Down The Road Records, the “retirement project” of Ken Irwin, Marian Leighton Levy, and Bill Nowlin, the Rounder Records founders who ran the company for five decades, have announced the signing of Farayi Malek to the label, who goes by her first name as an artist.
This makes her label mates with some of the biggest names in the bluegrass world, like Alison Krauss & Union Station, Blue Highway, Tony Trischka, The Seldom Scene, and The Steeldrivers.
So what is a singer and songwriter widely described as a stellar blues and jazz improvisational vocalist doing on a bluegrass label?
The truth is that her repertoire and influences are far more varied than her degrees and professorships at Berklee and the New England Conservatory in Boston might lead you to believe. Farayi describes herself as an American roots artist, who learned country, old time, and bluegrass fiddle as a youngster, before discovering jazz in high school. Since becoming a professional artist, she has received Grammy nominations for Best Latin Jazz Album and Best Classical Vocal Album.
But her debut single for Down The Road, one she wrote entitled Prayer for the People released with this announcement, was recorded with The Steeldrivers, similarly known for blending blues and bluegrass. It’s a duet sung with Matt Dame, and their two voices definitely soar together.
She describes the genesis of Prayer for the People as a bit of pure inspiration.
“I was having a moment of prayer, and this melody came to my mind. I distractedly hit the record button on my phone and started to sing. My plea was directed toward the things that I was seeing in the world – the brokenness in our nation, and the wars that are happening abroad.
I want people to use it as a medium for their own reflection and prayer, or however they tap into their own spirituality. It’s a piece that’s ever-evolving, because our world will always face challenges, and there will always be the need to aspire for better.”
In case you’re wondering, Farayi’s pure voice fits in amongst the banjos and fiddles just fine.
Have a listen.
Ken Irwin says that he and his partners saw their newest signee as gold from the start.
“From the first time we saw her, we recognized Farayi as not only an inspiring artist and performer but as an instant favorite. It’s an honor and a pleasure to play a part in introducing her to a larger audience, who will also appreciate the depth, soulfulness, and virtuosity of such a unique and visionary talent.”
Prayer for the People is available now from popular download and streaming services online.
