By Fred Starr

New York, NY Hollywood Today)10/6/12/—November 13^th will see the release of Live Kisses – a stunning 13-song film, directed by Jonas Åkerlund, that captures the magic of an extraordinary evening in February of this year.  In the intimate surroundings of Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, where Paul recorded much of his Kisses On The Bottom album, he was reunited with the all-star musicians who joined him on the record to bring the songs to life for a once in a lifetime performance.

This was a concert unlike any Paul had given before.  Without his famous Höfner bass in hand or in fact any musical instruments, Paul took his place behind the same microphone that has captured some of the most iconic voices in history to focus on his vocal delivery as he led the assembled A-list group of musicians through a collection of the standards he grew up listening to in his childhood, as well as his own original composition “My Valentine.”

Streamed live to the world online, Live Kisses marked the launch of Paul’s Kisses On The Bottom album.  The film tells the story of how, with the help of Grammy Award-winning producer Tommy LiPuma, Diana Krall and her band, Paul created a critically acclaimed album, which featured guest appearances from Eric Clapton and Stevie Wonder. The record represents a deeply personal journey through classic American compositions that a young Paul first heard his father perform on piano at home. Upon its release Kisses… topped the US Billboard Jazz album chart at number 1, as well as charting top 5 all around the world.

On the night the all-star line up were reunited to include musical director Diana Krall (piano), John Clayton (bass), Karriem Riggins (drums), John Pizzarelli (guitar), Anthony Wilson (guitar), Mike Mainieri (vibraphone) and conductor Alan Broadbent.  Tommy LiPuma and Al Schmitt resumed their roles in the studio and special guest musicians on the evening included Abe Laboriel Jr. (from Paul’s touring band) on backing vocals and Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh.  Walsh performed the “My Valentine” guitar solo originally recorded by Eric Clapton on the studio album.

The concert was performed just hours after Paul brought Vine Street in LA to a standstill as he was presented with his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in front of the Capitol Records Building. The night of the concert (February 9^th) was also the 48th anniversary of The Beatles’ U.S. TV debut on The Ed Sullivan Show.

Bonus Live Kisses material includes six versions of the “My Valentine” music video, directed by Paul and starring Johnny Depp and Natalie Portman as well as a “Making My Valentine” film.  There are also two short films with behind the scenes footage filmed at the Mary McCartney album photoshoot for Kisses On The Bottom.  The final extra is an interview with Paul and producer Tommy LiPuma talking about the story of the album, its conception and creation.

Live Kisses is an intimate and charming concert film which offers an insight into the music and songwriters that inspired Paul to go on to become the most successful songwriter and performer in modern history.  Beautifully presented, Live Kisses comes with a 40-page hardback book containing photographs from the day itself, including the rehearsals.

TRACKLISTING

1)   I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter

2)   Home (When Shadows Fall)

3)   It’s Only A Paper Moon

4)   The Glory Of Love

5)   More I Cannot Wish You

6)   We Three (My Echo, My Shadow And Me)

7)   Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive

8)   My Valentine

9)   Always

10) My Very Good Friend The Milkman

11)  Bye Bye Blackbird

12) Get Yourself Another Fool

13) My One And Only Love

Recorded and filmed at Capitol Studios, Los Angeles, February 2012

Executive Producer: Paul McCartney

Directed by Jonas Åkerlund

BONUS FEATURES

1) My Valentine Video

i)              My Valentine Music Video

ii)             My Valentine Music Video – Natalie Portman One Take

iii)           My Valentine Music Video – Johnny Depp One Take

iv)           My Valentine Music Video – Split Screen

v)             My Valentine Music Video – Natalie Portman Edit

vi)           My Valentine Music Video – Johnny Depp Edit

vii)          Making My Valentine

Videos directed by Paul McCartney

Featuring Natalie Portman and Johnny Depp

2) Kisses On The Bottom Album Photo Shoot – Version One

3) Kisses On The Bottom Album Photo Shoot – Version Two

4) Kisses On The Bottom Album Interview

Paul McCartney and Tommy LiPuma interviewed by Robert Hilburn

www.paulmccartney.com

@paulmccartney