Andra Day – A Star on the Rise



Adele, Mary J. Blige, Diana Krall   all household names in the music business.  After tonight’s 58th Annual Grammy Awards, I am guessing you will be familiar with another…

Andra Day

Her debut album Cheers to the Fall, released in August of this year has been nominated for Best R&B Album and the powerful single “Rise Up” is vying for Best R&B Performance. 
I will even lay odds that you have already seen and heard her and not known it.  Do you recall the Stevie Wonder holiday TV commercial this past year, singing a duet with a female artist…?  That was Andra Day.

Born in Spokane, Washington in 1985 as Cassandra Monique Batie, Andra headed south, attending a performing arts school in San Diego.  In 2012 she released a cover of Jessie J’sMamma Knows Best”, which skyrocketed on the web music video charts.  She was subsequently signed to Warner Brothers records and here she is at the Grammys.
Andra’s music shows a diverse range of influences all the way from Billie Holiday to Amy Winehouse.  With a rare combination of excellent jazz chops and pop sensibilities, her songs are well crafted, stylish and memorable.  Throw in an Eartha Kitt-esque persona, and you have the full package – the makings of a star! 

If you’re a fan of jazz, R&B or pop with female vocals, give this album a listen.  I think you will be impressed.