Sony Music Australia has announced the launch of a local iteration of long-standing 'mature' label Masterworks, commemorating its arrival with the release of Remembrance, a 24-track album dedicated to the soldiers of World War I.
Available now on the nascent domestic label, Remembrance is anchored by poetry read by Alan Jones AO and features the recording debut of Melbourne-based baritone Nathan Lay amid more than 60 minutes of songs and poetry about the war.
Also filling out the ranks on the compilation are the likes of Russell Morris, who contributes brand-new track White Feather — which will donate its artist, label and publishing royalties to returned-soldier not-for-profit Soldier On — alongside new recordings from Damien Leith, Lee Kernaghan, Col Buchanan and Sara Storer, plus the final recording of late Australian icon Jon English (a recital of In Flanders Field and The Legacy Ode) plus a new version of The Last Post courtesy acclaimed trumpeter James Morrison.
Remembrance marks the first of many planned outings for the newly minted Australian arm of Masterworks, which has existed internationally in one form or another since 1927, when it was founded as Columbia Masterworks.
According to Sony Music Australia & New Zealand chairman and chief executive (and president of Sony Music Asia) Denis Handlin AM, the label's focus on mature listeners, as well as the album's release in the lead-up to Anzac Day, makes Remembrance a most appropriate first work with which to welcome Masterworks Australia.
"At Sony Music Australia, we strive to be market leaders in all genres of music," Handlin said in a statement. "The launch of Masterworks as a domestic A&R label is part of our strategic plan to deliver quality projects suitable for the discerning consumers in the adult contemporary, crossover and soundtrack music market.
"Alan Jones has brought his passion and brilliant knowledge of World War I poetry to Remembrance, along with his exceptional knowledge of music of the era, making this an outstanding album for collectors."
Remembrance is available now on Sony Masterworks.
