GREAT VOCALS,GREAT SONG SELECTION,GREAT MUSICIANS

In the quintessential jazz tradition, Rachael Price creates moments--inspired moments--wherein one feels fully present with her unique creation. "The Good Hours" is full of such moments; consider the swing of "The Trolley Song," the sweet, plaintive prayer of "Skylark," or the romantic longing of "Serenade in Blue." I have had the privilege of seeing Rachael perform twice in the Pacific Northwest--once at the Rialto Theatre in Tacoma, Wa, and once at Seattle's Jazz Alley. She is a commanding presence. While still developing some nuance of her repartee' (Once she is as assured of her depth and maturity as is the audience, she will surely shed the the ubuquitous references to her youth and inexperience; believe me, her "Mood Indigo" requires no caveats or apologies). There are perhaps 20 or 30 emerging female jazz singers around the county being touted as the next great thing. I assure you, Rachael is the one. I have her cds in rotation on my system with Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holliday, Karrin Allyson, and Sarah Vaughn; the voice that catches my friends admiring attention--"Who is that!?--is Rachael's. She has perfect pitch, she swings, she has the emotional depth of an old soul. I'm sure this excellent cd will be the last of the self-produced variety; do yourself the favor of seeing her live while the venues are still of the smaller, intimate variety.

This is the second CD by this very talented young singer. Her influences are apparent - at times her diction reminds me of an early June Christy - and yet she has somehow achieved in a few years what some more mature singers never seem to achieve - an individuality which is her own. Her support is great and the song list spot on. A super CD which deserves inclusion in any serious collection.

What talent! Skylark not only took my breath away but brought tears to my eyes. Very fine music.