With a stage presence that's both energizing and soul-soothing, Faye Raye blends classic styles in unexpected ways. Her phrasings - deeply rooted in blues, gospel, R&B and soul - also contain subtle and surprising jazz, country and folk undertones. The overall effect has been called "soultry," a term which also suggests the husky warmth, understated passion and unabashed candor that are equally characteristic of Faye Raye's style. As with the legendary voices of those predecessors who've inspired her, Faye's vocals can seem hauntingly familiar one minute and incomparable the next.

Comings and Goings

Since the breakthrough success of her debut CD “I've Got A Story To Tell” Faye has kept an increasingly full performance schedule. From the Annual Kwanza Celebration that led off 2005, to the Minority Caucus Reception at the ATLA Convention in Toronto, Canada last July, to headlining October's benefit concert at the Wren's Nest in support of hurricane victims' relief (see story below), hardly a week went by without Faye showing up to perform somewhere for someone. If you missed her at some of these events, or just want another chance to catch one of Atlanta's rising stars, check out the Upcoming Show Listings or the News page for more information.

She'll Take You There

Faye Raye at The Wren's Nest - October 22, 2005

In a steady evolution from her days not so long ago as a solo singer-songwriter who was picking her way through the emotional shards of a series of tough breaks, to her emergence as an artist discovering, and lately coming to terms with, the challenges of inhabiting a fully-formed musical persona, Faye seems to be seeking out larger venues while also fronting a more multifaceted band.

For last October's outdoor benefit concert, before an audience of over three hundred, she assembled a lineup of musicians that showcased her vocal range and stylistic diversity better than any since her CD release. With Eric Brice (lead guitar) and Wesley White (congas) joined by newcomers Johnny Jackson (bass), Dee Shelton (keyboards) and Rockwell Silas (drums) of Crop Circle, there was no onstage energy shortage. “Is it warming up,” said Faye, introducing ‘Understanding You,’ “or is it just me gettin' hot?”

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