A Fierce & Free Spirited Introduction

Debo Ray’s debut album pulls you straight into her world.

The Boston based artist who is long known for her powerful live presence and collaborations, including a Grammy-nominated run with Terri Lyne Carrington’s Social Science, finally steps forward with a solo record that feels overdue but somehow arrives right on time.

This is a deeply personal and musically rich album. Ray flirts with different genres. One minute you’re in the middle of a silky R&B groove, the next you are caught off guard by a guitar line that wouldn’t feel out of place in a rock show.

The shifts feel instinctual, as if Ray is following a thread only she can see but you’re more than happy to be pulled along.

The jazz background is there, but so is funk, soul, a touch of hip-hop and a whole lot of pop instinct. “You Read Me Wrong” in particular stands out, with its subtle guitar grit creeping into a landscape of lush harmonies and a loose, late-night drum feel. “Take That” and “Gaslight” hit harder emotionally as they are tracks about reclaiming space, stepping into truth and not looking back.

Ray’s voice is the constant throughout. Strong, dynamic and capable of vulnerability and real force.

Overall, this is a debut album that has arrived on its own terms. Authentic and full of something to say.

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