An album featuring David Bowie’s final recordings will be released this autumn. Lazarus Cast Album, out in October, will include interpretations of classics from the late pop star’s career by the cast of his hit off-Broadway show Lazarus, as well as three of his final studio recordings.
The album – released ahead of the 8 November UK opening of Lazarus at London’s King Cross theatre – was co-produced by Bowie and Tony Visconti and recorded with Donny McCaslin and his quartet, the set of musicians responsible for Bowie’s final album, Blackstar. His last three songs are No Plan, Killing A Little Time, and When I Met You.
The cast album was produced by director Henry Hey, who had previously worked with Bowie on The Next Day. It features vocals from Michael C Hall, Sophia Anne Caruso, Cristin Milioti, Michael Esper and cast members, with a seven-piece house band, Hey, who formed for the New York run of the show.
The album was recorded on 11 January 2016. According to a statement, on arriving at the studio, “the musicians and cast were shocked and saddened to learn that Bowie had passed away the evening before. Their emotional performances that day are captured on this recording.”
Blackstar, David Bowie’s last album, is shortlisted for 2016’s Mercury music prize. As part of the ceremony on 15 September, Michael C Hall will be performing the song Lazarus with Henry Hey and the Lazarus house band. The show will be broadcast live from the Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith on BBC 4 and BBC Radio 6 Music.