Seven time Grammy Award winners, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr., are excited to announce the release of their new interactive music CD, The Many Faces of Love. For the couple, who met as members of The 5th Dimension in 1965, the project is four years in the making and truly a labor of love. The Many Faces of Love is a collection of meaningful love songs that came from their era of the '60s and '70s. The concept of the album is an exploration of the various aspects of relationships. With 38 years of marriage under their belts, who better to expound on "the many faces of love."
The CD's unique interactive features include videos, interviews, bonus songs, rare photos, links and more, all accessible through one's computer and internet connection.
Seven time Grammy Award winners, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr., are excited to announce the release of their new interactive music CD, The Many Faces of Love. For the couple, who met as members of The 5th Dimension in 1965, the project is four years in the making and truly a labor of love. The Many Faces of Love is a collection of meaningful love songs that came from their era of the '60s and '70s. The concept of the album is an exploration of the various aspects of relationships. With 38 years of marriage under their belts, who better to expound on "the many faces of love."
The CD's unique interactive features include videos, interviews, bonus songs, rare photos, links and more, all accessible through one's computer and internet connection.
"The Many Faces of Love is not just about the first blush of love, but also about the challenges and difficulties experienced in attaining lasting love that we were seeking in the songs we chose," said McCoo.
"We hope through this project to encourage people to honor their commitment to each other. To not give up when the going gets rough. Every life and relationship faces difficulties, but the beauty and reward is when you've worked through them together," Davis adds.
McCoo and Davis served as Executive Producers of The Many Faces of Love. Their first duo album in some time, the legendary couple sought only the best to compile the project. All of the songs were written by top songwriters of the era, including: Burt Bacharach & Hal David; John Lennon & Paul McCartney; Ashford & Simpson; Alan & Marilyn Bergman; Holland, Dozier, Holland; Diane Warren; Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil; Billy Preston; and Thom Bell & Linda Creed. Grammy winner Scott V. Smith produced thirteen of the cuts with Laythan Armor producing two. Top musicians such as Greg Phillinganes on piano, Paul Jackson on guitar, John Robinson on drums and Abraham Laboriel on bass to name a few provide the instrumental on the album.
Of special note, Lamonte McLemore photographed the CD cover. Not only is McLemore a fellow original member of The 5th Dimension, but he is a successful photographer, whose photos routinely appear in Ebony, Jet and on numerous album
covers. "It was the icing on the cake to include Lamonte in this project," the duo agreed.
McCoo and Davis perform many duets on The Many Faces of Love, along with some riveting solos by each. The song choices deal with love's emotions of contentment, anger, joy and sadness that are all aspects of an evolving and sustaining relationship. Songs, such as their duet on Marvin Gaye's "How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You" and Marilyn's solo on "This Girl's In Love," speak to the wonderful inspirations of new love. Billy's heartbreaking solos on "When A Man Loves A Woman" and "Try A Little Tenderness" as well as Marilyn's solo remake of her 5th Dimension hit "Never My Love" consider the sorrow and anguish that is often a part of love. The duo explores some of the challenges of maintaining relationships with "Just Once," a James Ingram hit, and the Beatle's "We Can Work It Out." "You Are So Beautiful," "You Are My Shining Star" and "Precious Love" expound on the bliss, satisfaction and commitment a fulfilling relationship can inspire. The final cut on The Many Faces Of Love is "How Do You Keep The Music Playing." This duet perfectly sums up the many mysteries of love.
The first single from the CD is "Love All The Hurt Away." The song is a bonus track on The Many Faces of Love and is one they discovered thirty years ago and always wanted to include in a recording. "For years this song has had a special meaning for us. Billy and I always believed in it and it is a thrill to finally present our version to our audience," Marilyn commented.
As lead vocalists of one of the top singing groups of the late 60's and early 70's, The 5th Dimension, McCoo and Davis recorded such classics as "Up, Up & Away," "Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In," "Wedding Bell Blues," "One Less Bell To Answer" and "Stoned Soul Picnic" to name a few. After a decade with The 5th Dimension, they decided to leave the group and establish themselves as a duo. They had immediate success with the single, "You Don't Have To Be A Star (To Be In My Show)." It was a #1 hit and earned them a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance By a Duo or Group.
Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. have enjoyed tremendous success through the years as recording artists, performers and authors. They have received 7 Grammy Awards and earned 15 gold and 3 platinum records, and enjoyed starring roles on television and stage. They have performed to sold-out concerts around the world. In 2004 the couple wrote a critically applauded book, which shares their secrets of staying happy and committed to each other in Hollywood. It's entitled Up, Up and Away...How We Found Love, Faith and Lasting Marriage in the Entertainment World.
"We had such fun conceptualizing, executive producing and performing on The Many Faces of Love. There was so much good music to choose from that era, we are already entertaining The Many Faces of Love: Volume 2," Davis concludes.
The CD is available on their website, http://www.marilynmccooandbillydavisjr.com/, as well as other online music outlets.
McCoo and Davis are currently celebrating 40 years in the entertainment business with a musical tribute to the hits and productions that have made up their multi-faceted careers. They are taking songs from The Many Faces of Love as well as finely honed versions of The 5th Dimension hits and other favorites on the road to performing art centers across the country as they continue their touring schedule this year.