In her marvelous musical trip from Paris to Manhattan, Raynel Shepard really nails the atmosphere, the sound, and"
memories of the two cities. From her movement, to her accent, to her 'je ne sais quoi' she is French in Paris or an American in New York." Patty Cassidy - Watertown, MA
Don't miss "Lady Ray," aka Raynel Shepard, if you like swinging and sophisticated vocal jazz. Accompanied by the Joe Reid trio, Lady Ray delivers elegant phrasing, precisely pronounced lyrics (in four languages!) and creative arrangements. You'll know most of the tunes, but you'll hear each one richly interpreted. Lady Ray features the American songbook from Cole Porter to Ellington but you can hear the French songbook here and a sprinkling of beguines and bossas as well. A great evening out!
Mark Schneider- Weymouth. MA
Topnotch performance from Raynel Shepard and a talented trio as they presented “Life is a Bitch: the Poetry and Lyrics of Fran Landesman” at Café Istanbul in New Orleans. Ms Shepard’s witty renditions of songs and poems as well as her well researched background
information about Fran Landesman let us know why we should be more familiar with both writer and singer.
An enjoyable evening from a skillful and melodic artist! David & Cynthia Finney, New Orleans, LA
"Whether channeling a Parisian chanteuse or a sultry American songstress, Lady Ray delivers a nuanced performance featuring international jazz standards and selections from the American Songbook. Her passion for the music is quite personal and her shows have the intimate feeling of a house party. Be prepared to be entertained!"
Burton Holmes- Somerville, MA
Raynel brings it all to her performances - a satiny-smooth voice, a heart of gold, and, perhaps rarest of all, the ability to root out buried treasures in the Great American Songbook. The result is cabaret singing at its best - a not-to-be-missed evening, where the whole is so much more than the sum of the parts! - Myron Tuman, New Orleans, LA
Raynel Shepard’s performance of Fran Landesman’s lyrics and poetry accompanied by Harry Mayronne on the piano was nothing short of a cathartic, emotional experience. It brings you down to earth, moves you to tears and laughter, grounding you in realities which demonstrate that “Life’s a Bitch.” It allows you to recognize and accept those parts (unpleasant and unhappy) of yourself and then move on to the rest of your life. – Melanie Owen, New Orleans