I have had the pleasure to listen to Rändi Fay’s new CD, Chrysalis…and what an acoustic journey it is! Styles range from the symphonic pop/rock opener “Crystal Tears” and “Pheromone” to the eminently danceable “He Said” to the intimate “You’re Gone” and “Sleep, Baby, Sleep” to the smooth jazz “Crunchin’ the Kernel” to the reggae-inspired “Love Is” which features Kai ‘Pita’ Katobalavu. Wow! 

Rändi’s voice holds the thread that creates a wholeness throughout the CD. It is a clear and engaging voice; Rändi sings in a way that lyrics are easily heard. There is much to choose from here, but if I were forced to identify absolute favorites, the clever lyrics of “Crunchin’ the Kernel” with the organ and sax solos really resonate with me. Another one has to be “Freely Given” which I was fortunate to hear in its infancy. Rändi and I took a class together through the Berklee College of Music (online), and she wrote this song in that class. “Freely Given” is well-produced, though it also works equally well as an acoustic, smaller version. Its metamorphosis here retains its musical essence—much as Rändi Fay’s CD, Chrysalis, stands at the ready, waiting to be released. And in doing so, I venture that each song maintains an essence of its genre and Rändi’s authenticity. A music journey well-worth the ride! 

Scott Anthony Andrews

…a Smooth Jazz & AC Singer-Songwriter from Saskatchewan, Canada 
Co-Chair of the Regina Chapter of the Songwriters Association of Canada (SAC)