Avey Raquel
My Heart Away
(GKM/ Avery Raquel)
One thing I like to pride myself on is my transparency. When we get the list of releases, I have a tendency to pick artists I love or am curious about. Then there are those moments when I’m random and spontaneous. This is/was one of those moments.
Avery Raquel, the name seemed interesting. When I pressed play, I was totally off. What I heard was jazz, I’d say contemporary but nonetheless Jazz. Raquel has a smooth jazz voice will traces of the blues. She is a Canandian singer/songwriter, an actress, and has a whole host of experience in the entertainment industry.
My Heart Away, her newest release of three, is a complete body of work. After some research, I discovered this album was more targeted to have more components of soul/R&B and I can hear it. She has accomplished so much and this rising star is only 16 years of age, maybe 17 now. Jazz is such a mature genre and has so much history attached to it that this marriage between it and Raquel has so many interesting variables. I also believe it gives true jazz enthusiasts hope for the future. In a tech-savvy world, it can feel like traditional art forms are disappearing. Raquel is an anomaly.
One song that stood out to me was “Beauty in Goodbyes,” the structure of the song has a nostalgic essence. I enjoy catchy melodies with great concepts. This one helps us cope with goodbyes from an optimistic perspective.
Another song is “Take Your Time.” It has an easy going vibe. Raquel has an uncanny vocal delivery. It’s mature and yet still innocent. The concepts are rather mature as well but she doesn’t miss a beat. She sings “good things come to those who wait” and I believe it’s also applicable to her career. I think that with time her sound and influence will gain attention from her peers and she will inspire more youth to try traditional forms of music but evolve the sound. I truly believe there is a happy medium where the new and the old can coexist. Artists like Avery Raquel make it a bit more believable. If you’re into Jazz or Easy Listening, I’m confident you will appreciate this album.
