“I was hooked from the album opening “Ac-cent-tchu-ate the Positive”, a tune Bing Crosby popularized over 70 years ago. Yet Avery Raquel is so young, Nikki Yanofsky is one of her role models. All of which is a roundabout way of saying that there is a future for traditional jazz singing, and that it will be even brighter the longer this superb young vocalist is part of it. “
Avery embarked on her journey back in October 2014 when she decided she’d like to record an album. We began by formulating a roster of professionals who could assist us with this ambitious project. Joining Avery on the album is co-producer and drummer Joel Haynes, bassist Mike Pelletier, and on piano and responsible for song arrangements, Rob Fekete. Avery has also been able to derive her own unique vocal arrangements with the guidance of jazz vocalist, Sophia Perlman.
An eclectic mix of jazz styles and songs from the past 5 decades, “Life Lessons” has proven to be just that for this 14 year old songstress. The album includes songs from the most prolific song writers and performers which have been re-arranged in a modern jazz and blues styling with unique and memorable vocal arrangements. Songs like: ‘Fragile’ by Sting, ‘Reach Out and Touch’ by Diana Ross, ‘Que Sera Sera’ by Sly and the Family Stone, ‘Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing’ by Stevie Wonder, “Beautiful” by Carole King, “Blackbird” by The Beatles, and even the classic “Over the Rainbow”. Those of course are mixed with some of the most popular jazz standards like ‘Accentuate the Positive’, ‘Swinging On A Star’, and Billie Holiday’s ‘God Bless The Child’.
With the team in place, and song choices made, Avery embarked on a funding campaign. That online campaign allowed us to start the process by getting the songs arranged and charted as well as initiating the recording process. The album was recorded at Merriam Studios in Oakville, under the engineering prowess of Mike Tompa.
Another fundraising concert in June 2015 kept the momentum moving forward and allowed us to purchase the song licensing, and get the CD’s to press.
‘Life Lessons’, the debut album by jazz vocalist, Avery Raquel, is NOW AVAILABLE!
Your contributions are always welcome! If you’d like to assist towards future projects, including a music fund, which will assist children who could not otherwise afford music lesson, please see below for ways you can still contribute:
You can still contribute individually. No contribution is too small.
We will also gladly accept the contribution from larger organizations and can offer…
If you’d like to contribute to Avery’s album project please use one of…
You can still contribute individually. No contribution is too small.
We will also gladly accept the contribution from larger organizations and can offer these sponsorship packages:
$1,500 – Should your corporation or small business wish to participate, you will receive all of the above, plus recognition of your contribution by way of corporate name and logo on the CD jacket, and promotional marketing materials including website, Facebook, and print.
If you’d like to contribute to Avery’s album project please use one of the following methods:
1) Interac Email Transfer payment to: info@averyraquel.com
2) Mail cheque payable to Avery Raquel Kadish to:
37 Macdonald Cres, Brantford, ON N3R 8B2
We thank everyone for their past, present and future contributions. We couldn’t have gotten this far without you!