This week sees the release of a brand new album from the Queen of Soul, featuring her original vocals from her classic recordings with new backing from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. A Brand New Me takes the same approach as the super successful Elvis Presley albums with the Royal Philharmonic, and presents just as overwhelming listening experience; reframing one of music's great voices and great repertoires into something new and very special. 

A Brand New Me: Aretha Franklin With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra was produced by Nick Patrick and Don Reedman, who matched Aretha's untouchable vocal takes with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at London's famed Abbey Road. New backing vocals were provided by Patti Austin.

Reedman recently told Billboard that, "There are very few artists of her magnitude that this kind of idea really works with, with real integrity. The opportunity to access the really golden period of those Atlantic records was something we were incredibly excited about and really felt that we could preserve every bit of her artistic integrity and enhance it sonically and hopefully enhance the emotional impact as well." 

ILYOS is very pleased to present you with this documentary showing the making of A Brand New Me containing clips from the recording at Abbey Road Studios and archive footage of Aretha in concert, as well as interviews with: Nile Rodgers (Chic) James Williams (Managing Director, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra) Nick Patrick (Album Co-Producer) Don Reedman (Album Co-Producer);

For full release information and tracklisting, pre-order here. 

And, in case you need reminding why she's one of the greatest music legends of all time, check out some of these incredible stats, here.