Disclosure – These are liner notes for Ms. Kopmajer’s new album, released last week in the US. I also assisted with some promotional material. But I wouldn’t have agreed to do this if I didn’t think the album was worthy.

It is.

Simone Kopmajer – My Favorite Songs
Released (US) – 22 January 2020

When Simone’s album first came out in the US more than ten years ago, I wrote, “To the list of young ones to watch, I’ll add Simone Kopmajer. Write it down. She’s going to be around for a long time.”

And here we are, more than ten albums later. Early on, reviewer Alex Henderson wrote of her “delicate vulnerability.” But Simone now breathes life into those songs that only women who have experienced the textures of time can master.

“I don’t want to call it ‘Best Of,'” she said to me. “What about ‘My Favorite Songs?'”

“Well, you’ve made…how many albums?” I asked. “And they haven’t all been in the US or Europe…”

“Some were in Thailand and Japan.”

So, I suggested – some of these songs are new to audiences in the US or Europe. “And you know which ones are the best,” I said. ‘My Favorite Songs’ seems appropriate.”

Over the years, Simone has slipped me some of the Asia releases. I’ve been able to watch and listen to her grow as an artist. “I’ve had a lot of luck,” she says, “but I’ve also worked very hard. People have been asking for an album of my best work, and many of those albums are now out of print.” You should still seek out those out of print albums if only to appreciate the full body of Simone’s work, her progression as an artist, and the impressive list of musicians with whom she has surrounded herself.

And with that talented group, Simone stands up new standards from the rock catalog – songs such as John Fogerty’s “Have You Ever Seen The Rain” and the exquisite originals, “I Dream Of You,” and “Didn’t You Say.” These fit right alongside anything we call “The American Songbook.”

Keep watching Simone Kopmajer. And make room for “My Favorite Songs, Volume Two.”

She’s going to be around for a long time.

This double album is very highly recommended.