Rachael Yamagata

Delivering on the promise of her debut EP, Rachael Yamagata balances a drive toward adult alternative rock with a confessional, piano-oriented singer-songwriter approach. Compelling baroque arrangements complement her first-rate songs and keyboard chops.

Although she's hyped as a piano-playing newcomer fit to follow in Norah Jones' footsteps,
Rachael Yamagata sang for years with Chicago funk band Bumpus, and it's this experience
that sets her apart from other keyboard-pumping upstarts. Overseen by John Mayer
collaborator John Alagia, Happenstance evokes the singer-songwriter atmospherics of
Carole King and Elton John. It doesn't sustain their lofty standards -- Yamagata's s... More >