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.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Next session: Sunday 1 December

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 6 October 2024.

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 8 October 2024.

How to Listen Live?

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

Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”

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 again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024

IZZY REIGN Spooky Scary Skeletons (FiXT)
THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)