Jenica Rayne

Saturday Sept 28th 2007

by Meghan Sheffield

Local folk-rocker releases live album full of emotional songs.

Jenica Rayne has done her homework and she's got a new album to prove it.
The local folk-rocker is releasing 'Live Rayne' this weekend, a live recording of Rayne's last evening in Kingston last summer.
Her concert took place right before she returned to music school in British Columbia where she spent the past year studying jazz music and learning to mix and master the album.
Rayne, who grew up in Picton before moving to the West Coast for the first time in her 20's, has been a singer-songwriter all of her adult life.
She didn't make a serious attempt at a career performing music until 1999 when she released her first album, Hall of Memories.
Immediately after finishing that album. Rayne enrolled at Malaspina University-College in Nanaimo, BC to study jazz music for the first time.
Last year, she returned to continue her studies.
"I've always been a songwriter, but I played by ear" she said. "I realized that I needed to understand the language of music in order to become a professional musician."
While most musicians who've spent a lifetime working in another genre wouldn't be interested in picking up a new, infamously complicated style of music, Rayne said it was the intricacy of jazz music that drew her in. "I like a challenge. It's a difficult sport - and I will call it a sport." she said. "It's challenging both physically and mentally. I knew that if I could understand jazz, then I could understand most music."
Though she studies jazz music academically, Rayne's songwriting often leans toward roots and acoustic folk-rock.
However, her studies have had an impact on her writing.
"Because I study jazz, I tend to embellish my music with different chord voicings that I would not have thought of otherwise," Rayne said.
"I think it's helped my music. Just texturally, I've been able to create much more sophisticated sounding melodies and arrangements."
After finishing her studies in Nanaimo, Rayne returned to Kingston, where she now teaches guitar at the Kingston School Of Music.
I'll take off and tour across the country, [but] my roots are here,"she said.
The new album, Live Rayne, was recorded at the Time To Laugh Comedy Club one evening in August 2006.
The sound quality is excellent, without losing the authentic sound and feeling that comes from recording from the stage in the presence of a live audience. Rayne was backed by her band, The RayneMakers, made up of Patty Kenny, James Wannamaker, Joy McBride, Kate Unrau, Julie Mylks and Ken Hall.
"It was a celebration album, that's how I like to think of it," Rayne said.
NightSounds Saturday September 28, 2007 - The Kingston Whig Standard -

Saturday Sept 28th 2007

by Meghan Sheffield

Local folk-rocker releases live album full of emotional songs.

Jenica Rayne has done her homework and she's got a new album to prove it.
The local folk-rocker is releasing 'Live Rayne' this weekend, a live recording of Rayne's last evening in Kingston last summer.
Her concert took place right before she returned to music school in British Columbia where she spent the past year studying jazz music and learning to mix and master the album.
Rayne, who grew up in Picton before moving to the West Coast for the first time in her 20's, has been a singer-songwriter all of her adult life.
She didn't make a serious attempt at a career performing music until 1999 when she released her first album, Hall of Memories.
Immediately after finishing that album. Rayne enrolled at Malaspina University-College in Nanaimo, BC to study jazz music for the first time.
Last year, she returned to continue her studies.
"I've always been a songwriter, but I played by ear" she said. "I realized that I needed to understand the language of music in order to become a professional musician."
While most musicians who've spent a lifetime working in another genre wouldn't be interested in picking up a new, infamously complicated style of music, Rayne said it was the intricacy of jazz music that drew her in. "I like a challenge. It's a difficult sport - and I will call it a sport." she said. "It's challenging both physically and mentally. I knew that if I could understand jazz, then I could understand most music."
Though she studies jazz music academically, Rayne's songwriting often leans toward roots and acoustic folk-rock.
However, her studies have had an impact on her writing.
"Because I study jazz, I tend to embellish my music with different chord voicings that I would not have thought of otherwise," Rayne said.
"I think it's helped my music. Just texturally, I've been able to create much more sophisticated sounding melodies and arrangements."
After finishing her studies in Nanaimo, Rayne returned to Kingston, where she now teaches guitar at the Kingston School Of Music.
I'll take off and tour across the country, [but] my roots are here,"she said.
The new album, Live Rayne, was recorded at the Time To Laugh Comedy Club one evening in August 2006.
The sound quality is excellent, without losing the authentic sound and feeling that comes from recording from the stage in the presence of a live audience. Rayne was backed by her band, The RayneMakers, made up of Patty Kenny, James Wannamaker, Joy McBride, Kate Unrau, Julie Mylks and Ken Hall.
"It was a celebration album, that's how I like to think of it," Rayne said.
NightSounds Saturday September 28, 2007 - The Kingston Whig Standard -

