The Rae Gordon Band--that woman can flat out sing, y'all! I heard Rae singing when I left the FedEx Crossroads Stage, so I walked around to the front of the First Tech Blues Stage. This particular photo is pretty good, but that microphone hides her expressive face.
Here's what I found at the blues festival's Web site:
"Add equal parts of Janis Joplin's pain, Aretha Franklin's soul and Grace Slick's power; mix them thoroughly, and add a big gob of gooey molasses and you have Rae Gordon's voice" - Positively Entertainment and Dining
"Gordon had the audience in the palm of her hand" - Oregon Music News "When the band launches into the more rollicking numbers, hands start waving" - Willamette Week.
Rae Gordon, named Cascade Blues Association's Best Female Vocalist in 2011, started her singing career in the piano bars of Los Angeles and opening up for comedians. Her early experience singing in the comedy clubs on the infamous Sunset Strip gave her an approachability and sense of humor that she brings to audiences today.
The Rae Gordon Band brings together award winning and nominated musicians that have followed her to the big and little stages of northwest’s favorite festivals helping to mold their signature sound that spans from a danceable get up and groove to a haunting slide tone that will make you want to find a back porch and sit a spell. She enjoys playing intimate venues where she can connect one on one with people in the audience to large festivals where she can connect with a whole community.
Their much awaited recent CD release of original tunes, which was co-written with RGB guitar player Gaddis Cavenah called "Blue Lemonade" debuted to a sold out venue and rave reviews. It highlights Gordon’s extensive range and ability to move effortlessly from soul to blues infused gospel.
“They have struck pay dirt in bringing out the beauty of Rae’s vocal abilities”…“Listening to the disc leaves no question on why she is a perennial nominee for female vocalist in the Cascade Blues Association’s Muddy Awards” “Blue Lemonade is a deeply accomplished work with superb original songwriting that stands up to the best releases of recent years anywhere”…
It is currently getting airplay in Portland Radio markets including KINK FM, KMHD, Eugene, Kansas City, back east and has recently crossed the pond to the radio listeners of England.
Rae Gordon Band performances are not only a show, but a celebration, as Gordon follows the policy that a stranger is just a friend you haven't met…yet.
Here's a photo that captured one of the many expressions that played across Rae's face as she entertained the huge crowd in front of the stage at Tom McCall Waterfront Park.