Rae Gordon Band - Better Than I Was (2017)

“Take equal parts of Janis Joplin’s pain, Aretha Franklin’s soul and Grace Slick’s power; mix them thoroughly, add a big gob of gooey molasses and you have Rae Gordon’s voice.” – Positively Entertainment and Dining

This 7-piece band rides the sweet spot between gritty downtown blues and uptown soul, with the powerhouse vocals of Rae Gordon front and center.

The Rae Gordon Band sound is best described as blues and gritty soul, punched up by a powerhouse horn section. Rae is known throughout the Northwest and beyond for her wide vocal range and ability to connect with a crowd. The band won 3rd place in the 2017 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee, and was named Best Portland Blues Act in Willamette Week's 2017 reader poll.

The ten tracks on this CD highlight the songwriting skills of Rae Gordon and Pat McDougall, keyboardist and musical director for the band. The title track "Better Than I Was" features guest appearances by soulful songstress LaRhonda Steele and master harmonica player Rich Layton.