Rare Silk

Rare Silk
Background information
Origin	Boulder, Colorado, U.S.
Genres	Vocal jazz, swing
Years active	1979–1988
Labels	Polydor, Palo Alto
Past members	Gaile Gillaspie MaryLynn Gillaspie Marguerite Juenemann Todd Buffa Barbara Reeves Jamie Broumas

Rare Silk was an American vocal jazz group that was active during the 1980s. Formed in Boulder, Colorado, the group achieved significant acclaim, performing with legendary musicians such as Benny Goodman and earning Grammy nominations for their groundbreaking albums.

MaryLynn Gillaspie and her sister, Gaile, grew up in southern California. Their father played trumpet, and from an early age they heard big band music and Ella Fitzgerald. In 1978, they were working as waitresses in Boulder, Colorado, with Gaile also singing at a local club. After they met another singer, Marguerite Juenemann, they formed Rare Silk. They sang on a local radio station and in clubs, sometimes dressed like the Andrews Sisters.

The three got their break in 1980 when they met Benny Goodman, “the King of Swing,” opening for him at Macky Auditorium in Boulder; Goodman fell in love with the girls’ tight, precisely harmonized material and asked them to go on his tour. They made their debut with the clarinetist at the Boston Globe Jazz Festival, which was live broadcast on PBS, and performed at Carnegie Hall, the Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl, and the Aurex Jazz Festival in Japan.

Goodman wanted the trio to sing standards, but Rare Silk was restless. Joined by male vocalist Todd Buffa, the innovative ensemble began modernizing its approach. The echoes of the past were gone; programs now came from stylistic versions of Keith Jarrett and Chick Corea songs.

The group recorded their debut album, New Weave with illustrious session players such as Michael and Randy Brecker backing up their vocal performances. New Weave made its way to #2 on Billboard’s Jazz Albums chart, where it stayed for many weeks. It contained a notable version of Freddie Hubbard's “Red Clay,” Richie Cole's "New York Afternoon," and Al Jarreau's "Spain (I Can Recall)." In 1984. Rare Silk received two nominations at the 26th Annual Grammy Awards – Todd Buffa was nominated for the Arrangement–Two or More Voices category; New Weave was nominated for Best Jazz Vocal–Duo or Group category.

In 1985, the group released their sophomore album, American Eyes, which recently gained widespread acclaim with their song "Storm." The song would go on to be featured in the American comedy-drama TV-series Atlanta. American Eyes was nominated for

Their final album, Black and Blue, was released in 1986.

Juenemann wanted to pursue more traditional jazz styles; she was replaced by Barbara Reeves, then Jamie Broumas. The group toured perpetually, traveling by van and trailer with its backup musicians. At clubs and musical festivals, the group won over audiences with perfected harmonies, choreographed sequences, and a diverse mixture of material.

“We didn’t isolate ourselves in the jazz world,” Marylynn Gillaspie said. “Driving across the country, we all had our Walkmans and headphones, listening to whatever was going on that was good. In the scat singing and improvisational parts of our live shows, we’d incorporate Talking Heads and David Bowie stuff, even go into Culture Club’s ‘I’ll Tumble 4 Ya.’ We had a good run for ten years, but it got to the point where it was more of a struggle than fun.”

The band broke up in 1988.

Todd Buffa would pursue a solo career of his own. He released his first solo album, 'Curious Orchids', in February 2011, and was in the studio working on a second album planned for release in 2012. He died on January 27, 2012 at the age of 59.

Discography

Studio Albums

• New Weave (Polydor, 1983)
• American Eyes (Palo Alto, 1985)
• Black and Blue (1986)

Live Albums

• Live at Aurex (1980)
• Rare Silk At Duke's Place (1984)

References

https://colomusic.org/profile/rare-silk/