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…
Read MoreThe recently released (May 2019) video for Before I Do from Barbra Lica’s latest long-player, You’re Fine (November 2018), is the type of vocal jazz that plays beautifully as a background for any warm afternoons contemplation of relationship commitment. Barbra’s voice is, as always, warm, clear, soothing like a gentle touch. She massages the message into a lullaby that is irresistible. A Toronto-based songwriter, her latest long-player explores the intertwining of American country music and jazz in a way that is very accessible on both counts. On the music…
Read MoreIt has been several weeks ago now that we first posted the wonderful I’ve Found You from We Are Leif and the group’s debut long-player, Breathe. If you have not run on out and picked up that long-player in some form (digital or physical) you are missing out on some great music! Here’s another awesome example from that same long-player, Transition, featuring Louise Victoria’s seemingly effortless jazz-vocal phrasing. For more information, as noted in the original review, there’s the band’s website, but the pedigree of this band runs deep. …
Read MoreVodka has a soft spot for spot-on jazz vocal performances and I’ve Found You is one of those magical moments. The track is part of We Are Leif’s debut long-player Breathe (September 2018) which is a collection of jazz melded with R&B and downtempo, (among others) and features the rich alto of Louise Victoria front and center. I’ve Found You builds on the beginning theme, and revels in love found in a glorious build-up to the finale. While I’ve Found You may be the stand-out track here,…
Read MoreA couple of years ago, Vodka posted the wonderful original track from Iseo, I Lost Count. Well, we decided to check in on Iseo and see how she is faring these days. Happily, Iseo is still out there and making some incredible jazz-influenced pop music. Last Night (seen/heard here) is from Iseo’s latest LP (January 2016) by the same name. You can and should check out Iseo, if you have not already done so. You can find more information on Iseo on her Facebook page or pick up some great…
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