Whitney Shay - Soul Tonic (2012)

Whitney Shay worked hard to make the transition from a musical theatre performer to becoming the vibrant and soulful singer/front woman she is today. After cutting her teeth singing in clubs 3-5 nights a week for the past 3 years; working in various combinations with some of the best jazz and blues musicians in San Diego (singing everything from Bessie Smith to jazz standards to Elmore James to fronting a 13 piece Big Band), she finally felt ready to release her first album. That's where Archie Thompson, the extraordinary multi-instrumentalist/songwriter/producer, came into the picture. Shay and Thompson came together to choose 12 tracks: 7 covers and 5 original tunes (4 written by Thompson, and 1 co-written by Shay & Thompson) spanning multiple genres. Then they brought in some heavyweight musicians: Mike Thompson on guitar (Rod Stewart, Eagles), world famous jazz great Holly Hofmann on flute, Mitch Manker on trumpet/horns (Ray Charles Orchestra), and Nathan James on guitar and vocals. With Thompson's stellar arrangements and great ear, Shay's powerhouse vocals, and the heavy hitting guest artists- this album couldn't miss! From jazz to blues to R&B and Soul, this collection brings you a variety of soulful American music with a contemporary twist!