Kyra Walker Pearson
Arts & Entertainment - Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Local poetic and socially conscious singer-songwriter Jenica Rayne celebrates the release of her latest album Live Rayne and will perform with her band, The RayneMakers, at the Merchant Tap House 8 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 30. Locals Julie Mylks and Wil McGonegal open the show.

Live Rayne is a celebration CD recorded by Kingston Soundwork’s Rob Bailey and Jon Hayter at the Time to Laugh Comedy Club in August 2006.

The live album follows Rayne's previous albums, 1999’s Hall of Memories and 2005’s Essential Elements, which were released on Rayne’s independent record label, Ignite Records.

Her music has charted on campus radio across Canada and she’s been interviewed and featured on CBC Radio. Rayne recently returned from Nanaimo, B.C. where she was studying jazz music at Malaspina University College.

“I loved being there,” said Rayne. “I enjoy the intense challenge of the course work and the discipline involved in the learning.”

Rayne is no stranger to Malaspina campus. She completed the two-year jazz diploma program in 2000 and returned last year to further her studies and specialize in arranging.

“Being in school is a privilege,” Rayne said. “I was able to completely focus on my instrument and my studies while working under fantastic instructors who pushed me to work harder than I knew I could.

“I already had a good musical foundation so I was able to comprehend information in a more useful way, better able to apply the knowledge rather than just passing the course. I'm a better composer and musician now because I took the time out of my normal life to play.”

Settling back into life in Kingston was quite an adjustment for Rayne partly because she had lived on the west coast for the majority of her adult life.

“I have a great community of friends, musical mentors and family in B.C. so there was an obvious sadness in leaving.

“If I could be split down the middle half of me would stay here in Kingston and the other half would be in Vancouver.”

Rayne will play with her band, The RayneMakers, a local band of musicians who participated and contributed to the new live CD.

The RayneMakers are, Patty Kenny (bass) Joy McBride (drums) James Wannamaker (alto sax) Julie Mylks (background vocals), Wi McGonegal (keyboards) and Kate Unrau (violin).

“They are a wonderful group,” states Rayne, “musicians who compliment my writing style.”

Details: www.jenicarayne.com

Tickets are $10 or $20 with a purchase of the CD and are available at Brian’s Record Option on Princess Street or at the door.
- Kingston This Week September 26, 2007

Kyra Walker Pearson
Arts & Entertainment - Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Local poetic and socially conscious singer-songwriter Jenica Rayne celebrates the release of her latest album Live Rayne and will perform with her band, The RayneMakers, at the Merchant Tap House 8 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 30. Locals Julie Mylks and Wil McGonegal open the show.

Live Rayne is a celebration CD recorded by Kingston Soundwork’s Rob Bailey and Jon Hayter at the Time to Laugh Comedy Club in August 2006.

The live album follows Rayne's previous albums, 1999’s Hall of Memories and 2005’s Essential Elements, which were released on Rayne’s independent record label, Ignite Records.

Her music has charted on campus radio across Canada and she’s been interviewed and featured on CBC Radio. Rayne recently returned from Nanaimo, B.C. where she was studying jazz music at Malaspina University College.

“I loved being there,” said Rayne. “I enjoy the intense challenge of the course work and the discipline involved in the learning.”

Rayne is no stranger to Malaspina campus. She completed the two-year jazz diploma program in 2000 and returned last year to further her studies and specialize in arranging.

“Being in school is a privilege,” Rayne said. “I was able to completely focus on my instrument and my studies while working under fantastic instructors who pushed me to work harder than I knew I could.

