The best is yet to come
Laura Fygi - 20 years: “You can expect plenty more from me!”
For the first time in her colourful career, Laura Fygi has recorded an album accompanied by a big band. On the advent of her 20th anniversary as a solo artist, it’s a dream that has turned reality.
Everywhere that Laura Fygi visits, she is a veritable vision of exotica. In her home country of the Netherlands, they know her as the woman who was raised in Uruguay as the daughter of an Egyptian belly dancer; in the Far East she is the emancipated Western lady who many others aspire to be. But wherever she may be, there’s one common factor in all of those locations: that instantly recognisable voice which has won her hearts all over the globe.
Her travel-packed lifestyle has provided her with the most amazing experiences. Just recently, she went to Shanghai after a prestigious jewellery brand invited her to its festive introduction of a new collection. “There I was, wearing a timepiece worth 1.4 million, surrounded by four bodyguards to watch over it.” It wasn’t a one-off adventure, as Laura has been a welcome return visitor to Asia for years. As a Dutch singer, she has managed to conquer the Chinese market for instance, which is a unique achievement. There have often been surprises there, such as in the beginning of 2010, when she was invited to the TV show for the World Expo, which introduced her to a million-fold audience. “During the press conference, they remarked that the Chinese audience decided which foreign artist was to be invited, and that they had chosen me. It made me go very quiet for a moment.”
Surprises are typical for a performer who has re-invented herself many times. Since her dance hits with the girl group Centerfold in the early 1980s, Laura has travelled down numerous musical pathways, such as jazz, Latin, and chansons: not shying away from any genre or style. “I really dislike pigeon holes”, says the multi-faceted diva. “I’m always on the lookout for something new, because I don’t think you should repeat yourself. I can’t stand to be in a rut.” That wilful quest for renewal has rendered collaborations with such music luminaries as Toots Thielemans, Michel Legrand and Michael Franks. Laura has also been presented with various gold and platinum discs and awards, as well as playing the lead role in Singapore of her favourite musical Victor/Victoria.
And now it’s time for yet another new chapter. Last autumn, Laura signed up to the new music label T2 Entertainment, who are set to launch her new album The Best Is Yet To Come at the end of January 2011. The very descriptive title is Laura’s playful nod toward her 20-year anniversary as a solo artist, and simultaneously looks ahead to all the things we may expect from her in the future. “It’s an album that states: Watch out, ‘cause you can expect plenty more from me!”
For The Best Is Yet To Come, Laura selected a number of standards by Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, and her all-time idol Julie London, among others. “Each and every one of them means something to me in some way. I’m a ‘storyteller’, so the songs have to grab me somehow. Plus I need to be able to express them when I’m onstage.” In order to get a proper sense of the repertoire, Laura always seeks out the stories within the songs. “For instance, I do the ballad It’s Easy To Remember, because we all know how devastated we are when a relationship breaks up. And with a track like Too Darn Hot, I only need to recall the intense Asian heat in order to feel the essence of it.”
The album was recorded with a full-sized big band, led by Jan Menu and Johan Plomp; two of Laura’s permanent musicians, who have amply demonstrated their arranging and producing skills with this effort.
It also signalled the realisation of a long-term wish of the songstress. “I’d already performed with a big band, and it sounded just great every time we played. Then the idea emerged of using that set-up to record an album.”
The Best Is Yet To Come is scheduled for release at the end of January. In March 2011 there will be a special edition for Asia, featuring a bonus track in Mandarin. “Over there, they always ask if I can play them my ‘Chinese song’. And then the entire audience join in and sing the song word for word. It’s incredible!” Laura will close her 2011 anniversary year with a blockbuster big band tour. Her fans will be able to look forward to the typical Fygi act filled with glamour, timeless music, and intimacy. “Wherever I might be in the world, I’m still the same old me. I always look to engage with my audience. People sometimes remark: “It’s just like you’re singing to me personally.’ And that’s what it’s all about: everyone should head home after the show feeling good.”
