How about a debut from a songwriter/vocalist/musician that isn’t just thoughtful, but very thoughtful? Raya Yarbrough, who’s been compared to Duke Ellington and Joni Mitchell, occupies a musical border between pop and jazz. Her album has different strengths: “Vice and Vanity” lyrically tells a story of two childhood friends whom ambition and time render strangers. A take on Clifford Brown’s “Joy Spring” is musically challenging with its contemporary drum and percussion loops. All in all, this is comprehensive, mature music for mature listeners. - forrest green III

Share this article with a friend