Since the release of her debut recording, Jessica's live performance has taken her across Canada, including a performance at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, and as far away as Niger, Africa, where she was selected by an international jury, to showcase as one of sixteen artists from around the world at the Francophone Games. "Performing in Africa was an interesting experience. Although I'm an English artist, my application was well received by the international jury and I did perform one song in French to meet the requirements of the Games," explains Rhaye.
She has supported shows for the likes of Great Big Sea, Randy Bachman and Matt Mays while sharing the stage with MIR, Bruce Guthro and Grammy Award winner Colin Hay, from the band Men at Work. Jessica has showcased at music industry festivals, North by Northeast (NXNE), Canadian Music Week (CMW) and the Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMA). During CMW Jessica's song "Only One", featured on the new album, was nominated as a finalist in the Canadian Radio Star National Songwriting Competition where she placed first runner up.
Jessica Rhaye, ventures into her most musically mature territory yet with the release of her sophomore album Short Stories. It's an album that features an attractive mix of folk songwriting, modern arrangements and ambitious production, surrounded by Jessica's magnetizing voice. One listen to the eleven hook-laden tracks of this album and you'll be struck by the natural, warm, rich and sometimes personal songs of this talented singer/songwriter.
What The Media Are Saying...
Rhaye is back with her long-awaited sophomore effort, Short Stories. It's more mature, assured, sexier even.
Grant Kerr, Telegraph Journal
"The songs on Short Stories themselves are all quite good - some are great - but the real strength here is Jessica's wonderful voice." - Eric Lewis, Times & Transcript
"Jessica Rhaye evokes the dreaminess of former Vercua Salt bombshell Nina Gordon's solo works and Beth Orton's fragile yet wistful style while paying tribute to Jewel's vocal sensuality." - Shannon Webb-Campbell, The Coast
"Her storybook-like style features subtle shades of simplicity blended with an old-fashioned aesthetic. This pop-fairy is a force of vivacity, authenticity and portrays a strong sense of self within her lyrics and pretty melodies." - Filly.ca
"A special nod to 'Running for the Door' for it's sophisticated pop production and lyrics that should put Jessica Rhaye near the A-League in the Atlantic scene." - Bob Mersereau, CBC New Brunswick
"This second album Short Stories was five years in the making, and it's stellar. The stark 'Wonderful to Me' is worth the price alone, and Rhaye shines as a songwriter on all tracks." - BOOM Magazine
"Jessica has a very mature, sophisticated sound, but still sounds fresh and young. Even though she has a powerhouse voice, she holds back just enough to really knock you out when she lets it go." - Abby White, Music Editor, Performing Songwriter Magazine
"Jessica has a beautiful voice and gave a moving performance. She was inside the music and that comes across in the performance." - Jack Bond, Executive Producer for CBC Great Canadian Music Dream Contest
"We are talking power here - small person, huge voice. She sent shivers down my spine." - Cynthia Dunsford, ECMA Host
"Rhaye can ignite any crowd with her pop/folk songs, accompanied by a funky fashion sense. Rhaye is anything but a one-hit wonder." -Lisa Hrabluk, New Brunswick Reader
"Rhaye is a dynamo of energy who lights up the stage wherever she appears." - Gerry Taylor, Telegraph Journal NB
"I haven't heard a Canadian single debut THIS good since Amanda Marshall and I think that was 1997." - Gord Bailey, EZ Rock 104.9, Edmonton AB
