A singer and composer based in Brooklyn, New York, Raina Sokolov-Gonzalez packs a vocal punch with Better For You (seen/heard here) which arrived on March 5, 2021. This is not just vocal jazz done well. This is a cross between modern popular music’s twists and turns, blending it all in a vocal jazz framework. The result is a fun, toe-tapping romp! Lyrically, Raina asks multiple questions of her lover. She’s perhaps just a little too eager to please, too much ‘what do you want and not enough ‘what do I need’. It’s a song about love as a drug that you can’t get enough of, and want to give more to without condition.

Instrumentally, Better For You makes every instrument part of the beat. From the driving bass (Luke McCrosson), syncopated percussion (Zach Berns), and understated saxophone (Leland Baker), each instrument adds just the right texture. Instruments aside, the real heroes here are the production, mixing, and mastering folks, which includes Raina and Jake Sokolov-Gonzalez, sharing production credits, Jon Rosenberg (mixing engineer), and Ryan Schwabe (mastering engineer). Knowing how to provide just the right punch to the music, without overdriving the mix or overshadowing the vocals, is a real talent that is far too often completely forgotten these days. 

You can find some information by heading up to Raina’s website, which provides most social links, and music links that also offer options for streaming and purchase. Missing everywhere is a good biography. Hopefully, that is coming. Raina Sokolov-Gonzalez has been in the music scene since at least 2018 and has provided a vocal feature to other artists as well. Let’s hope there is an LP on the way!

Pick up some Raina Sokolov-Gonzalez tunes today, or stream them from her sources! 

Since this review was written, Raina has released another single, 40 Days, which is another great track. Click over and take a listen!

Note: With Covid-19 still around, probably to be with us for some time, artists like Raina Sokolov-Gonzalez and many others need your purchases to keep their heads above water. If your situation allows it, consider purchasing more in these tough times. –Vodka