Album Notes

Paula's rich voice is versatile in range and style, from jazzy lows and highs and growly blues.

Paula first began singing folk and gradually became interested in jazz, blues and r & b through listening to her favorite artists, Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Aretha Franlklin and Bonnie Raitt.

Paula developed her vocal talent by first singing in choir in high school and later performing in musical theatre.

She then began to sing with various jazz groups in the area, including The Eddie Piccard Trio, The Daugherty McPartland Group and Gail Williams, all of whom are featured on her CD, "First Date." The title song, "First Date" and "Walking my Blues Away" are original compositions.

"First Date" is a soulful ballad in the style of Carole King, ending in a playful duet between Paula and saxophone player Bob Thompson of Orchestra de Jazz y Salsa Alto Maiz.

"Walking my Blues Away" is a rockin' blues tune inspired one day when Paula was taking her daily walk in the neighborhood.

It features Eddie Piccard on blues harp as well as Bob Thompson on sax.

Also featured on this CD is international saxophonist Ray Blue.

His smooth, moody tenor sax style is a nice contrast to the energetic style of Bob Thompson.

Ray Blue plays on "My Funny Valentine", "Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me", "Cry Me a River", and "With Every Breath I Take", the steamy jazz solo from the Broadway musical CITY OF ANGELS.

FRIST DATE'S live recording has the advantage of the interplay between the artists that can't be captured in a studio setting.

Paula Grady's CD is a FIRST DATE you'll always remember.