Whitney Shay worked hard to make the transition from a musical theatre performer to becoming the vibrant and soulful singer/front woman she is today. After cutting her teeth singing in clubs 3-5 nights a week for the past 3 years; working in various combinations with some of the best jazz and blues musicians in San Diego (singing everything from Bessie Smith to jazz standards to Elmore James to fronting a 13 piece Big Band), she finally felt ready to release her first album. That's where Archie Thompson, the extraordinary multi-instrumentalist/songwriter/producer, came into the picture. Shay and Thompson came together to choose 12 tracks: 7 covers and 5 original tunes (4 written by Thompson, and 1 co-written by Shay & Thompson) spanning multiple genres. Then they brought in some heavyweight musicians: Mike Thompson on guitar (Rod Stewart, Eagles), world famous jazz great Holly Hofmann on flute, Mitch Manker on trumpet/horns (Ray Charles Orchestra), and Nathan James on guitar and vocals. With Thompson's stellar arrangements and great ear, Shay's powerhouse vocals, and the heavy hitting guest artists- this album couldn't miss! From jazz to blues to R&B and Soul, this collection brings you a variety of soulful American music with a contemporary twist! "Whitney Shay [sings] with the depth and mojo of a woman twice her age." -Dave Good "Whitney Shay [can] pound out the blues like someone I interviewed years ago who told me her name was Miss Peaches and who had the advantages of years and heft on Shay...Shay sometimes has a rasp in her delivery that sounds like her pipes were basted in the same gin and juice and nicotine as [Etta] James over years (they were not.). At other times, she glides about the blues scale slippery, free of gravity like a trombone. But what rivets a listener's shoes to the floor is the sheer sound of confidence." -Dave Good, San Diego Reader "Whitney Shay is a young singer who, with her blues band or jazz ensemble, is raising the rafters on many a San Diego nightspot...Shay has an original approach to her music, and it is a bit difficult to describe the way she sings...Her voice has a great deal of presence and projection, and there is an honesty in her approach...Shay is a singer with a big voice who isn’t trying to show it off but isn’t afraid to use it either." -Paul Hormick, San Diego Troubadour "I'm a well traveled and wordly person that has seen a great deal of the best live musicians from NY to CA and everwhere inbetween. With my biased feelings aside, Whitney Shay is one of the best San Diego has to offer on the stage. Her vocals make angels dance and Etta James say 'At Last!'. With a raging passion for Jazz and Blues Whitney reigns unrelenting fervor upon your soul, leaving you with goosebumps on your heart. A woman of charm and a warm feeling attitude, she will steal your heart with song and fetching good looks. Hmmm...charm, looks, and a voice from days long forgotten, seems that we have a star in the vast musical galaxy of our city." -Justin, fan "I would describe your voice as liquid soul...beautiful!" -Steve, singer & fan "Great hearing and hanging out with Whitney Shay last friday night at our gig at Vanessie. What a talent!...San Diego area musicians, you're lucky to have this girl in your scene!" -Brant Leeper, keyboard player for Coco Montoya