Album review: MAYA RAE – Can You See Me?

Black Hen Music [Release date 24.04.20]

It’s perhaps not the smartest PR move in the book to compare the debut album (of sorts) – by an artist not yet 18 – to timeless classics such as Joni Mitchell’s Blue, and Tracy Chapman’s self-titled debut. Sure, it catches the attention but it raises expectations to, perhaps, unrealistic levels.

Her first album of original material – Rae has been singing professionally since the age of 12, recorded her first album of jazz and classic pop standards at 13, and has gone on to sing with some of the biggest names in Canadian jazz.

Can You See Me? is a collection of songs written with her brother Gabriel, and inspired by classic singers like Carole King and Nina Simone, iconic performers such as The Beatles and Joni Mitchell, and modern days artists like Ed Sheeran and Adele.

Recorded in Nashville (where else?) and produced by Steve Dawson (who also plays guitars), the album features some of the finest players in town including Kai Welch (keyboards /trumpet), Jamie Dick (drums), and John Estes (bass), as well as JT Nero and Allison Russel on supporting vocals.

The first thing that strikes you is just how far up in the mix Rae’s vocals are, making the album feel like she’s stood in the room next to you, and making her performance the central focus. And on a sonic level Can You See Me? ticks all the boxes – it sounds great – Rae’s vocals are ‘on the money’ and mature beyond her years and the playing sublime.

Song writing wise it doesn’t sound like a young person’s album, opening with several [light] adult orientated pop ‘tunes’ – notably the title track – before developing into more of a classy ‘late night’ affair, with ‘New For Me’ adding a nice bluesy/soul twist, the wistful trumpet infused ‘Storm Leaf’ a mournful highlight, and ‘Freedom Fighter’ and ‘Lonely Ones’ simply oozing ‘class’.

It’s eminently listenable, and signals an emerging talent, but ‘a timeless classic’? No, the songwriting simply isn’t consistently memorable enough. But expect to hear more from Maya Rae. ***1/2

Review by Pete Whalley

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 2 March 2025.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast on 4 March 2025

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 24 March 2025

HARRI LARKIN Too Close To The Sun (Robot Distro)
SANDNESS Not Your Dog (Rockshots Records)
DOCTOR BLACK Drag Me Down (indie)
COHEED AND CAMBRIA Goodbye Sunshine (Virgin Music Group)
LEONI JANE KENNEDY Closer (indie)
SMALL TOWN POLITICS Red Lights (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 24 March 2025

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)

Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings. The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.