Customer Reviews

Raya Yarbrough

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This album is a breath of fresh air! It's refreshing, relaxing, and something you can listen to on repeat.
For several years, L.A.-born songwriter/vocalist/musician Raya Yarbrough has been captivating West Coast audiences with a mesmerizing blend of jazz, pop, rhythm and blues, Latin and much more.
On the strength of compelling live performances that reveal shades of Joni Mitchell, Duke Ellington, Bjork and a variety of other diverse influences, she has captured the attention of critics from either coast as an up-and-coming star.
The LA Times called her voice "a pliable, versatile instrument, an effective vehicle for a musical expression that ranges freely from pop-style ballad to surprisingly effective scat singing".
Raya Yarbrough's self-titled debut embraces the broad sweep of her musical influences and the insightful songcraft that has become her trademark.
A promising debut from the Californian singer, strongly influenced by Joni Mitchell and Steely Dan.
It's more crossover than straight jazz, but her personality comes through strongly.
Drawing on several musical strands, it doesn't have to mean compromise.
It's a hidden gem.
This CD is a MUST HAVE for anyone who is a self proclaimed neo-jazz fan or anyone who has a good taste in music.

Anyone who can score a first recording contract with Telarc must be something special. And Raya Yarbrough is. This eponymous debut is as good a debut c.d. (outside of Roberta Gambarini's, that is) as there is, and leaves me with a world of hope and expectations for Ms. Yarbrough's future.

Raya Yarbrough, who looks like a cross between Cher and Rain Pryor, sounds like a cross between Patricia Barber, June Christy and Tierney Sutton. This c.d. is eclectic. At times, Ms. Yarbrough sounds like she's ready to break into the top 40, what with her catchy "You're So Bad For Me," and her "Honky Cat"-sounding "Round We Go." But then she knocks off a gorgeous vocalese version of "Mood Indigo," with an arrangement that starts out like Monk's "Ruby, My Dear." And then an even more gorgeous dreamy version of "Early Autumn," complete with string quartet. Then a cross between folk, r & b and close vocal harmony with "Dreamer's Ball." Then a dreamy version of Clifford Brown's "Sing Joy Spring," with none of the pep usually associated with that tune.

Sometimes eclecticism like this can drive me mad. But in this case, the musicianship is so good that it doesn't. Kudos to Steve Bartok, the producer. Plus, Ms. yarbrough is a terrific songwriter. My favorite on this disc is "Listen, Emily," an angular-sounding cautionary tale to a young woman who is moving too fast. Likewise, "Hollywood Love," a tale of how the bleached-blonde look is what attracts "dumb men" for whatever reason, is one that I could see covered by others in the future.

I'm a little bit surprised that I'm the first Ammy reviewer to review this. This c.d. has been getting pretty good press in the trade mags. And for good reason. I think that as Raya Yarbrough finds her voice, she will record some Grammy-winners at some time in the future. RC

Raya Yarbrough's debut album showcases an enormous talent: wonderful vocal and emotional range, beautiful original music, and an interesting and altogether unique take on some standards, like "Mood Indigo." Betcha never thought that Queen's "Dreamer's Ball" could make you misty. You've never really heard what underlies these lyrics, this melody till you hear Raya Yarbrough sing this song. She has such an eclectic range of material--and vocal control over her material--that the album creates its own singular mood. "You're So Bad for Me" will have you dancing in your kitchen (or wherever you listen to music) and "Listen, Emily" is a haunting cautionary tale. There are many young singers out there, but this one is the one to watch. She weaves complex emotions around memorable music. Her delivery on the album is impeccable. And in performance, you can't take your eyes off her. If you have the opportunity to see her live, go. Ask her to sign your cocktail napkin, and frame it. You won't be sorry.

Raya Yarbrough is an extaordinarily talented songwriter and an original vocalist who is corageous and complex. Her musical references are wide-ranging and ecletic, whith notes of Nina Simone at times, Joni Mitchell at others and the catchiness of the best of showtunes at others. Her music reminds me of one of my food fantasies. It lets me have bites of all the really great food on the menu, leaving totally, happily satisfied but also wanting to go back again really soon. You'll return to her music again and again!

Incredible album. Wonderfully mature and intelligent. Ms. Yarbrough is a brilliant, knowledgeable, effortless jazz performer. (The "Little Sunflower" reference is too good to be true.) How old is she? More please!

Raya Yarbrough is a true virtuoso. Extraordinarily talented and expressive, and blessed with natural gifts, this young lady is unstoppable. The sky's the limit! Highly recommended.

A very nice piece of contemporary jazz with great variety. It's just that it doesn't have that "I gotta have more of this!" feeling. Raya is definitely talented, and I plan on buying any future albums she makes because of this one. But she's not one of those "must hear" artists who does something groundbreaking and makes me want to keep track of what she's up to so I can be aware of any upcoming releases. So if you like contemporary jazz or want to get into it, this is a solid album to add to your collection. Just don't put it at the top of your list of priorities.

In an era of pedestrian, forgettable assembly line records by female vocalists, this is so good it is almost shocking. Yarbrough is a gifted singer with an effortless, confident style that would be admirable in veteran with decades of experience.

The real surprise here is the depth of musical vision displayed. American jazz has become, for the most part, insular and focused on the past. Not here. The writing is razor sharp, the arrangements pay homage to the classics, yet they are fresh, inventive and forward looking.

Get this album. Raya Yarbrough is emerging as a major talent very early in her career.

Raya Yarbrough is an amazing jazz singer! The quality of her music is simply beautiful! The CD was delivered within a few short days and was in perfect condition.

Brilliant original songs -- both lyrics and music are awesome -- and a few covers like Queen's "Dreamers Ball" make this the best album of 2008. Raya is going to be a big star, and this is the chance to catch her debut album. Apparently the label is doing very little marketing so tell people about it!