Alyssa Graham
Echo
Alyssagraham.com
By George W. Harris

Vocalist Alyssa Graham has put out a gentle and natural sounding disc that successfully mixes jazz with lilting Brazilian rhythms. Her relaxed voice is similar in tone to pop gospel’s Amy Grant, evoking yearning mixed with innocence. Supported by musicians by the likes of guitarist Romero Lubambo (is there any singer he DOESN’T play with?!?), pianist/producer Jon Cowherd, bassist Doug Weiss and drummer Obed Calvaire, Graham delivers intriguing and embracing versions of Paul Simon’s “America” and Johnny Mercer’s “Once Upon A Summertime”. The South American spice adds enormous pleasure to these pieces. Most of the other tunes are composed by guitarist Douglas Graham and Cowherd, and have a McCabe’s Guitar Shop feel to them, mixing laid back country pop with clever intonations. Her voice is disarmingly delicate, and draws you into each song, particularly on the intimate “Pictures Of You” and “Butterflies”. It’s always refreshing to hear a singer do something new, or something new with a standard or two. Keep an ear open for this lady.