Laila Biali has paired up with famed vocalist Kurt Elling for a duet version of the standard “My Funny Valentine.”
The song is the latest track to be released from Biali’s forthcoming album Your Requests, Volume 1, which finds the Juno-winning artist returning to the Great American Songbook for the first time in more than 10 years.
Watch the music video:
“‘My Funny Valentine’ is one of the great Rodgers & Hart classics,” says Biali. “It’s absolutely a traditional love song, but I have always felt there was room here to challenge preconceived notions about Valentine’s Day and what a ‘Valentine’ is defined as. On social media, I put out a call to my followers asking them to submit their Valentine’s moments — captures of sweethearts, friends, pets, and nature that warm the heart and bring that cozy Valentine’s feeling. Who says it has to be strictly about romantic love?”
The video features Biali’s band — saxophonist Kelly Jefferson, bassist George Koller and drummer Larnell Lewis — along with personal footage of Biali, her husband and co-producer Ben Wittman, and their son Joshua.
Biali announced her new album in the fall with her take on the seasonal favourite “Autumn Leaves.” She also shared a second single, “My Favorite Things,” featuring Emilie-Claire Barlow.
Your Requests, Volume 1, will be released in May via Empress Music Group.