Julianna Raye - Dominoes [B&W Bowers & Wilkins]

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The Bossa Nova rhythms on Los Angeles singer/songwriter Julianna Raye’s inspired new cd, Dominoes, are so gentle and relaxing you almost take the heartaching beauty of these songs for granted. The songs have a cinematic allure, drawing you in without overwelming the music’s sensual mood. Raye has managed to capture the essence of this classic Brazillian 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 when she met one of her songwriting collaborators, Bill Demain of the duo Swan Dive, 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."

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Personnel:
Julianna Raye - vocals
Jay Bellarose - drums
Reggie Hamilton - bass
Bill DeMain - guitar
Dave Palmer - piano and keyboards

Tracks:
1. Slowly
2. Dewberry Wine
3. I Carry You With Me
4. Dominoes
5. Summer On My Mind
6. White Bicycle
7. Until
8. Leaves Before Autumn
9. Lost