Tears for Fears' Curt Smith to re-release solo album

Tears For Fears co-founder Curt Smith has announced that he’ll be re-releasing his long out-of-print solo album, “Mayfield,” on November 15 via his own KOOK Media imprint and eOne Music Canada (for Canadian digital sales). The release will include a new bonus track, “Trees,” featuring Janice Whaley.



“Mayfield was a band I formed after moving to New York, a couple of years into my hiatus from Tears For Fears,” Smith says. “The premise was to not use my name (hence “Mayfield”: Curt-is Mayfield, get it?) and just try to rediscover the joys of music through playing live. We played at downtown New York clubs like Brownie’s, Mercury Lounge and CBGB’s. Those were a couple of the most enjoyable years I’ve spent as a musician.”



The songs on “Mayfield,” written with Smith’s longtime collaborator Charlton Pettus, were recorded live, with overdubbing and editing used sparingly. The album, released in 1997, was recorded in just three weeks. In addition to Smith (who played bass and handled all the lead vocals), Mayfield’s members included Pettus on guitar and backing vocals, Doug Petty on keyboards, Russ Irwin on keyboards and backing vocals, and Shawn Pelton on drums. Petty and Pettus have played in the Tears For Fears touring band since 2004.



The album’s original tracklist remains intact, and includes a bonus re-recording of the song “Trees.” Musician Janice Whaley, known for “The Smiths Project,” used multiple loops of her own voice as the instrument bed for the track, to mesmerizing effect, and Smith laid down a new lead vocal. Fans who already own “Mayfield” will be able to purchase the bonus track by itself via digital download.



“Mayfield” will be available in digital format from all major online retailers, and in physical CD format from Amazon.com and at Smith’s shows. Smith also plans a limited edition “Mayfield” deluxe bundle that will include exclusive collectibles, which will be available only on his website at www.curtsmithofficial.com.


Streaming
http://soundcloud.com/curtsmith/sets/mayfield

Video for "Reach Out":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b72LWpE0PyA