Rayana Jay: Old-Soul Confessions from Richmond

Rayana Jay sings like someone reading from a diary she has decided not to hide.

Born and raised in Richmond, California, the R&B and soul singer writes about love, heartbreak, womanhood and self-discovery. Her songs read as a direct line to her innermost thoughts. Her voice is velvet-smooth, and her airy harmonies float around it like steam off a cup of tea. The storytelling is confessional and old-soul, and honesty is its foundation.

Her influences show in the details. There is the Southern, loose-limbed groove of Organized Noize and the melodic generosity of Stevie Wonder. There is the raw nerve of Amy Winehouse, and the sultry, unhurried warmth of Anita Baker.

On Red Light Jazz Radio you can hear her range across two eras. "Nothin' to Talk About" and "Too Good" (both 2016) capture her early voice. "If You Won't" and "Breakfast in Bed" (both 2019) show a singer settling into her own lived-in intimacy.

Put one on late, and let her tell you everything.