Laila Biali releases new single, “Pennies From Heaven”

Jenna Melanson·April 17, 2023

Laila Biali is back with her latest offering, “Pennies From Heaven”

Award-winning vocalist, pianist, and arranger Laila Biali has unveiled her single, “Pennies From Heaven.” This is the latest release from Laila’s upcoming new record, Your Requests, which will be released next month.

Laila is joined by JUNO Award-winning jazz artist Caity Gyorgy, who shares the vocal work on “Pennies From Heaven,” making for a bubbly and beguiling duo take on the classic jazz standard. Michael Davidson’s vibraphone and Kelly Jefferson’s tenor sax add wonderfully to the sophisticated sonic landscape, making it the perfect soundtrack for spring whether you’re relaxing with your morning coffee or enjoying a leisurely nightcap.

Laila reflects:

“The arrangement idea for Pennies from Heaven first came to me when I was on a plane, en route to a show. Enjoying the aerial view of fluffy white clouds, I first heard the bassline doubled by my left-hand piano part – the band cruising along with the melody floating overtop. Caity Gyorgy was the perfect voice to bring even more levity and momentum. She’s an effortless improviser, and I love the interplay of her scat with the vibes and sax. As the saying goes, ‘spring showers bring May flowers,’ and that’s the feeling I hope people get as they listen.”

About working with Caity Gyorgy:

“Caity is one of the most hard-working artists I’ve ever met. Not only is she packed with uncanny talent; she also has a very good head on her shoulders, navigating tough business decisions with the kind of laser-beam precision few musicians possess, regardless of age. In terms of her accomplishments: to win one JUNO on the first go is huge; but to then pull in a second just a year later – well that elevates her to the ranks of Diana Krall and Michael Bublé, which is where she’s headed. Mark my words.”

Laila’s album, Your Requests is set for release on May 26^th, Your Requests is Laila’s first return to the Great American Songbook in more than 10 years. Widely recognized for her original material, this shift back to the classic jazz repertoire was prompted by Laila’s delight in fulfilling the song requests by her fans. When she put out the call on social media asking her followers what tunes they’d like to hear her cover, more than 150 songs were submitted. The album debuts a collection of Laila’s dynamic and personal arrangements in response to her listeners, which she describes as a musical love letter to them.