Swedish songstress and daughter-in-law of legendary singer-songwriter Roy Orbison, Åsa Orbison, is making her musical debut with a jazz-infused album titled Blue Bayou.
From Stockholm to Nashville, Åsa Orbison's journey in music has been anything but ordinary. Married to Roy Orbison Jr., son of the legendary Roy Orbison, Åsa has found her own voice in the music world. Her background in Swedish music school and marketing has uniquely prepared her for this foray into the American music scene.
Blue Bayou marks Åsa's first full-length album, a passion project that showcases her soft, breathy jazz-pop style. Produced by her husband, Roy Orbison Jr., the album features a mix of classic covers and original songs, all given a fresh interpretation.
The album opens with the title track, "Blue Bayou," a reimagining of the Roy Orbison classic. Åsa's version brings a jazzy, modern feel to the beloved song, with Charlie McCoy's harmonica and Jim Horn's saxophone adding depth to the arrangement. Her vocals are both sultry and sweet, breathing new life into the familiar lyrics.
"Green Eyes" follows, showcasing Åsa's ability to swing. This original track is as smooth as silk, with Åsa's voice gliding effortlessly over a lush jazz arrangement. The piano work by Bruce Dudley is particularly noteworthy, providing a perfect backdrop for Åsa's vocals.
Åsa's rendition of "Unchained Melody" is a testament to her vocal control and emotional depth. Her soft, breathy approach brings a new intimacy to this timeless classic, stripping it down to its emotional core. The minimal arrangement allows Åsa's voice to take center stage, creating a hauntingly beautiful version that stands out from the many covers of this beloved song.
"Satin Doll," featuring Grace Kelly on saxophone, is a smooth jazz gem. Åsa's playful vocals dance around Kelly's sultry sax lines, creating a delightful interplay that brings new life to this Duke Ellington classic. The track perfectly captures the essence of a smoky jazz club, with Åsa's voice serving as the perfect cocktail to accompany the sophisticated instrumentals.
Later in the album, we're treated to a duet with Roy Orbison Jr. on "Love Is Strange." This playful cover of the Mickey & Sylvia hit highlights the chemistry between the couple, both musically and personally. Wayne Moss's guitar work adds a touch of Nashville twang to the jazzy arrangement.
The album closes with "Baby I'm Yours," a tender ballad and cover of Barbara Lewis' fan-favorite hit that puts Åsa's emotional range on full display. The piano-heavy arrangement makes her voice shine, ending the album on a heartfelt, passionate note.
Take a musical journey from Stockholm to the Blue Bayou with Åsa Orbison's debut album, now available on all major streaming platforms.
We're head over heels for the jazzy atmosphere of Blue Bayou. What inspired you to create such a smooth, jazz-leaning album?
Wow, thank you!!! I grew up listening to a lot of jazz, Monica Zetterlund, Julie London, and Miles Davis. When I met my husband, Roy, he had just gotten into jazz as well, and we started to play and sing together. He told me my voice was perfect for this singing style: breathy, intimate, and vulnerable. I had not been singing for many years when we met, but I've always enjoyed singing, so I went with it, and the result is this album! We had so much fun recording, and people seemed to like it. It's super exciting!
Your version of "Blue Bayou" puts a fresh spin on a Roy Orbison classic. How did you approach reimagining such an iconic song?
In 2019, we were working on my father-in-law Roy Orbison’s album “Unchained Melodies” with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, where I sang background vocals. One of the great honors of my life. My husband Roy and I rehearsed and had so much fun playing together. Roy was playing with jazzy chords, and we devised the rearrangement on the spot. Roy’s really good at that kind of thing — it runs in the family. Together with my “Swenglish” approach to the lyrics and vocals, it became something we are really proud of.
The Blue Bayou album features some incredible guest musicians. Can you tell us about working with such a talented team? What were those collaborations like?
This whole album started with one song – Blue Bayou. My version of the song is built on the foundation of my marriage. Different branches of the song extend to relationships from my father-in-law Roy Orbison’s career. From 1950s Sun Records & Johnny Cash (Ana Cristina Cash, My first friend when I moved to America, on background vocals) to Roy’s zenith in the 1960s at Monument Records (Charlie McCoy on harmonica & vibraphone), through his 1980 comeback with “You Got It” & The Traveling Wilburys (Jim Horn on saxophone & Richard Dodd mastering), a posthumous album with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (on which I sang in 2019). The album has a tremendous spiritual depth and bridges laughter & tears from seven decades for everyone who played on, hears, and understands its significance.
Accompanied by Mr. Harmonica, Charlie McCoy, who played on the original “Blue Bayou” and part-time Traveling Wilbury, Jim Horn, on saxophone, and a stellar jazz quartet lead by my husband, Roy. Recording with these people, some of them I knew before but some of whom I met for the first time, was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I will treasure It forever, and it’s beautiful how it’s all captured in this album for me to relive and share with the world.
"Love Is Strange" is such a fun duet with your husband, Roy Orbison Jr. What was it like collaborating with him on this cover?
"Love is Strange" is a duet I do with my husband; it’s very light yet meaningful at the same time. It was recorded all analog on very old tape machines, I can’t wait to hear it on vinyl when it comes out!
We worked with the legendary guitarist Wayne Moss, so it has a sound you can’t really get anymore. And, of course, it's everybody’s favorite song from “Dirty Dancing!"
Roy and I do everything together. I can count the days we’ve been apart in our ten years on my two hands. So, at this point, the things we do together come more naturally and easier than doing things individually, which is a lot more fun. I trust Roy on everything! Especially in music, where he has much more experience than me, I trust him, and things tend to end up great!
What do you hope listeners feel or take away from your debut album, Blue Bayou?
This is music from another time. To disappear into a different world. For me, the songs are memories from specific times and places. Whatever it is to the listeners – only time can tell. We all have our “Blue Bayou” and “Green Eyes” for which we long. What does it mean to you?
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