Chart-topping pianist and composer Alexis Ffrench announces details of upcoming studio album 'Classical Soul Volume One', due for release this fall via Sony Classical. Alexis Ffrench's 'Classical Soul Volume One' is a collection of original compositions for piano and orchestra, interspersed with short snippets of beloved soul anthems scattered throughout the album like palette cleansers.
As one of the UK's most distinctive and innovative artists, who pioneered the 'Classical Soul' genre and has amassed over a billion streams across his catalogue, the news comes with the release of his nostalgic new piano single just 'The Way It Was'. , inspired by his late father's record collection and recorded at Brad Pitt and Damien Quintard's famous Miraval studios.
Alexis brings piano to the mainstream. Whether performing at the King's Coronation Concert in 2023 before an audience of over 18 million viewers, hosting his Apple Music show after Elton John's Rocket Hour, performing at major music festivals and sold-out venues across the world, organize music education master classes at the national level or publish covers. From current hits from Central Cee, Billie Eilish and more to an enthusiastic social media audience, Alexis is passionate about making music accessible to everyone.
'The Way It Was' is inspired by Alexis' late father's record collection. On the first single, out today, Alexis takes the depth and emotion of her childhood love of soul and combines it with her classical abilities to create a song that feels nostalgic and moving, yet timeless. and uplifting.
Talking about what it was like, Alexis writes:
“The Way It Was is inspired by my father's vast record collection. Growing up, our house was filled with a rich soundtrack of Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Roberta Flack, some of whom I consider my first teachers.
As I played the “imaginary” piano at the kitchen table, to classics like Superstition and At Last, I was transported to a place of wonder and felt a calling. And as I listened, I absorbed the passion, pride, and purpose of these soul icons and dreamed of a parallel path, informed by the storied lives of these soul greats and their broader mission.
As I look back and remember the way things were and the unlimited space I was given to grow creatively and spiritually, I have come to better understand all that I had been gifted and the debt I owe.
These artists, and the power of their collective voices, connected with me deeply and opened a door to a world of Classic Soul, and for that I am truly grateful.”
Speaking about the upcoming album, Alexis adds:
“It is for this reason that I wanted to create a modern mixtape, a classic soul symphony for the 21st century. An album that seeks to rethink classic history, building soaring symphonic pillars of 'Black Ivy' from the echoes of soul classics in a majestic expression of pride, love, nostalgia and healing elixir.”
A pioneering classic soul superstar, Alexis' sound refuses to be boxed into genres, eras, or expectations of the type of musician he should be. Instead of leaning toward narrow, traditional interpretations of “classical,” Alexis leans outward, with an expansive perspective, drawing on a varied mosaic of influences that takes the listener by the hand and takes them on a journey through a world of possibilities.
'The Way It Was' is the first track of Alexis' big musical year, and on 'Classical Soul Volume One' we can expect some of his most sincere and determined material to date.
ALEXIS FRENCH
THE CLASSIC SOUL TOUR
FEBRUARY 3, 2025
ULSTER ROOM, BELFAST
7 p.m.
TICKETS AVAILABLE ON FRIDAY AT 10AM VIA ULSTERHALL.ES | TICKETMASTER.ES
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