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Biography
Yamagata was raised in both New York City, U.S. by her German-Italian mother and in Washington D.C, U.S. by her third-generation Japanese father, listening to the likes of Carole King, Roberta Flack and James Taylor. After studying French at Northwestern University, Illinois, U.S. in the mid 1990s Yamagata changed course and began studying Italian theatre at New York’s Vassar College. Later returning to Northwestern University she joined the theatre program and joined the band Bumpus.
After a tenure of six years with Bumpus, Yamagata had developed a small catalogue of songs not synonymous with the band’s sound and decided to launch a solo career. The songwriter landed a record deal with Arista’s Private Music in September 2002 and a self-titled EP was released a month later.
Yamagata’s debut album “Happenstance” hit the shelves in June 2004 and was produced by John Alagia at Compass Point Studios in the Bahamas. Following the release, Yamagata toured with Mandy Moore and even contributed to Moore’s 2007 album “Wild Hope”.
In 2008 Yamagata released follow-up three-track EP “Loose Ends” and her sophomore album “Elephants… Teeth Sinking Into Heart” which represented a darker tone for the singer. Yamagata’s third studio album entitled “Chesapeake” was released through Frankenfish Records in 2011 and EP named “Heavyweight” in 2012.
Despite her album success and due to the pop-driven accessibility of Yamagat’s music, she has contributed extensively to fellow musician’s work as well as to TV and film. She has provided vocals on tracks by Jason Mraz’s, Rhett Miller, Toots & the Maytals, Ray Lamontagne and Bright Eyes, and had songs appeared on 30 Rock, The L Word, How I Met Your Mother and Grey’s Anatomy
Live reviews
The room was still, and a sample of an old, Great Depression era recording played over some soft string sections.
Rachael Yamagata walked out onto the stage as the sample faded, and began playing her grand piano with no hesitation, wasting no time. The slow, somber melody blink into existence, as Rachael's hushed, but powerful voice shot in over the softly played notes.
The combination was haunting. A minimalist, but full sound, with a lush, cold atmosphere helped the lyrics carry an extremely beautiful and tragic tone. I was easily swaying away, and losing myself into the dreamy mix, as the back up male vocalist, and simple, subtle strings accentuated the piano. The hazy, lost sound of the song, "Elephants" drifted in from the ethereal other world, but still feels incredibly familiar, dreamy and heart wrenching.
When the slide guitar came in over the mix, the audience was still, and half way teary eyed. The song was very beautiful and deserved a little more than merely mindlessly bobbing our heads. It seemed like she was really speaking to us, and it felt so incredible to be witnessing this show.
I don't know if this show was particularly good, but Rachael Yamagata was a phenomenal personality, with stunning song writing abilities, when I saw her..
We saw Rachael perform Happenstance from start to finish at the Doug Fir in Portland last night on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of it's release. The performance was outstanding. The only complaint I had was that the time she was on stage just went too quickly. I've not seen her perform in person before, and I will definitely see her every time she comes through Portlandia. I can not say enough nice things about her show and her amazing talent. Happenstance is easily one of the best records of the last 10+ years, and to see it performed in it's entirety from start to finish was very cool. Love her opening act, The Dove and The Wolf too. After the show last night, I'm a Rachael fan for life! She was so much fun with her banter with her band and the audience. Just really, really good is all I can say.
william-harmon
Watching Rachael Yamagata live is like reconnecting with an old friend. The stories she shares foster a genuine connection, and her songs are heartfelt. It was so nice to hear old favorites, but exciting to hear new material as well. And the new direction, while a bit more gritty than her other work, is still true to her style as an artist, and was immensely entertaining for the audience. The material in the works is edgier and has a powerful driving rock sound. I can't wait to hear the new album when it drops!
wendy-knouse
She was wonderful, passionate, and grateful to her fans! Loved experiencing her in person and was happy to talk to her after the show. She signed her EP for me and was sweet. The only downside was missing half of the show because I couldn't find parking and thought she was taking the stage later in the evening. Would love if the time of the show had been more clear. I wasn't the only one showing up late. I will definitely check her out again on tour and hope she considers Albuquerque/Santa Fe next time.
tanya-field
Fantastic night
Racheal and her friends were brilliant, I have been a fan of Rachael's music back since the release of 'Happenstance', this gig gave me an even greater appreciation of her talent. As well as being a great artist, she also has a great rapport with her audience, funny, natural. I'd give this gig 10/10. Added to this was the great atmosphere of the 'Omeara' which has become my second favourite venue in London after the 'Union Chapel'
JimKnight
As usual Rachael was fantastic as her voice and style continue to put audiences in a heavenly frenzy. She blends her beautiful voice of song with comedy and story telling unmatched by all other singers and musicians. Her bits comedic outburst are spot on and perfectly placed in her performance. She also looked stunningly georgous on stage during her performance!
The only regret is the fact that I didn't get to hear more songs from her.
Batt74
I saw Rachel at the Omeara, well I say I saw her, but I forgot to bring my glasses.
That did not matter in the slightest as I and probably everyone else in the Omeara was transported into some kind of euphoric world where we were sung to by an angel here on earth hauntingly beautiful lyrics that I and others will never tire of.I never saw her but I heard her.
A brilliant, brilliant night, the next concert cannot come too soon.
kookoo999
The Dubin show was very intimate, even Rachael said in the beginning that it felt like a living room show, after dinner. I loved that there were projections of video footage she took during her "tour life" and that every song was preceded by a story.
And yes, it was pure music therapy!
raluca-licau-13
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