Jazzology alum and vocalist Raquel Marina is set to release her debut album, Kind Words, on July 18. The Toronto-based vocalist was featured on November 6 episode of Jazzology while pursuing a Master’s Degree in Composition at York University.
Kind Words is an album of catchy melodies and lush harmonies that speak to themes of love, healing and serenity. Outside of her studies, Marina is an active performer in the Toronto jazz scene with regular gigs at Drom Taberna, Ethica, and The Drake Hotel.
Produced by Marina alongside Jackson Welchner, the album features Reuven Grajner (piano), Julien Bradley-Combs (guitar),Chris Adriaanse (bass) and 2023 recipient of the Toronto Arts Foundation Emerging Jazz Artist Award Kae Murphy on trumpet with a guest appearance from fellow vocalist Alyssa Giammaria.
Two singles, “Thought of You” and “Kind Words”, have been released ahead of the album release. “Performing this song [“Kind Words”] always brings me back to a sense of grounding, ease, and serenity,” says Marina. “It is about surrendering to a sense of clarity and balance while also being consistently kind to oneself throughout the process.”
Kind Words comes out on all streaming platforms, including Bandcamp, on July 18. For physical copies, email raquelmarinamusic@gmail.com.
