West Coast singer Lorraine Gervais, with her sultry contralto voice and souful delivery brings an all-star cast to her second album, A World Apart.
Spanning genres from contemporary jazz to R&B, from songs by Joni Mitchell to Aretha Franklin, to traditional celtic and her own originals, Lorraine presents an eclectic selection showcasing her voice and phrasing which has been descibed as "heavy velvet". Produced and arranged by Alan Kuehne, players include Tom Bethky on guitar, Bob Villwock on piano, Roger Smith (Tower of Power) on piano and organ, Tony Unger on guitar, Lew Langworthy and Steve Boutte on drums, Alan Kuehne on bass, Dave Meyler on percussion and Brielle Morgan singing background vocals.
Playing in nightclubs since the age of 15, Lorraine has performed in clubs, concerts, and jazz festivals throughout the West Coast. Lorraine has also been a session player for other artists, and has done commercial work for jingles and soundtrack projects. Beginning in the '70's, she has opened for acts including the Pointer Sisters, the Charlie Hunter Band, and John Hammond.
The blend of music and song are beautifully balanced and collaboratively focused by Lorraine and her band... refreshing original arrangements. Romantically seductive and simply gorgeous!
- Michael Keene, DJ - KVMR
Lorraine Gervais is one of jazz's great voices. Her silky highs and warmly resonant midrange is her's alone...
- Jazz Chronicles
The sultry vocals of Lorraine Gervais are fresh and original. The tasty mixture of genres holds the attention of the listener.
- jazzreview.com, Richard Bourcier
Lorraine Gervais has a unique sound reminiscent of Randy Crawford singing with the Crusaders in the '80's or Cassandra Wilson, but one that is totally her own... With a deep contralto voice that is full of soul and heart, she took us on a wild ride of some familiar lyrics with a new twist on the melody... '60's rock and folk with a big infusion of jazz... Lorraine is also a composer and she brought us a couple of her original tunes, one of them, Cool Water, was absolutely wonderful, the lyrics inspired by Lake Tahoe. It was pretty obvious that this lady could take a nursery rhyme and turn it into a soulful hit...
- Vivian Lee, Savanna's Jazz Series, Sacramento.
If you are searching to hear strong, vibrant, female jazz and blues vocalists, then you should check out with this latest offering by singer/songwriter, Lorraine Gervais on A World Apart. A CD of eclectic arrangements, it keeps you interested and enjoying the innovative ride with a mix of originals and some cool covers from Joni to Aretha, Leon Russell and more. A World Apart makes it clear that Lorraine has been artistically inspired, having written many of the titles on the CD. Along with her stellar vocals the CD solidifies her place as one of the West Coast's most gifted and impeccable jazz singer-songwriters. Lorraine is like a storyteller using her stunning signature vocal range to weave images that take the listener away in bliss, add to that a CD that has impeccable well-crafted instrumental backup and it is a clear winner. A World Apart showcases her luxuriant voice - no voice compositing needed - she has what it takes to belt it out in the likes of Aretha Franklin, Joan Osborne, or Joni Mitchell, with just the right mix of edginess, tangy instrumentals and elegant arrangements to rank it far above the standard jazz genre. I highly recommend it.
- Lisa Cowden
