THE PUPPINI SISTERS - HOLLYWOOD

The glamour and lights of Hollywood's golden age are celebrated with The Puppini Sisters' new album, set for release on November 7 via Verve. Hollywood is a gloriously evocative record that pays homage to the music of the silver screen in The Puppini Sisters' inimitably stylish manner that has been dazzling audiences worldwide since the release of their debut album, 2006's Betcha Bottom Dollar. Known for combining refreshingly masterful musicianship with effortless charm and a style at the vanguard of the burgeoning retro- burlesque revival, The Puppini Sisters have teamed up with Mad Men designer Janie Bryant, who has joined the trio as the Creative Director. The Puppini Sisters will be launching their U.S. tour this February (dates below).

The Puppini Sisters – real names Stephanie O'Brien, Marcella Puppini and Kate Mullins – have always had a fascination with the idols and history of early Hollywood, but the rearrangements and vivacity that the classically trained performers have brought to the album ensures each classic number is being heard here as if for the very first time. For example, "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend" – immortalized by Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes – is musically recast as a sparky, upbeat number but is sung in a minor key to give it a more subversive and sinister nature. Meanwhile, the classic, chirpy "Good Morning" becomes a cheeky, stiff-upper-lip wake-up call.

That ability to renew and rejuvenate each song, effortlessly harmonizing vocal lines while staying true to the classic Tinseltown aesthetic, is evident throughout Hollywood, which was recorded in the old-fashioned way with the three ladies all standing round one microphone. The album takes in a whole range of dynamics, from the tongue-twisting "Moi Je Joue" and the high-energy upswing of "I Got Rhythm" – written by the Gershwin brothers – to a delicately fragile take on "Moon River" and Frank Sinatra's memorable "September Song." On each song, the sweetly charming vocal harmonies of the Puppinis bring new life to songs that have existed in the public consciousness for over half a century.

Introducing this richly arranged set of songs is the title track, penned by the trio themselves. Over a rumbling double bass and vibrant horns, "Hollywood" could quite easily fit into any film from cinema's Technicolor beginnings. A song about "the pursuit of getting your name in lights," "Hollywood" is a gateway into the deliriously exciting musical world The Puppini Sisters are exploring, yet is quintessentially the sound of the group themselves. The links with the Hollywood dream don't end with the music, as The Puppini Sisters have been feeling the bright lights of attention on them more and more over the past few years. The ladies were personally handpicked by Michael Buble to appear on two songs on his upcoming Christmas album – including the first single – while they will also perform with him at his upcoming ITV special in the U.K.

Their close harmonies and chic image have impressed audiences from their start. After viewing the French film Belleville Rendez-Vous, Marcella was inspired to form an act with fellow Trinity College students Kate and Stephanie that would marry a timeless sense of style with effortless charm and refreshingly masterful musicianship. Starting out in 2004 with a dedicated following before they were even signed, The Puppini Sisters were at the vanguard of the growing burlesque era revival. Their second album, 2007's The Rise & Fall Of Ruby Woo refined their pop styling and asserted their position on the international stage, becoming their second Top 5 album on the U.S. Jazz Charts. With TV appearances and tours worldwide, the group soon developed a large fan base throughout Europe and in North America. Last year saw the release of Christmas With The Puppinis to coincide with their annual seasonal shows, which have become a highlight of the festive calendar worldwide.

As Stephanie notes, The Puppini Sisters' take on life is that "Whenever we have a strong idea, we go for it" – this has extended to all parts of their fabulous career to date and has led to an album that not only spectacularly evokes a bygone era but also distils the Puppini ethos perfectly. Marcella adds "From the time we first started rehearsing in my kitchen to this day, we have always been guided by a desire to make music that makes us happy. That's our biggest appeal." Kate agrees as well, "We make music to make you smile and tap your feet. That's what this genre was always about and that's why we have so much fun making it our own." The Puppini Sisters are the living embodiment of 1940s glamour, and Hollywood will take the listener right back to a more alluring time, where stars were stars and dreams are lived.

The Puppini Sisters U.S. tour in 2012:
2/22/12     New York, NY @ B.B. King Blues Club
2/23/12     Alexandria, VA @ The Birchmere Music hall
2/24/12     Durham, NC @ Carolina Theatre of Durham
2/26/12     Charlotte, NC @ McGlohon Theatre
2/29/12     Naples, FL @ Philharmonic Center for the Arts

Hollywood Tracklisting:
1.     Hollywood
2.     Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend
3.     I Got Rhythm
4.     Moi Je Joue
5.     True Love
6.     Good Morning
7.     Get Happy
8.     Moon River
9.     I Feel Pretty
10.   September Song
11.   Parle Plus Bas