“I already had a good musical foundation so I was able to comprehend information in a more useful way, better able to apply the knowledge rather than just passing the course. I'm a better composer and musician now because I took the time out of my normal life to play.”

Settling back into life in Kingston was quite an adjustment for Rayne partly because she had lived on the west coast for the majority of her adult life.

“I have a great community of friends, musical mentors and family in B.C. so there was an obvious sadness in leaving.

“If I could be split down the middle half of me would stay here in Kingston and the other half would be in Vancouver.”

Rayne will play with her band, The RayneMakers, a local band of musicians who participated and contributed to the new live CD.

The RayneMakers are, Patty Kenny (bass) Joy McBride (drums) James Wannamaker (alto sax) Julie Mylks (background vocals), Wi McGonegal (keyboards) and Kate Unrau (violin).

“They are a wonderful group,” states Rayne, “musicians who compliment my writing style.”

Details: www.jenicarayne.com

Tickets are $10 or $20 with a purchase of the CD and are available at Brian’s Record Option on Princess Street or at the door.
- Kingston This Week September 26, 2007

“The CD, ‘Essential Elements’, is brilliant! Excellent writing and arranging. Love the mix of different styles and the 'fullness' of all the instruments. It truly is a masterpiece. Bravo!”
Michael Pontbriand, Cogeco TV, Producer

“‘Essential Elements’ is a Knock-Out! Great writing and performances. I know it's 2005 but there's a timeless enchantment that springs from this recording . . . at times R&B, yeah, I can hear Gladys and Aretha... and others; Bob Dylan and George Harrison. Oh, you have come a long way, baby. Just Great!”
Jake Devries, Bass,The Fade Kings

“Rayne is at her most comfortable keeping musical details to a minimum . . . her adult reflection’s stand alone.”
Tom Harrison, The Vancouver Province

“Jenica rocks...her songwriting is open hearted and soulful. She’s a comfortable, confident player and connects with her audience on a down to earth, human level...she truly is a Canadian jewel.”
Anthony Duke, Drummer

“Jenica's deep, rich music speaks from the heart. Her burnished gold voice full of experience, wisdom and mercy.”
Rhiannon, California SoVoSo

“Jenica's voice and songs are uniquely her own. The quivering intensity inherent in her work speaks deeply to our human condition.”
Cris Williamson, Singer, songwriter

“‘Hall of Memories’ features live performances, Rayne's dark musings and Vancouver's finest and most sympathetic players. This CD is both raw and brilliant...some gems are best left unpolished.”
John McLaughlin, The Vancouver Province

"Jenica paints perfect pictures with her words that evoke deep feelings spoken from her soul to ours. A wonderful writer, with relaxed and humorous stage presence."
Linda Kidder, Musician - Critics, Fans and Fabulous Players

“The CD, ‘Essential Elements’, is brilliant! Excellent writing and arranging. Love the mix of different styles and the 'fullness' of all the instruments. It truly is a masterpiece. Bravo!”
Michael Pontbriand, Cogeco TV, Producer

“‘Essential Elements’ is a Knock-Out! Great writing and performances. I know it's 2005 but there's a timeless enchantment that springs from this recording . . . at times R&B, yeah, I can hear Gladys and Aretha... and others; Bob Dylan and George Harrison. Oh, you have come a long way, baby. Just Great!”
Jake Devries, Bass,The Fade Kings

“Rayne is at her most comfortable keeping musical details to a minimum . . . her adult reflection’s stand alone.”
Tom Harrison, The Vancouver Province

“Jenica rocks...her songwriting is open hearted and soulful. She’s a comfortable, confident player and connects with her audience on a down to earth, human level...she truly is a Canadian jewel.”
Anthony Duke, Drummer

“Jenica's deep, rich music speaks from the heart. Her burnished gold voice full of experience, wisdom and mercy.”
Rhiannon, California SoVoSo

“Jenica's voice and songs are uniquely her own. The quivering intensity inherent in her work speaks deeply to our human condition.”
Cris Williamson, Singer, songwriter

