Charles Billingsley Embraces A New Season In ‘The Shadow Of Your Smile’
Heralding a distinct new chapter in his lauded three-decade career, beloved vocalist Charles Billingsley returns May 13 with The Shadow of Your Smile. A quintessential anthology of nostalgic favorites, the 15-song set also marks Billingsley’s Club44 Records debut. Dedicated to the preservation of the Great American Songbook, the boutique label is home to recordings from such renowned entertainers as Linda Lavin, Billy Stritch and Jane Monheit, among others.
Bringing his signature vocals to a range of treasured classics—Billingsley’s lifelong musical influences—The Shadow of Your Smile was produced by Tim Davis (Barbra Streisand, Lady Gaga); Wayne Haun (Linda Lavin, Jason Crabb); and Jamey Ray (Voctave). Album opener “Perfect” is the project’s singular original, a Bublé-esque ode to love. Co-penned by Billingsley and Jacob Holman, the carefree pop tune sets the stage for Bilingsley’s take on iconic Broadway, Jazz and Big Band hits spanning a century.
Alongside the wistfully reflective title cut, The Shadow of Your Smile is highlighted by such classics as “It Had To Be You” and “Beyond The Sea”; Broadway showstoppers “Bring Him Home” (Les Misérables) and “You’ll Never Walk Alone” (Carousel); and standout collaborations, including “The Very Thought of You,” a duet with award-winning recording artist TaRanda Greene; “Time to Say Goodbye,” featuring acclaimed soprano Adelaide Trombetta; and a soaring a cappella rendition of “America, The Beautiful” showcasing popular vocal ensemble Voctave.
“From the early days of hearing my parents’ vinyls of Sinatra, Pavarotti and Tennessee Ernie Ford, I’ve had a love for great singers and classic songs from many genres,” shares Billingsley. “After 30 years of making music, I felt like it was finally time to record some of these great tunes that people all over the world love—songs that evoke fond memories and nostalgia. The past few years have been hard, and so many of us seem to have lost our smile. I hope The Shadow of Your Smile will help bring some joy back.”
“Music and art, the things we create—it’s all from God, and we use it for His glory,” Billingsley adds. “It’s my prayer that these songs can help expand my reach as an artist, taking me to new places to share the love of God with others.”
Pre-add The Shadow of Your Smile now and receive instant access to the lead single, “It Had To Be You,” on April 15.
