The extraordinary Melody Gardot returns with a stunning new album ‘The Absence’ – the follow-up to her 2009 critically acclaimed international best-seller ‘My One and Only Thrill’.

‘The Absence’ is steeped in Melody's global travels and worldly influences. The album reflects time spent in the deserts of Morocco, the tango bars of Buenos Aires, the beaches of Brazil and the streets of Lisbon. The 12 original songs encompass the sound and feel of all these exotic places and more.

“A lot of the stories on the record came from my experiences but also from the observation of people, living with them, the sadness and joy that came about in little moments. It was really a mutual connection,” says Melody.

She returned to America ready to record and met producer, composer, guitarist Heitor Pereira. Best known for his work as a film composer (Despicable Me, It's Complicated, From Prada to Nada) and world- class session guitarist (Sting, Seal, Caetano Veloso), he proved to be the perfect artistic foil.

Together with an all star band – bassist John Leftwich, percussionist Paulihno DaCosta, and drummers Jim Keltner and Peter Erskine – they began the journey that became ‘The Absence’. Enjoy the trip.