“‘Hall of Memories’ features live performances, Rayne's dark musings and Vancouver's finest and most sympathetic players. This CD is both raw and brilliant...some gems are best left unpolished.”
John McLaughlin, The Vancouver Province

"Jenica paints perfect pictures with her words that evoke deep feelings spoken from her soul to ours. A wonderful writer, with relaxed and humorous stage presence."
Linda Kidder, Musician - Critics, Fans and Fabulous Players

Accomplished local guitarist and singer-songwriter Jenica Rayne is featured at the Battersea Pumpkin Pie Coffee House Series on Saturday April 9.
Rayne is celebrating her latest release, Essential Elements, a 10-track all original release. The album is a grand followup to her 1999 debut Hall of Memories.
Rayne, who studied jazz guitar and voice at Malaspina University College in Nanaimo, B.C. has been heralded for her eclectic and original musical style.
She'll be joined by John McLurge who opens the sow at 7:30pm in the Batteresa United Church Hall.
Tickets are $10 in advance from Brian's Record Option, Tara Natural Foods and the Battersea General Store or $12 at the door. - Kingston This Week Kyra Walker Pearson Friday April 8, 2005

Accomplished local guitarist and singer-songwriter Jenica Rayne is featured at the Battersea Pumpkin Pie Coffee House Series on Saturday April 9.
Rayne is celebrating her latest release, Essential Elements, a 10-track all original release. The album is a grand followup to her 1999 debut Hall of Memories.
Rayne, who studied jazz guitar and voice at Malaspina University College in Nanaimo, B.C. has been heralded for her eclectic and original musical style.
She'll be joined by John McLurge who opens the sow at 7:30pm in the Batteresa United Church Hall.
Tickets are $10 in advance from Brian's Record Option, Tara Natural Foods and the Battersea General Store or $12 at the door. - Kingston This Week Kyra Walker Pearson Friday April 8, 2005

Singer-songwriter Jenica Rayne, a former Picton native, filled the Waring House in Picton on July 30 with her hometown fans. Rayne is currently on tour promoting her debut Cd 'Hall of Memories'. She is a full-time jazz student at Malaspina University in British Columbia. - The Belleville Intelligencer Wednesday August 2, 2000

Singer-songwriter Jenica Rayne, a former Picton native, filled the Waring House in Picton on July 30 with her hometown fans. Rayne is currently on tour promoting her debut Cd 'Hall of Memories'. She is a full-time jazz student at Malaspina University in British Columbia. - The Belleville Intelligencer Wednesday August 2, 2000

Her music style ranges from blues, to eclectic folk with jazz overtones, to folk country.
You might hear anything from heavy, thought-provoking poetic ballads to lighthearted, upbeat bluesy tunes.
But for Jenica Rayne, it's all about the words. "I was always drawn to lyrics...people telling a story that moved me in some way, usually a sad story. I could feel what they were feeling. I write songs from the heart, so when I'm writing a song, the inspiration comes from a mood. I'm a story-teller in my music," she said.
"I think people who are interested in words or that type of poetry will be drawn to it and that can be of all ages and genres."
Rayne is performing at tonight's Harmony in Vision benefit concert for the Sexual Assault Centre of Kingston. She'll be performing with her Jenica Rayne Quartet, which features Patty Kenny on bass guitar, Joy McBride on drums and James Wannamaker on alto saxophone.
Growing up in Picton, music was a constant in the Rayne's life as she was surrounded by professional musicians. her father performed in a band for 17 years.
Inspired by music at an early age, Rayne began playing the guitar when she was six and had started writing her own songs by the time she was 11. She spent nearly 20 years living in British Columbia before returning to her native province and setting up in Kingston two winters ago. During her time on the west coast she studied jazz music, specializing in voice and guitar at Malaspina University College in Nanaimo.
Rayne released her debut album 'Hall of Memories in 1999.
On her latest disc, Essential Elements, which she recorded in Vancouver this past November, Rayne displays her diversity as a singer and songwriter.
The ninth track, Sarah, tells the story of he final encounter with her friend Sarah Butterworth, who died of brain cancer.
"It's the simplicity of this piece that moves me," she said.
Walking Back In Time, the disc's second track, is about recollection of a relationship gone awry and coming to the realization that there are two sides to every story.
Rayne describes her seventh track "Call It What You Like", as just a fun, bluesy tune about infatuation.
"It's a totally silly song that is a bunch of fun to perform," she said.
Performing is what Rayne does and she does a lot of it across the country.
Locally, she recently played to a packed house at Queen's University's Grad Club. She enjoys performing in small venues.
"I like playing in a place where people can listen. I think my music invites close attention. It's a type of music that you could listen to in the background, but if you actually really listen you're more drawn to be like 'what is she saying?'" she said.
"My mother would always say,'Honey, play something I can dance to,' and I do a little bit now, but I don't think that's what I've become popular for. If I'm popular in some genres it's because I write thought-provoking music, or i think it is anyway."
Sharing the bill for tonight's show is Melissa McClelland from Burlington Ont. She recently released her second full-length album, Stranded in Suberbia.
Harmony in Vision, the center's main fundraiser for the year, celebrates women in music while also raising funds and awareness for the sexual assault centre.
7:30pm The Grand Theatre, 218 Princess Street Tickets $18 - The Ticket Features Jeff Gard Saturday May 14 2005

