Album: Raya Yarbrough (self titled) /  Artist: Raya Yarbrough /  12 tracks: 58:50 /   Telarc Records

If Eric Bibb has become the standard by which the men on the blues music scene measure themselves, then Raya Yarbrough’s delivery of the song “Lord Knows I Would,” will soon become the measuring stick used by female blues singers. With laidback sensuality, Yarbrough coos “Lord Knows I Would,” the opening track, for her new self-titled CD. Like Bibb, Yarbrough does not overpower you with mind blowing guitar licks, or growling, down in the gutter vocals, but instead hypnotizes you with her smooth, soft voice, and easygoing acoustic guitar melodies. The interesting thing is, Yarbrough’s song is the only blues tune on her new album, because she considers herself to be an alternajazz artist (her words), or if you like an alternative jazz artist.

In Riveting Riffs’ soon to be published interview with Raya Yarbrough, the singer openly acknowledges her pop sensibilities which influence her alternajazz approach to music. Those elements come to the fore in the second track “You’re So Bad For Me,” a song she originally penned during her teenage years, based on a crush she had on a neighbor boy.

Yarbrough’s fondness for Freddie Mercury’s vocal style led her to cover and rearrange Queen’s “Dreamers Ball.” Even in its new setting, the introduction for “Dreamers Ball,” is unmistakably vintage Queen, however the song segues seamlessly into a hybrid gospel/blues/jazz tune. As she accompanies herself on acoustic guitar, Yarbrough’s vocal delivery is once again smooth and effortless. Much to Yarbrough’s delight, her father Martin Yarbrough provided the backup vocals.

Yarbrough’s vocals are both evocative and versatile evidenced by her singing of Clifford Brown’s “Joy Spring,” on which she serves up a performance reminiscent of K.D. Lang’s “Miss Chatelaine.” Cooing “Sorrow’s Eyes,” with creamy chocolate ganache vocals, Yarbrough allows the phrases to linger, and slowly drip from her lips.

Sensuality turns to innocent sweetness with her classic jazz, original composition “Early Autumn,” arranged by Steve Bartek, and enveloped by a lush string section. Violinists Robert Anderson and Paul Cartwright, as well as cellist Jacob Szekely and Tom Lea (viola), are superb.

We cannot possibly mention all the talented musicians who appear on this CD; however, we would be remiss in not giving high marks to guitar virtuoso, Takeshi Akimoto, elegant pianist/keyboardist John Kirby, bass player Kaveh Rastegar and drummer Nate Wood. Contributing to the lush arrangements are numerous saxophone and players, as well as a flautist, percussionist and flugelhorn player. The horn section turns in a warm, evocative performance as they play another beautiful jazz piece, “Vice And Vanity.” 

There is not one weak track on this gorgeous album that comes to us, courtesy of Raya Yarbrough.

Reviewed by Joe Montague for Riveting Riffs (www.rivetingriffs.com)

Reviewed February 2008

All written, photographic and graphic content contained on www.rivetingriffs.com remains the property of Riveting Riffs Ltd., a registered Canadian company, and the contributing writers, artists and photographers. The content on this site is protected by copyright and all rights are reserved. The content may not be reproduced in print, appear on other websites or be transmitted electronically without the written permission of Riveting Riffs Ltd.  ©