Celia Berk - You Can't Rush Spring (2014)

Warm, sophisticated and wise, this is music for a Manhattan penthouse under the stars, in the lushly orchestrated tradition of Sinatra, Streisand and Clooney.

YOU CAN'T RUSH SPRING is Celia Berk’s first solo album, arranged and conducted by Alex Rybeck and co-produced by Tony Award-winning sound designer Scott Lehrer. Influenced by the recordings of such iconic artists as Barbra Streisand, Barbara Cook, Lena Horne and Rosemary Clooney, it features a blend of familiar and lesser-known songs by Stephen Sondheim, Jerome Kern & Oscar Hammerstein II, Ann Hampton Callaway, Jimmy Dorsey, Kander & Ebb, Bricusse & Newley, Harry Warren & Mack Gordon and even J.S. Bach.

Even before its release, the album began attracting attention from some of the most prominent proponents of The Great American Songbook. Michael Feinstein said, "I so enjoy Celia's beautiful vocal sound and style, and her taste in song choices." Jonathan Schwartz added a selection to his playlist on WNYC/93.9 FM and The Jonathan Channel.org. Amanda McBroom described Celia’s style as “Splendid, unique and wonderful. Celia delivers the message and heart behind each song with velvet intelligence.” Ann Hampton Callaway, whose song serves as the title track, added, “It's so lovely what Celia Berk did with my song You Can’t Rush Spring, with its lilting soft swing feel and the tender breeze of guitar. You can almost feel the crocuses and daffodils starting to bloom!"

Extended liner notes can be found at GramercyNightingale.com

In addition to recording, Celia frequently appears in and around New York, often under the auspices of Broadway Concerts Direct. Together with Rich Flanders, she also performs DOUBLE STANDARDS, a program of duets and personal favorites.

Tracklist:

01. I've Been Waiting All My Life
02. Penthouse Serenade / Stairway to the Stars
03. Friendly Star
04. You're All the World to Me
05. Sometimes I'd Dream
06. Sand
07. This Dream
08. It's the Strangest Thing
09. The Folks Who Live On the Hill
10. Go, My Love
11. Rain Sometimes
12. You Can't Rush Spring
13. I'm Glad There Is You
14. The Broken Record