For a sense of luxury and guaranteed easy listening, let Rachael Davis’s pure, soothing vocals take you back to the Jazz Age on her six-song EP Bandbox Jubilee. Originally from Michigan, she now claims Music City as home, giving Middle Tennessee a refreshing spin on an vintage style it so desperately needs.
Upon the first listening of Bandbox Jubilee, Davis’ most powerful instrument becomes overwhelmingly clear—her voice. At times it’s booming, at others it’s soft and sweet. Throughout, she slips effortlessly from song to song with a voice that’s honest and welcoming.
Davis sings the praises of simple contentment on “Regular Egg”:
That old Ford Model T is alright by me,
I don’t need no long limousine,
That champagne is fine, but I dig burgundy wine
I don’t need money to feel like a queen
Although Davis sings about the joy of living modestly, that doesn’t mean she’ll pass up a shiny new ring, as she makes explicit on “(I’m a) Diamond Girl,” a track akin to Marilyn Monroe’s song of similar sentiment, “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.” Just as she does on every other song, Davis proves her ability to seize your attention just by the sole power of her voice. It’s entrancing in the best kind of way.
Apart from Rachael’s distinct vocal style and approach to lyrics, the musical composition heard on Bandbox Jubilee is equally praiseworthy. All six tracks feature a Swing-era flavor conjured by a group of skilled musicians who include her husband, bassist Dominic John Davis, guitarist Lynn Nichols, pianist Phil Madeira, horns by Rahsaan and Roland Barber and Dennis Holt on drums. Most tracks are fast-paced, rhythmic numbers, but the mood slows down on “Je N’aurais Jamais Reve,” a French ballad meaning “I Would Never Dream.” Davis goes out with a bang on the EP’s closing number, “Never Tell Your Sweetheart Yes,” a story about a fairytale relationship gone sour upon a serious request.
This album, both versatile and sincere, offers a time-warp trip to a classic 1930s jazz lounge, evoking draping curtains, dim Art Deco lighting and fancy cocktails.
For more info on Rachael Davis and list of tour dates, visit rachaeldavis.com.
