A concert pianist who has played the piano since the age of three, SONYA KAHN tells that this album marks a more intimate departure from the complex arrangements and productions of her previous album, “New Beginning.” “Stripped Ballads” is exactly that: a naked approach to big songs. Selections include Sonya’s newest original songs as well as her arrangements of all-time classics by Russell Brand, Billy Joel, Barbra Streisand, Michel Legrand and Whitney Houston. Sonya chose to record “Stripped Ballads” acoustically, on a grand piano. Though Sonya’s piano arrangements evoke all the nuances of a full symphony orchestra, stripping down the songs in this way resulted in a bare simplicity, allowing the craftsmanship of the songs – as well as Sonya’s huge vocal range – to shine through. The result is an honest sound, from tender to robust, revealing SONYA KAHN as an artist who needs nothing to hide behind. “Stripped Ballads” was recorded at World Beat Recording Studios (Calabasas, California). Vocals and Piano: Sonya Kahn, Saxophone: Joe Nazzaretta, Recording Engineer: Aurindro Lahiri, Mixing Engineer: Todd Burke and Sonya Kahn, Mastering: Robert Vosgien (Capitol Mastering). All songs arranged by Sonya Kahn, first time collaboration with Saxophonist Joe Nazzaretta on “New York State of Mind” and “What Are You Doing for the Rest of Your Life.”