News and Updates

Reviews of New York Blue vinyl edition

Acoustic Sounds reviews Valerie’s vinyl release New York Blue.

Frank Sinatra “Sing & Dance with Frank Sinatra”, Steven Wilson “The Future Bites”, Foo Fighters “Medicine At Midnight”, The Chi-Lites “(For God’s Sake) “Give More Power To the People”, John Prine “September 78” & Valerie Joyce “New York Blue”.

Wonderful German review of vinyl release “New York Blue” (AudioNautes Recordings)

“For vinyl fans the release of “New York Blue” is definitely one of the best news in these challenging times…” (Hifitest.de 05/2021 – Ralf Henke)

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Valerie Joyce, “New York Blue,” now available on vinyl

Numbered limited edition 180-gram LP

Half-speed mastered by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios

Pressed at Pallas in Germany

Vocalist Valerie Joyce debuted with the May 2006 release of New York Blue on Chesky Records. New York Blue is a collection of classic jazz, standards, and pop tunes that showcase the singer’s distinctively smoky vocal sound and nuanced performance. Producer David Chesky says, “Valerie has a great feel for the music and has one of the most unique singing voices I have ever heard.”

Pianist Andy Ezrin worked with Valerie on the arrangements for the album’s 13 tracks that range from tunes by Cole Porter and Rogers & Hart to Miles Davis to the Beatles. They are joined on the album by musicians Lawrence Feldman on saxophones and Eugene Jackson and Tim Lefevre taking turns on bass for a live recording that is pure Chesky.

Buy Vinyl:

US: Acoustic Sounds

Japan:

• Tower Records
• Old and New Shop
• HMV
• Meruido

Germany: Kleifri Records

UK: Audio Venue

Vietnam: Saigon Vinyl Records

New York Blue selected by fans as one of Chesky Records Top 25 albums!

I was happy to hear that one of my albums, “New York Blue” was selected as top 25 favorites this year.
– Valerie Joyce

#17 NEW YORK BLUE (Valerie Joyce) [2006]
We asked our fans to vote for their favorite Chesky Albums of all-time. We’ve counted the votes and created a list of the Top 25. These titles will be available for 25% off on HDtracks throughout the month of December.

Buy New York Blue | See the post on Facebook

December Holiday Music News

Valerie Joyce wrote a holiday song, “Christmas Eve” and the sheet music is now available for purchase.

The arrangement was composed by Carlos Franzetti.

Christmas Eve & Other holiday songs.

Valerie Joyce performing her song on piano and voice

Christmas Eve performed with Pearl String Quartet (Music and lyrics by Valerie Joyce, arrangement by Carlos Franzetti)

We Wish You A Merry Christmas (Voice Valerie Joyce & Marco de Carvalho (guitar)

Christmas Time Is Here (written by Lee Mendelson and Vince Guaraldi.)

Valerie performing at 2018 Garden Party

Valerie is performing at Seattle Japanese Garden’s 2018 Garden Party with saxophonist Hans Teuber and guitarist Marco de Carvalho.

Thursday, July 12 / 6:00pm
Seattle Japanese Garden
1075 Lake Washington Blvd E

Link: Facebook Event Page

Join us for a summer evening in the Seattle Japanese Garden sipping sake under the setting sun!

Savor local wine, specially-chosen sake, Japanese beer, and a dinner menu inspired by the food found at a traditional Japanese summer festival.

Enjoy a jazz trio serenading you across the water, accompanied by the smooth ripples of swimming koi fish.

Be enveloped by the lush greenery of the garden in summer, and watch as the sunset transforms the landscape into majestic twilight.

Described as the “Best Kept Secret in Seattle,” this is one summer evening event you won’t want to miss.

* ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE SEATTLE JAPANESE GARDEN

Valerie performs at the LA Audio Show

New York Blue reviewed in Stereophile’s Buyer’s Guide

VALERIE JOYCE: New York Blue (Chesky JD316)
reviewed on pages 116-117 of Stereophile (special collector’s issue 2016) 10 Years “Records To Die For” 500 Audiophile Approved Albums: Great Music-Great Sound. ” For those seeking a sonic standard for female jazz vocals, look no further than New York Blue”.

Thank you Stereophile for the mention!

Valerie Joyce & Michael Wolff: For Heaven’s Sake

Introductory Pricing Through August 29, 2016.

Valerie Joyce recorded For Heaven’s Sake with renowned pianist Michael Wolff. Michael also produced, arranged the music, and performed on Valerie’s Invitation.

The duo’s chemistry is unmistakable on For Heaven’s Sake. Michael thoughtfully sculpts new intention behind Valerie’s sultry and soft melodies. The peaceful atmosphere is full of nuances that only come from a live performance by musicians with real chemistry. From Brahms to Duran Duran Valerie and Michael explore songs outside of the typical jazz idiom, but bring it home with classics like “In A Sentimental Mood” and “You Taught My Heart To Sing.”

Cookie Marenco mixed For Heaven’s Sake to Quad Rate DSD through an analog stage.

Get it in 8 different high resoultion formats at:
http://valeriejoyce.downloadsnow.net/heavens-sake

Valerie Joyce at the Newport Audio Show – June 2, 2106

Valerie Joyce will be performing and recording with guitarist Marco de Carvalho at the Newport Audio Show on Thursday, June 2, 2016. Valerie is performing as part of the Blue Coast All-Stars during “Press Day.”

Valerie and Marco will be perfomring in Room 411 from 5:00 – 5:30pm.

“Invitation” now available from Blue Coast Records

A Seattle-based musician, born in Japan but with deep roots in the art of American jazz, Valerie Joyce is an exceptionally talented vocalist commanding a very distinctive style. Airy yet full, rich and expressive, Valerie’s voice is immediately arresting and wonderfully idiosyncratic. Her catalog stretches back to the debut “Reverie” in 2002, and most fans know of her fine recordings over the years with influential audiophile label Chesky Records. Under Blue Coast Records, Valerie and Cookie have recorded two acclaimed Special Event albums, and now comes Valerie’s latest addition: Invitation.

Aptly named, this record is just that—-an invitation to explore Valerie’s unique voice and emotion through a collection of evocative jazz compositions. She guides us easily through busy latin-infused grooves, delicate and somber ballads, and refreshing standards. One of Valerie’s most impressive performances with Blue Coast to date has been her take on Ellington’s classic “Day Dream”, recorded in 2012 for Special Event 25. This new release features a fresh piano arrangement of the standard, as well as many other expositions of Valerie’s unique timbre.

Pulled from Valerie’s archives and newly digitized to DSD256 from 1/2″ analog tape masters, the previously-unreleased Invitation was produced and arranged by Michael Wolff, well-known as the former musical director of The Arsenio Hall Show.

Buy now from Blue Coast Records | View the Track Listing
Introductory pricing through February 15th, 2016