ABOUT
Claire Davis is a musical time traveller. Known for her mighty and expressive vocals, Davis
authentically and effortlessly brought the sounds of ‘60s and ‘70s soul into the present on her
debut solo EP Thrive. Recording the EP to tape, Davis stayed true to the golden years of soul
music that inspire her most, “I wanted to have the flavour of some of my favourite soul records
while also being unique compositionally.” Davis explains, “Using an analog process is all about
capturing the vibe of a performance, it’s a practice in giving up the idea of perfection and
tapping into the moment when you’re recording.”
Carving out her reputation as a powerhouse frontwoman and background vocalist in the
Toronto music scene, Davis joined seven-piece retro funk ensemble YUKA as their lead singer
on full-length album releases From the Ancients (2014) and Dreamscape (2019) to critical
acclaim. Regarded as one of the best live acts coming out of Toronto, YUKA shared the stage
with The Dap-Kings, Lee Fields and the Expressions, Treme Brass Band, and The Souljazz
Orchestra.
Davis also established herself as a go-to background vocalist for all things soul, performing
with legends Martha Reeves (of Martha & the Vandellas), Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, and
Jully Black, top Toronto breakout artists Charlotte Day Wilson, Jessie Reyez, and Daniel
Caesar.
Stepping out on her own as a solo artist, Davis teamed up with producer and YUKA bandmate
Scott McCannelll to write and record her debut EP, Thrive. An EP that explores themes of
relationships and heartbreak, the title track centres on the relationship we have with ourselves
-- the relationship that all else is built upon, “We blossom the most when we love and take
care of ourselves first. It’s the only thing we can truly control.” says Claire of the track. Thrive
was released digitally on July 16, 2021 and was followed up with a 7” vinyl release on UK label
LRK Records which sold out presales in just over a day.
Claire’s debut LP, Get it Right, is a 10-track album featuring some of Toronto’s top-flight
musicians. The LP consists of some of Claire’s most personal writing to date- drawing from the
reflective nature of the pandemic, her compositions and lyrics examine themes of self-worth,
relationships, and even family dynamics.
“The concept behind the album is about knowing your worth and putting the work in. I think
this is a poignant message for many people as we emerge from a tumultuous time. We have
had the opportunity to assess what we actually want to return to, what’s truly for our benefit
and for the greater good. Much of the lyrical content in the album is inspired by my own
personal journey of struggling to break toxic cycles within my family and learning to forge my
own path.”
The first two singles from the album were released both digitally and on 7” vinyl in the Fall of
2022 on LRK Records. Get it Right LP will be released April 21st, 2023.
PRESS
"This sounds like someone who was born to do exactly what she’s doing, the consequence of absorbing a lifetime worth of classic soul music to the point where both ‘she’ and ‘it’ have become so entwined to be indistinguishable."
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- EP Review by Richard Clark for "Great Dark Wonder"
"The 10 tracker is quality, contemporary soul from start to finish-- indeed each and every track has considerable merit and it would be curlish to cherry pick"
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-Review by Soul Jazz & Funk
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"She's one hell of a singer!"
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- Huey Morgan BBC Radio 6
"The album flows softly on the velvety notes of a mature but polite and gentle soul. The disc fits into the vein of romantic soul in the footsteps of Carla Thomas, Doris Duke and The Sha La Das"
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-Review by Rockerilla Magazine (ITALY) April 2023 Edition 512