAT THE PRESS ARE SAYING:
'...a regal contender to become the new crowned prince of contemporary romantic music. ' - Chuck Taylor, Billboard Magazine
'Soulful Swedish singer/songwriter Anders Holst blends smoky jazz with the adult contemporary melodicism of Sting, Seal, and Leonard Cohen. Introspective, spiritual, and romantic, Anders deftly weaves pop, jazz, and classical into a smooth style all its own.' - James Monger, All Music Guide
"'All About Soul' is the best I've heard from Holst... his smooth jazz interpretation makes it a great track for our smooth jazz channel. People hear Boz and Robert Palmer in the music ... the vocal approach is best described as a blend of Bryan Ferry and Peter Gabriel.' - Will Kinnally, Music Choice
'This debut offering by the soulful, deep voiced Swedish born singer, songwriter and producer may only be five tracks long but its soaring melodies, rich production texture and clever wistful lyrics pack an emotional punch equal to most full-length collections... A nostalgic journey through his adopted hometown that beautifully blends pop, jazz, classical and chill flavors.' - Jonathan Widran, Smooth Jazz News
'Every year I pick my top 50 faves... out of a thousand downloads, they are the best!! At No 45. 'Love Me Like a River' - Anders Holst. At first I just fell for the arrangement and orchestration, so what's wrong with that?' - Al Kooper
'Combine warm, thoughtful, romantic, and, at times, bittersweet lyrics with melodies that will get inside your head and under your skin... add a smoky, intriguing voice, lush instrumentation, and sparkling production... and you've got a grand success! I thoroughly enjoy this collection of tunes on Five, and eagerly await much more from Anders Holst!' - Scott O'Brien, SmoothJazz.Com
'Anders Holst's album, Romantika, has forever changed the way artists will compose Jazz music.' - Airomee Wind, The Que 98.2 FM
