Azure Ray releasing new album, announce U.S. Tour Dates

Azure Ray are touring this fall to support a new album that comes out on Sept. 14! Maria Taylor and Orenda Fink have had their solo music going on for several years now, but the two have been working together on a new album with their band and are going to perform in New York this fall. Their sound has been classified  as "dream-pop" in the vein of Twin Sister today. On November 13th the pair perform at Mercury Lounge on November 13th. Tickets are on-sale Friday at noon. They also play The Knitting Factory in Brooklyn on November 14th. Tickets go on-sale Saturday, July 17th at 10am. Details on the new album below. 

It’s been six years since celebrated female duo Azure Ray released their critically acclaimed album Hold On Love. The highly anticipated new full length from Orenda Fink and Maria Taylor is a sublime future classic titled Drawing Down the Moon, set for release on Saddle Creek on September 14, 2010. The record was produced by Eric Bachmann at Echo Mountain Studios in Asheville, North Carolina, mixed by Michael Patterson in Los Angeles, CA, and features guest appearances by Andy LeMaster and Liz Durrett. With three prior full-lengths and an EP, the duo drew fans from around the globe with their transcendent songwriting and stunning vocals, and Drawing Down the Moon is an even more impressive and beguiling delight. Their undeniable talents lie in balladry so breathtakingly visceral that it soars straight through the ears into the veins until it pumps firmly into the heart. Azure Ray are famed for their bittersweet melancholy and Drawing Down the Moon is a perfect ode to their harmonious musical gifts.

Tracklisting and full U.S. Tour date below. 

CMJ 2009 Day 2 Photos

Today I saw Look Mexico, Good Old War, and Orenda Fink at the studio at Webster Hall, Bodega Girls at Piano's, and Emilyn Brodsky at The Living Room. The day started with some lighter tunes from folk inspired musicians, then moved to some dance goodness by Bodega Girls, and an unexpectedly awesome performance by Emilyn Brodsky .

Look Mexico @ The Studio at Webster Hall











Look Mexico have a big sound. Their folk/punk sound was a bit too loud for the small studio of webster hall and something seemed off, but I think it was more the venue than the band. They made up for it the following day when they played the punknews showcase but here they did play with such sincerity and the song came through well, even if too loud. The little intricacies in the music is what makes me pay attention to this band. You'll hear a little guitar squeal or a keyboard part that really makes the song stand out. It's quite neat.

Good Old War @ The Studio at Webster Hall

Good Old War put on a nice set playing songs off Only Way to Be Alone in an intimate and soft setting with their acoustic sound. The ended with "Coney Island."

Orenda Fink @ The Studio at Webster Hall











Orenda Fink is a serious singer. Her songs come though light and lovely, though lyrics might say otherwise. She played with a guitarist? (excuse me for not knowing what the musician was playing) and accordionist. Orenda commented that the day before she got stuck in traffic because President Obama was at Hammerstein Ballroom, so she got delayed from going to practice. Then someone in the crowd commented about how he didn't deserve the Nobel Peace Prize. Sadly, there weren't many people in attendance for this showcases, most had left at Good Old War it seemed.

Bodega Girls @ Piano's



















I heard Bodega Girls killed it when they played Cameo just a few before ago, so I was looking forward to seeing them at CMJ. They were definitely fun. The groups dances around and jams out. Enjoyed them so much I saw them again on Friday. If you want to dance, check this band out. They play at Glasslands on Oct. 30.

Emilyn Brodsky @ The Living Room









Emilyn Brodsky and her band consisting of Emily Hope Price on cello, Brian Viglione on drums, and Anthony DaCosta on bass performed a great set at Living Room. Emilyn's folk ukulele songs were brought to life. Brian's drums were heavy and the the band sounded great. Of course, Emilyn was entertaining with her wit. Her mother was in the audience to. She explained what her songs meant and had a great personality. Top notch.