George Michael recommended Shane Hill and Simon James to his Publisher Dick Leahy, having heard a demo they sent to his private secretary Siobhan Bailey. A project to create a concept instrumental album of George Michael's compositions was then decided and the guitar led band Kymaera was born. It brought together renowned session musicians who had performed in bands led by the likes of Eric Clapton, Sting, Acoustic Alchemy, Joan Armatrading, Kirsty Mac Coll and Ronnie Scott , to mention but a few. Kymaera also decided to incorporate a top classical string quartet into some of the arrangements.
A true celebration of George Michael's songs, fresh unique settings of his melodies have meant instrumentals from this album have appeared on compilations along side compositions by Mike Oldfield, Ennio Morricone, Karl Jenkins and Michael Nyman. This is therefore a must have album for the devoted George Michael fan interested in the timeless melodies of this iconic singer song - writer and multi instrumentalist.
Critics Comments:
"George really enjoyed your recordings and arrangements and you can tell Dick Leahy Music that." Siobhan Bailey George Michael's PA.
"George was very flattered by your recordings." " It's a classy little album." Dick Leahy, George Michael's publisher and renowned AR executive. Leahy was regarded as Michael's closest confidant in the music business.
"I Love these Kymaera tracks, in particular Jesus to a child." "The way you have arranged the song is beautiful." Simon Napier - Bell - former manager of Wham - music entrepreneur, writer and film maker.
"Kymaera's version of A Different Corner, is a beautiful arrangement and a beautifully crafted piece of music - a real favourite of mine." Mike Panos, George Michael's uncle, guitarist/ vocalist and early musical influence.
