Rebecca Pidgeon - The Raven (1994/2024) [Hi-Res]

Taking elements from folk, pop, jazz, and Celtic traditions, Pidgeon crafts lilting, intimate poetry. Known for her captivating and crystalline voice, Rebecca is prolific in the audiophile scene. The Raven was her first release on Chesky and featured an ensemble of spell- binding originals like "Grandmother" and the rhythmic "Kalerka," to the reimagined and mesmerizing classic "Spanish Harlem." The album was recorded using Chesky's acclaimed, high-fidelity recording techniques, which allow Rebecca's voice to take center stage. Pidgeon exudes a controlled vocal prowess that is effortlessly captivating, coupled with her eloquent storytelling ability; her style is reminiscent of Linda Ronstadt and Suzanne Vega. As Rolling Stone magazine comments, her vocals are "nuanced and assured...Rebecca Pidgeon is one of those rare singers who conveys emotion purely."

Rebecca Pidgeon, the acclaimed Scottish actress, has also displayed her gift as a singer/songwriter on her several well-received albums. Taking elements from folk, pop, jazz, and Celtic traditions, Pidgeon crafts lilting, intimate poetry. Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, she later moved to Edinburgh, Scotland with her family at the age of 5.

As a teenager in Scotland, she sang along with the radio and her parents’ Beatles and Joni Mitchell records as a light escape from her demanding acting studies. Eventually, she enrolled in London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art at 18 where she studied drama, music, and voice.

Pidgeon’s first Chesky release, The Raven, featured Pidgeon’s stunning version of “Spanish Harlem.” The Raven went on to become an audiophile classic, thanks to Pidgeon’s crystalline voice and Chesky’s high-fidelity recording techniques. Her second album, The New York Girls’ Club, brought her unique singing and songwriting to more music lovers.

Pidgeon’s lovely, somewhat delicate voice is very nicely captured and surrounded by cushions of studio air.” — Music = 4/5; Sonics = 4.5/5 — Wayne Garcia, The Absolute Sound, April 2017.

Rebecca Pidgeon, vocals
Joel Diamond, piano
Mitch Margold, synthesizer
Anthony Coote, guitar, background vocals
George Naha, guitar
David Finch, bass
Gary Burke, percussion
Laura Seaton, violin
Robert Chausow, violin
Juliet Haffner, viola
Erik Friedlander, cello
Coco Kallis, background vocals
Paul Miller, background vocals
Stephanie Smothers, background vocals
Elise Morris, background vocals