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Songs Pure and simple
Telegraph Journal
July 21st, 2007

From her list of her 10 favourite songs you can tell singer-songwriter Jessica Rhaye prefers to leave a song alone, not to burden it with too many background sounds. An ethereal voice and heartfelt lyrics is what it's all about. Pure and simple.

The Saint John musician has just released her first single , holding out. Co-written with Ken Tobias, it was selected as the national runner-up at the Canadian Music Week Radio Star Competition and has been sitting at No. 1 on the East Coast Countdown for five weeks.

Rhaye will be touring the UK with Dave Gunning and Matt Andersen in November.

MY TUNES
Jessica Rhaye's TOP 10 LISTENING PICKS

1. Wild Horses - Rolling Stones
I love this song for the simple reason that I love singing it when I play live. It is such a powerful and emotional song. People connect with it immediately.

2. In My Life - The Beatles
My all time favourite Beatles song. I love the lyrics. The message is so real, songwriting at it's best, by two of the best songwriters ever.

3. Every Bit of Love - Ken Tobias
I had the pleasure of performing this song as a duet with Ken recently and I just fell in love with the song. The melody is great and the storyline in the verses builds into a great chorus.

4. You Were Meant For Me - Jewel

When I first heard this song I thought "Finally it is cool to sing folk songs again." It is a great song, with great lyrics and simple production from one of my favorite artists.

5. I would Die For You - Jann Arden

I was hooked when I heard Jann sing this song. I've been in love with Jann Arden's music ever since. She is one of the only artists about whom I can say I own her entire catalogue of CD's.

6. Where Am I Going - Matt Mays

Cool songwriting from a super cool artist. Matt is the modern-day Neil Young and I just love listening to this song. It's a fun driving song.

7. God Loves Everyone - Ron Sexsmith

I was performing at a songwriter's cirlce at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto and Ron was the special guest performer. He did this song and you could hear a pin drop. The message says it all.

8. Rainy Days and Mondays - Karen Carpenter

Karen had an amazing voice and I think this is one of those songs that make you feel good. Although the lyrics are interpreted as depressing, the melody is catchy and uplifting and I love singing this song on rainy Mondays.

9. Leaving on a Jet Plane - John Denver

The first song I learned to play on the guitar. I love most of John Denver's writing. His songs all have great lyrics, simple production and beautiful melodies - the formula for a great song.

10. Fields of Gold - Eva Cassidy (Sting)

Eva Cassidy's version if this song will send chills up your spine. Her voice is so pure and you can feel the emotion. I love singing thi song.