Album Notes

"Singer Catherine Miles' vocal style is simultaneously voluptuous and ethereal, drawing the listener into the full emotion of the stories she sings. Guitarist Jay Mafale and keyboard player Paul Silverman deftly weave their instruments together in a richness that belies the fact that there are only two instruments in the band. Their original material showcases their considerable talent, exquisite melodies, and intelligent lyrics."
Amy Tuttle - Folk Music Society of Huntington; Six String Island on Podarama.com

Hailing from eastern Long Island, central Connecticut, and southern New Jersey, Catherine Miles, Jay Mafale, and Paul Silverman were brought together by fate while performing with an independent theater company in the late-‘90s. They began playing music together in the living room for the joy of it but soon realized there was a special chemistry in their quirky blend of personalities and musical influences.

The trio became regulars on the Long Island music scene, performing in coffeehouses and cafes, local festivals, and private concert venues. It was following one of those performances that The YaYas met Dave Isaacs of country-roots band Jackalope Junction, who invited them that same night to join the group. Of the trio’s contribution to Jackalope Junction’s release, Just Drive, Tom Semioli of All Music Guide stated, "Vocalist Catherine Miles shines…Silverman and Mafale round out the rhythm section with the expertise of Russ Titleman's studio posse that ruled the airwaves for over two decades...” The influence of three years spent touring with Jackalope Junction can be heard on many of The YaYas’ songs.

It’s difficult to put a label on The YaYas’ music. Modern folk is a good start, but their songs can range in feel from folk-pop to country-tinged to singer-songwriter-with-groove. What remains constant are well-crafted songs with deceptively simple lyrics about people you feel you might know, people who view themselves and the world with both honesty and compassion.

The YaYas’ debut album, Everything, was produced and recorded by Ben Wisch at his New York studio and also features bassist Tom "T-Bone" Wolk.

"This modern folk trio has a gorgeous sound from Catherine's beautiful lead vocals to Jay and Paul's stunning accompaniment... a joy to work with these guys and help them realize their musical vision."
Ben Wisch - Producer, Engineer, Mixer

Fall 2008 finds The YaYas settling into their new home in New York’s Hudson Valley and cultivating material for their second album. But perhaps where The YaYas feel most at home is in front of an audience. After all, seeing these three perform is like spending an evening with them in their living room – inviting, entertaining, and a little goofy. Just try not to spill anything on the carpet…