VOCALIST MARK FONTANA TEAMS WITH GRAMMY-NOMINATED PRODUCER BRAD BENEDICT TO RECORD ONCE I LOVED WITH RENOWNED JAZZ MUSICIANS

With the release of Once I Loved (Astrolux Records), vocalist Mark Fontana and Grammy-nominated producer Brad Benedict downshift their musical styles to reveal an intimate male perspective on love: anticipation, expectations and complete surrender. Weaving the subtle intrigue of late-night jazz into a visionary release that draws inspiration from sirens such as Billie Holiday, Peggy Lee and Nina Simone, their collaboration results in a romantic portrait of longing, desire and destiny.

Recorded at the famed Capitol Records’ Studios, Fontana performs eleven poignant and rarely covered standards, plus his original composition “December In My Soul.” Once I Loved features arrangements by Tom Peterson, who also plays tenor sax. Peterson is joined by alternating pianists Bill Cunliffe and Alan Pasqua; plus Tom Warrington, bass; Steve Houghton, drums; Larry Koonse, guitar; and Lee Thornburg, trumpet and flugelhorn.

Fontana, cofounder and vocalist for L.A.’s surf-noir rockers The Blue Hawaiians, inflects his voice with a sensitive, quiet restraint. Benedict allows Fontana and the renowned jazz players backing him to leisurely explore each song as if the recording session is capturing the experience as it unfolds.

Creator of the Grammy-winning Ultra-Lounge series (Capitol Records) and coproducer of two major-label debuts (Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s platinum selling self-titled CD and The Blue Hawaiians’ Savage Night, both Interscope Records releases), Benedict felt the time was right to explore the concept of a male “torch” singer. 

“Once I Loved is inspired by my passion for the great standards,” says Benedict. “I envisioned compelling performances that would fully express the emotion in the lyrics and the bittersweet sensuality of the melodies. After working with Mark, I knew he was the right person. I just didn’t know if he would agree with me.”

As it turns out, Fontana quickly accepted the challenge of recording with seasoned jazz musicians.  “It’s definitely new territory for me,” he says. “However, I’ve worked with Brad on other projects, so I trust his instincts. I felt ready to challenge myself as an artist, and the musicians were extremely supportive. The vibe in the studio was very open and collaborative. It was a great experience.”

Opening with “But Beautiful,” the journey explores an emotional landscape that also includes “Wild Is The Wind,” “December In My Soul,” “Watch What Happens,” “I’ll String Along With You,” “You’ve Changed,” “I’m A Fool To Want You,” The Good Life,” “Make It Easy On Yourself,” “Don’t Explain,” “Good-Bye” and closes with the title track, “Once I Loved.”

The idea for Once I Loved initially took shape during a recording session for Benedict's critically acclaimed Wonderland Love Stories series (Shout! Factory). The three-CD collection includes standards interpreted by contemporary artists sequenced alongside legendary performances by greats such as Billie Holiday, Chet Baker and Sarah Vaughan.  Fontana recorded “December In My Soul” for Wonderland’s Good Morning Heartache, which AllMusic.com hails as a performance rivaling the CD’s classic recordings.

During the session, Benedict was so moved by Fontana’s performance of the song, he envisioned the concept for Once I Loved: exploring the sentiments of an intimate relationship that flourishes, disappoints, and ultimately, rekindles the spirit of hope.