Her music style ranges from blues, to eclectic folk with jazz overtones, to folk country.
You might hear anything from heavy, thought-provoking poetic ballads to lighthearted, upbeat bluesy tunes.
But for Jenica Rayne, it's all about the words. "I was always drawn to lyrics...people telling a story that moved me in some way, usually a sad story. I could feel what they were feeling. I write songs from the heart, so when I'm writing a song, the inspiration comes from a mood. I'm a story-teller in my music," she said.
"I think people who are interested in words or that type of poetry will be drawn to it and that can be of all ages and genres."
Rayne is performing at tonight's Harmony in Vision benefit concert for the Sexual Assault Centre of Kingston. She'll be performing with her Jenica Rayne Quartet, which features Patty Kenny on bass guitar, Joy McBride on drums and James Wannamaker on alto saxophone.
Growing up in Picton, music was a constant in the Rayne's life as she was surrounded by professional musicians. her father performed in a band for 17 years.
Inspired by music at an early age, Rayne began playing the guitar when she was six and had started writing her own songs by the time she was 11. She spent nearly 20 years living in British Columbia before returning to her native province and setting up in Kingston two winters ago. During her time on the west coast she studied jazz music, specializing in voice and guitar at Malaspina University College in Nanaimo.
Rayne released her debut album 'Hall of Memories in 1999.
On her latest disc, Essential Elements, which she recorded in Vancouver this past November, Rayne displays her diversity as a singer and songwriter.
The ninth track, Sarah, tells the story of he final encounter with her friend Sarah Butterworth, who died of brain cancer.
"It's the simplicity of this piece that moves me," she said.
Walking Back In Time, the disc's second track, is about recollection of a relationship gone awry and coming to the realization that there are two sides to every story.
Rayne describes her seventh track "Call It What You Like", as just a fun, bluesy tune about infatuation.
"It's a totally silly song that is a bunch of fun to perform," she said.
Performing is what Rayne does and she does a lot of it across the country.
Locally, she recently played to a packed house at Queen's University's Grad Club. She enjoys performing in small venues.
"I like playing in a place where people can listen. I think my music invites close attention. It's a type of music that you could listen to in the background, but if you actually really listen you're more drawn to be like 'what is she saying?'" she said.
"My mother would always say,'Honey, play something I can dance to,' and I do a little bit now, but I don't think that's what I've become popular for. If I'm popular in some genres it's because I write thought-provoking music, or i think it is anyway."
Sharing the bill for tonight's show is Melissa McClelland from Burlington Ont. She recently released her second full-length album, Stranded in Suberbia.
Harmony in Vision, the center's main fundraiser for the year, celebrates women in music while also raising funds and awareness for the sexual assault centre.
7:30pm The Grand Theatre, 218 Princess Street Tickets $18 - The Ticket Features Jeff Gard Saturday May 14 2005