Harper Simon and Edie Brickell have written and collaborated casually during their many years of friendship. Yet in the last two years that collaboration has become more formalized thanks to a series of recording session in New York City with several friends including Sean Lennon and Yuka Honda (Cibo Matto). Naming themselves The Heavy Circles, the two will release their debut recording on February 12, 2008.

Many years ago Simon had an idea to invite Brickell to join him in the studio with several of his friends. Placing her in a different recording environment, might, he thought, be inspiring creatively and result in magic. With this in mind, Simon arranged a session—many friends and colleagues joined in. The list was lengthy: Lennon, Honda, Martha Wainwright, drummer Matt Johnson (Rufus Wainwright, Jeff Buckley), string arranger Joan Wasser (Rufus Wainwright), Inara George (the Bird and the Bee), Money Mark, Miho Hatori (Cibo Matto), Elysian Fields’ Jennifer Charles and Orin Bloedow, and Theremin player Pamelia Kurstin. 

The Heavy Circles shine a new light on Brickell’s vocals and lyrics—stylishly different from her critically acclaimed time with her solo projects and the New Bohemians. For Simon, this group spotlights his blossoming song writing talents and natural ability to produce. The album is co-produced by Harper Simon and Bryce Goggin.