On Sat., Sept. 12 Darlene Love and friends will be at the historic Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park to debut her first rock album, “Introducing… Darlene Love” one week before the worldwide release on Columbia/Wicked Cool Records.
The new album was produced and arranged by Steven Van Zandt and includes songs written by Jimmy Webb, Elvis Costello, Bruce Springsteen, Desmond Child with Joan Jett, Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil and Van Zandt and scheduled for release September 18th.
Van Zandt is not only the producer and music director of the show but will be making a long overdue return to Asbury Park to perform alongside Love. Van Zandt will be joined by the musicians he hand-picked to record on the album.
Van Zandt, of The E Street Band fame, actor and solo artist, entered Love’s life years ago. First as a fan and then in the early 80’s convincing Love to return to New York to perform at such venues as The Bottom Line, performing the songs that made her famous and re-visiting her gospel roots. Love went on to perform on Broadway, movies and in 1986 began her holiday tradition of performing “Christmas(Baby Please Come Home) on Late Show with David Letterman.
In 2009 Love performed with Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25th Anniversary Concert. Not long after that Love was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame herself, with a speech by Bette Midler and a performance with Springsteen.
Van Zandt has never been more influential in Love’s life than right now. From getting her back in the studio, writing, producing and arranging her CD to reaching out to fellow artists to contribute to this newest record. Nothing short of a labor of ‘Love’ in every sense of the word. Van Zandt states “Darlene’s legendary status is well deserved but I felt the time was long overdue to show a younger generation WHY she has earned that reputation. Partnering with Columbia Records is a dream comes true because now I know the world will hear her.”
According to a press release, the album “[echoes] the classic recording style of many early ’60s pop standards,” meaning that it may bear some sonic similarities to the septuagenarian singer’s classic work with Spector.
Asbury Park has become somewhat of a second home to Darlene from her shows at McCloone’s Supper Club, the Paramount Theatre to benefit the Big Brothers/Big Sisters to a special Q & A session downtown while 20 Feet from Stardom played across the street at The Showroom.
Love and Van Zandt and band perform along with Special Guests, Monmouth County Symphony & Glory to God Singers. VIP & Gold Circle seating includes Private After Party with Love & Van Zandt & a filled gift bag including CD & signed memorabilia from the artists. Partial proceeds from the event benefit the Asbury Park Music Lives Foundation to fund the Lake House Music Academy/Hope Academy Music Scholarships. This show promises to go down in the books as yet another reason why Asbury Park is known worldwide for its rich and diverse music history.
Tickets go on sale Friday, July 3 at noon. Tickets available at The Stone Pony Box Office, located at 913 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park NJ. The Box Office is open Wednesdays through Sundays, 12 PM to 5 PM and during shows. Tickets are also available via Ticketmaster.com.
