Rare Silk – American Eyes

Title: Rare Silk - American Eyes
Year/Genre/Sub-Genre/City: 1985, Vocal Jazz, Jazz Fusion, Contemporary Jazz, Boulder, Colorado 10/26
Matrix #: PA 8086
Condition: VG+ (LM) | Members: Rare Silk (N/A) | Producer: Rare Silk
Cultural Facts:

1. They Started as Waitresses in Boulder: Sisters MaryLynn and Gaile Gillaspie were working as waitresses in Boulder when they joined with Marguerite Juenemann to form Rare Silk. Their earliest performances leaned heavily on Andrews Sisters-style swing harmonies before the group moved toward modern jazz.
2. They Opened for Benny Goodman: Only about a year after forming, Rare Silk was invited to open for Benny Goodman at the 1980 Playboy Jazz Festival, a remarkable break for a young Colorado vocal group still developing its sound.
3. From Swing Revival to Modern Fusion: By American Eyes, Rare Silk had moved far beyond their retro beginnings, covering Thelonious Monk and Jimi Hendrix while working with players including guitarist John Scofield. Their previous album, New Weave, had already earned two Grammy nominations.