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Darby Williams introduces herself with debut album “Me”

“Tall, blond, bodacious and sensual, newcomer Darby Williams commands the stage just as she commands her dynamic vocal range, with artistic creativity and a personal touch not often found today. Signed personally to Roc Cartel by label founder and President Ray De La Garza, Williams captures the essence and the nuances of perhaps the greatest collaborators in jazz history – Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn.”

So begins the press release for jazz artist Darby Williams, which was sent to this reviewer by one of his sources, Deborah Radel, publicist and fellow indie music lover.  Come to find out Williams had recorded a duet with Grammy and Oscar winner Peabo Bryson, which has been released as a single to highlight Williams’ debut album, Me.  With this reviewer’s interest piqued, an interview was set up with Ms. Williams, and here’s how it went:

IV:  How did you hook up with Peabo?

DW:  My manager, Richard Flanzer and my label, Roc Cartel, set up the duet.  We are planning on touring all of my music at some point, but our primary focus is on the duet.

IV:  How did the album title come about?

DW:  My label chose the title “Me” as I am a new artist who they wanted to introduce to the jazz world in particular.

IV:  What makes the duet with Bryson so special?

DW:  The duet is very breezy and fun while the remainder of the album is a collection of Ellington ballads.  Most people are already familiar with those tunes so they wanted them to see what makes my music unique.

IV:  What was your training?

DW:  I started singing in church at the age of 3.  I always sang together with my her Dad, who loved jazz, so I turned into a jazz girl.  We’d get in the car and start singing to Sinatra and others and he’s still singing with me today.

IV:  What other jazz or music influenced your style?

DW:  The Ellington/Strayhorn swing songs were always my favorites but their ballads were what I loved.  They were challenging to perform but such a privilege to get to do them.  They are not easy to sing and emotionally impact me very deeply.  During the recording process, there were many times I would just burst into tears as the meaning behind the lyrics hit home.  This (recording music) is all very new to me and I feel very lucky to have this opportunity.

IV:  Why is recording music is so different?

DW:  It’s like Alice in Wonderland for me.   The whole process is very amazing.  I have two great producers, Jason Switeser and Flanzer, who are legends in the industry.   I’m being well taken care of and loving every minute of it.

IV:  How did the label deal with Roc Cartel come about?

DW:  I was introduced to De la Garza (the label owner) through a friend of a friend of my manager.  When De la Garza found out I was a singer, he was intrigued.  It went from there.  It’s kismet for a girl from Salem, Oregon to get this opportunity.   I subsequently moved from Salem to Portland but am now considering an apartment in NYC to expand my horizons.

De La Garza had this to say about Williams:  “Darby has such a diverse vocal range that her interpretation of these songs makes them relevant and accessible to everyone. We are looking forward to introducing this work to many who are not yet familiar with this legendary music, as well as, to those who hold a deep appreciation for these timeless classics.”

“Darby is a fantastic vocalist with command and range. I’ve sung with the greats and she’s more than holding her own,” added Peabo Bryson.

Williams is currently scheduling her tour to support her album, and hopes to include Europe and Japan on her itinerary.  Her album dropped in August.