Album Notes

21st century torch singer Celia Chavez creates music that evokes both the cool rhythm of Manhattan (where she currently lives) and the moody beauty of Seattle (where she was raised). As there is grace to be found in the greyness of concrete and rain, Celia celebrates the joy of survival despite hard decisions and hostile conditions.

The Seattle Times called Celia "one of Seattle's most tantalizing new voices." As a singer, she leans toward the bluesy, intimate expression typical of singers like Ella Fitzgerald, Dusty Springfield, Billie Holiday. But while at home singing a ballad, Celia can bring on her own brand of sass, as seen in her odd-meter departure, Vega$. And hints of a sea chantey are felt in songs like Dream of a Sailor and My Love.

Her songwriting uses a cinematic vocabulary and wit along with a melodic, harmonic and lyric sense reminiscent of a pop standard, but spiced with hints of jazz, European cabaret, Latin rhythms, Americana, and old-school soul. While the songs' sentiments are romantic and the arrangements mostly minimal, her songs carry an intense contemporary timelessness - standards for a modern era, delivered in a vibrant, assertive new voice.

For more song-by-song background, lyrics, and information on the musicians featured on Sailor's Daughter, go to www.celiachavez.com.

Vocals and nylon string acoustic guitar – Celia Chavez

Acoustic guitar on “Snow” – Steven Elliot

Electric guitars – Steven Elliot
with Ann Klein on Vega$
and James Maddock on Vega$ and Wishing Well

Acoustic and electric bass – Tim Lefebvre
Piano, Wurlitzer, melodica, and toy xylophone – Daniel Mintseris
Percussion – Daniel Sadownick
Drum kit – Tony Mason
Trumpet and flugelhorn – Kiku Collins
Hammond B-3 organ – Rob Clores
Violin – Lorenza Ponce
Additional percussion and noisiness on Vega$ - Celia and Dave Swanson

Engineers and assistant engineers:
At Skyline Studios - Ron Allaire and Steve Geuting
At The Junkyard - Dave Swanson
At Maze - Scott Jacoby
At Spin Studios - Dave Swanson
At Pollock Productions - Robin Danar