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Rachel Yamagata

MusicBlog

Location: New York, NY

Website: http://www.rachaelyamagata.com/

Bio: Warner Bros. Records will release Rachael Yamagata: A Record In Two Parts…Elephants and Teeth Sinking Into Heart on October 7th, 2008.

The CD, as its title ... (more) suggests, contains two parts. The first, Elephants, is the darker and more vulnerable of the two. It plays like a film score, with orchestral transitions that expand as the songs progress. The more guitar-driven Teeth Sinking Into Heart is grittier and more defiantly cynical. Underscored by Rachael’s husky alto and expressive piano (and now guitar) playing, the two parts, when taken together, present a snapshot of the emotions that revolve around heartbreak and the inevitable challenges of relationships.

Of the album’s 14 tracks, 11 were produced by Nebraska-based Mike Mogis, the multi-instrumentalist and producer known for his work with Bright Eyes, Rilo Kiley and The Faint. Two tracks, “What If I Leave” and “Horizon,” were produced by John Alagia (John Mayer, Dave Matthews Band) who also produced Rachael’s debut album, 2004’s Happenstance. The album also features guest appearances by singer-songwriters Ray Lamontagne and Azure Ray’s Maria Taylor, and Maroon 5 guitarist James Valentine.

Praised by critics for her intimately confessional songwriting and arrangements, Rachael began to appear on the public’s radar in 2005 when songs from Happenstance and her self-titled debut EP, including “Be Be Your Love,” “Collide,” “Paper Doll,” and “ Meet Me By The Water,” as well as a cover of “I Wish You Love,” turned up in such films as Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, In Her Shoes, Trust The Man, Bella, and Prime. They have also been heard in many television shows, including How I Met Your Mother, Nip/Tuck, One Tree Hill, Brothers &Sisters, ER, and The O.C., on which she made a guest performance.

Over the last three years, Rachael has also popped up on albums by Ryan Adams, Ray Lamontagne, Jason Mraz, Bright Eyes, and Mandy Moore. Her tours have included runs with Adams, Lamontagne, Moore, Liz Phair, Gomez, and most recently Sara Bareilles. She has also played shows with Pete Townsend, Aimee Mann, David Gray, Damien Rice, and Air. (less)