Unexpected Dreams

“Actress Scarlett Johansson, “Moulin Rouge” star Ewan McGregor and “Desperate Housewives” principal Teri Hatcher are among the actors that have been tapped to put their own spin on famous tunes on “Unexpected Dreams: Songs from the Stars.” Due April 11, 2012 via Rhino, the album features songs like Billy Joel’s “Goodnight My Angel,” Elton John/Bernie Taupin’s “The Greatest Discovery,” Bob Dylan’s “To Make You Feel My Love” and the Beatles’ “Golden Slumbers.”

In conjunction with members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, veteran musician Eric Vetro and producers Wayne Baruch and Charles F. Gayton recruited for, arranged and created the covers of night-themed songs and lullabies. Vetro, a Hollywood voice coach, worked with the actors individually in choosing the songs and developing a style. These are the first musical recordings for many of the actors on the compilation, including Johansson and Jennifer Garner. Vetro also contributed two original tracks to the mix.

Other performers on the set include “Xena: Warrior Princess” star Lucy Lawless, “Seinfeld” star Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jeremy Irons and John C. Reilly, who was nominated for best supporting actor for his role in the 2002 musical “Chicago.” A portion of the proceeds from the project will go toward Music Matters, a non-profit music education program (billboard.com)

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