Raquel Marina - Kind Words (2025)

Raquel Marina contributes a refreshing vocal and compositional style to the Toronto jazz scene. Her effortless power, captivating storytelling, and natural melodic sensibilities contribute to her unique synthesis of singer-songwriter elements with traditional and modern jazz aesthetics.

Kind Words is Raquel’s first full length album of original music. Her catchy melodies and lush harmonies instill an organic atmosphere that heighten her lyrical themes of healing, love, and serenity.

Marty's review: Raquel Marina has excelled on her first album release. "Kind Words" combines skillful story telling with timeless and expansive jazz themes into a production that is stylistic and pleasantly surprising. Raquel has written or co-written all tracks on the album and displays her masterful songwriting abilities with an enchanting and seductive vocal style that is sophisticated and tender. Raquel is backed by the very talented and refined quartet of Kae Murphy on Trumpet, Reuven Grajner on Piano, Julien Bradley-Combs on Guitar and Chris Adriaanse on Bass, who effortlessly weave their expansive instrumentation to the mix, resulting in a timeless and highly-listenable release. Also of note is Alyssa Giammaria - Vocals and co-composer on "My Bohemian Hour". Standout tracks for me are "May You Know", "Thoughts Of You" and "Kind Words".