Rachelle Garniez & The Fortunate Few - Luckyday (2004)

This is the most vividly realized collection of poignant and funny pop songs which N.Y. singer, accordionist, and songwriter Rachelle Garniez has created so far. Fans of Tom Waits, Rickie Lee Jones, and even Bjork, will take to Rachelle's loose and rootsy, accordion-driven band. You'll hear strains of country, jazz-noir, Euro-cafe and jazzy improvisation (on accordion, piano, bass, electric guitar and drums) intermingling with Rachelle's bitter-sweet lyrics. Her compelling voice - think Tom Waite's growl meets Maria Callas' stratospheric range - serves as the emotional anchor for her instrumental prowess and lyrical imagination, and will ensure that the audience for her brand of post-Norah Jones "Alternative Americana" continues to grow.