Emerging as one of Canada’s most captivating young jazz voices, Raquel Marina is making her official recording debut with Kind Words — an intimate and genre-blending album that offers listeners a journey through emotional vulnerability, healing, and resilience. Set for release on July 18, 2025, Kind Words is a thoughtful collection of original compositions shaped by Raquel’s deep-rooted love of jazz and her admiration for the music of legendary Canadian trumpeter Kenny Wheeler.
A Rising Voice with Depth and Distinction
A vocalist, composer, and bandleader, Raquel Marina is already making waves on the Canadian jazz scene. A graduate of the University of Toronto’s jazz program, Raquel honed her craft under the mentorship of artists such as Laura Swankey, Andrew Downing, and Terry Promane. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in composition at York University under the guidance of Juno-nominated pianist Noam Lemish.
In 2023, she gained well-deserved recognition by winning the JAZZ 4 THE AGES competition hosted by the Niagara Jazz Festival, solidifying her status as a dynamic new voice in Canadian music. In Toronto, she regularly performs at revered venues like Drom Taberna, The Drake Hotel, and Ethica, where she continues to charm audiences with her sincere vocal delivery and inventive musicality.
Kind Words: A Soundtrack of Healing and Personal Growth
Kind Words is more than a debut album — it’s a musical memoir. Raquel draws from personal experiences with family trauma, grief, anxiety, and heartache, offering a heartfelt sonic reflection of her journey toward balance and self-discovery. Influenced by both the expressive lyricism of Kenny Wheeler and the introspective nature of folk music, the album exists in a serene, meditative space — one where jazz tradition and contemporary storytelling meet.
Her band — featuring Kae Murphy on trumpet, Reuven Grajner on piano, Julien Bradley-Combs on guitar, and Chris Adriaanse on bass — brings a collective sensitivity to the project, creating a soundscape that feels both grounded and exploratory. The album also highlights the talents of Alyssa Giammaria, a co-composer and featured vocalist whose contributions deepen the album’s emotional and musical range.
Celebrating the Release
The official album release concert will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 7:30pm at the Canada Music Centre in Toronto. This performance promises to be a powerful and moving experience, showcasing the album’s rich compositions and the expressive chemistry of Raquel’s ensemble.
Available Everywhere
Kind Words will be available on Bandcamp, Spotify, iTunes, Amazon Music, and all major streaming platforms starting July 18. Whether you're a fan of modern jazz, intimate singer-songwriter stylings, or simply seeking music that speaks to the soul, Raquel Marina’s debut is not to be missed.
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