B &W Bowers & Wilkins

Julianna Raye

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Julianna Raye - Dominoes

The Bossa Nova rhythms on Los Angeles singer/songwriter Julianna Raye’s inspired new album, Dominoes, are so gentle and relaxing you almost take the heart-aching beauty of these songs for granted. The songs have a cinematic allure, drawing you in without overwhelming the music’s sensual mood. Raye has managed to capture the essence of this classic Brazilian style while maintaining her unique identity; recalling a bygone era while sounding absolutely current. Her tales of love are intimate yet universal, taking listeners hungry for true romance on an evocative and sublime journey. In a stressful time, Dominoes is a deep sigh of relief.

 

The inspiration for Dominoes came when Julianna fell in love with 60s guitarist Baden Powell’s CD, 3 Originals. "I knew I wanted to capture the way my imagination and emotions were stirred by this music," Raye said. "The CD is entirely instrumental which gave me room to re-interpret the spirit of what I was hearing in my own voice."

Leaves Before Autumn was the first song to emerge but it was when she met one of her songwriting collaborators, Bill Demain of the duo Swan Dive, that the record’s character really began to take shape. "Bill and I spoke the same musical and lyrical language, so writing together was an effortless, joyful process." Regarding another of her co-writers, Joe Pisapia of the band Guster, she says "Joe and I had a deep connection instantly and I knew we’d write something very special.

There’s this great Billy Barnes song Something Cool that June Christy sang. I feel like Summer On My Mind is my Something Cool." The most bittersweet of the album’s collaborations is I Carry You With Me, written with her cousin, composer Michael Kamen, who sadly passed away not long after it was written. Says Raye "That song is so poignant - I know he would be really proud to hear it."

The recording process was equally dynamic. "This record could not have been made without all the players’ incredible focus and intuitive understanding of the songs. There was just something in the air." The session included Bill Demain on guitar, Dave Palmer on piano, Reggie Hamilton on bass and Jay Bellerose on drums, with Ethan Johns (Ray LaMontagne, Kings of Leon, Ryan Adams) producing. Raye describes the experience as both exhilarating and exhausting.

"We had so little time to work out the kinks and get a great take we really were on the edge of our seats the entire session. By the end of it, our brains were completely fried!" The pace left no time to hesitate, requiring everyone’s full commitment and Raye found it "magical to sing in the soundscape these amazing players created on the spot."

Dominoes is the latest chapter in a career marked by extraordinary alliances and deeply authentic artistry. Julianna’s critically acclaimed debut album, Something Peculiar, was produced by Jeff Lynne (Travelling Wilburys, ELO), whom Raye met through her cousin, Kamen. It took over eight years for her to release the next album, but in one of those rare, defining moments in an artist’s career she re-emerged from a process of self-discovery and a string of dissatisfying major label flirtations with the brilliant independent release, Restless Night.

Raye describes the recording experience as both exhilarating and exhausting:  

"it was magical to sing in the soundscape these amazing players created on the spot."
Ethan JohnsEthan JohnsClick to enlarge

Working for the first time with Johns as producer, she crafted an enticing foray into the wearisome search for love amidst the creeping vapours of Los Angeles nightlife.

Julianna Raye has toured Europe as a member of Rufus Wainwright’s band and sang on many of his releases. Her songwriting credits include collaborations with Rufus Wainwright, Ryan Adams, Ross Godfrey (Morcheeba) and composers Michael Kamen and Paul Halinger. She can be heard on Ryan Adams’ CDs, Gold, Demolition and 48 Hours (all produced by Johns) and is featured on Van Dyke Parks’ tribute to Haruomi Hosono, Yellow Magic, Robin Danar’s Altered States, and singer/songwriter AM’s Side by Side. Raye’s music has been featured in numerous films and television shows. Her wide range of collaborators proves that her talent transcends terms like independent or mainstream.

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