We Speak Music

Marie-Claire Giraud Unveils Her Most Ambitious Musical Journey Yet With New Album MY BIG BOLD & BEAUTIFUL TECHNICOLOR FANTASY

Published

9 hours ago

August 6, 2026

A genre-defying celebration of jazz, opera, pop, and world music featuring collaborations with Grammy Award-winning Vernon Reid, Sondra Radvanovsky, and Lisa Marie Simmons

Acclaimed vocalist, composer, and visionary artist Marie-Claire Giraud invites listeners into a dazzling universe of sound, color, and imagination with the release of her highly anticipated new album, MY BIG BOLD & BEAUTIFUL TECHNICOLOR FANTASY.

Blending the sophistication of jazz, the drama of opera, the energy of pop, and the vibrant rhythms of world music, the album is a deeply personal reflection of the influences that have shaped Marie-Claire’s extraordinary artistic journey. Inspired by the glamour of Carmen Miranda, the golden age of Hollywood musicals from the 1940s and 1950s, and a lifetime of musical exploration, MY BIG BOLD & BEAUTIFUL TECHNICOLOR FANTASY creates a world that is bold, layered, and endlessly expressive.

“This album is a celebration of everything that has inspired me—the music, cultures, artists, and stories that have shaped who I am,” says Marie-Claire Giraud. “It’s a journey through sound, imagination, and emotion, where every song reveals another color of the fantasy.”

The album features an impressive collection of collaborations that highlight Marie-Claire’s ability to seamlessly bridge musical worlds. Grammy Award-winning guitarist Vernon Reid joins her on “Honey Honey Baby,” a soulful, retro-inspired track inspired by Ronnie Spector and the iconic girl groups of the 1960s. Opera superstar Sondra Radvanovsky lends her extraordinary voice to a reimagined jazz interpretation of Jacques Offenbach’s timeless classic “Barcarolle,” while Lisa Marie Simmons appears on “BLU X,” a soaring and uplifting anthem about resilience, healing, and transformation.

Adding to the album’s vibrant tapestry is “It Had To Be You,” an immersive celebration inspired by the rhythms, colors, and spirit of Brazilian Carnival. Throughout the record, Marie-Claire transforms classic influences into something fresh and contemporary, creating a musical experience that feels both nostalgic and completely new.

Known as a fearless innovator, Marie-Claire Giraud is a true Renaissance musician whose artistry exists at the intersection of sound, culture, and creativity. Her signature style, HipHopera, combines the rhythmic power of hip-hop with the emotional depth and grandeur of operatic vocals, while her rich soprano voice brings a soulful elegance to jazz, reggae, and contemporary music.

Marie-Claire’s songwriting is equally distinguished. She co-wrote two songs on the album with Grammy-nominated songwriter Jeff Franzel and also co-wrote a song with Pulitzer Prize-winning composer John Harbison, further reflecting the remarkable breadth of her artistic collaborations.

Throughout her career, Marie-Claire has collaborated across genres with artists including reggae legend Spragga Benz on “Rastaman Chant” and hip-hop artist Rob $tone on “Chill Bill,” featured in RCA/Sony’s Out of the Comfort Zone series. Her reggae-influenced EP Dreamland further showcased her versatility, while her original works and reinterpretations of jazz standards have established her as one of today’s most compelling genre-defying vocalists.

Her artistry has also inspired celebrated creators. Jamaican music icon Bob Andy wrote “Constellation” specifically for Marie-Claire, while Pulitzer Prize-winning composer John Harbison created a four-song cycle tailored to her voice, with Marie-Claire contributing original lyrics and melodies.

Raised in the Bronx, New York, and born on the Caribbean island of Dominica, Marie-Claire Giraud has built a remarkable career spanning intimate jazz clubs, major international festivals, and some of the world’s most prestigious stages. She has performed at the United Nations, Barclays Center (performing the U.S. National Anthem), Central Park SummerStage, Dizzy’s Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City, and the legendary Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London. Internationally, she has also appeared at the Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival, Ocho Rios Jazz Festival, Cartagena Jazz Festival, and Creole in the Park in her native Dominica.

In more intimate settings, Marie-Claire has captivated audiences at legendary venues including Preservation Hall in New Orleans alongside the Preservation Hall All-Stars, Blues Alley in Washington, D.C., and New York City institutions such as Smalls Jazz Club, Joe’s Pub, and Omar’s.

With MY BIG BOLD & BEAUTIFUL TECHNICOLOR FANTASY, Marie-Claire Giraud continues her mission of transcending boundaries and connecting cultures through music. More than simply a collection of songs, the album is a vibrant, cinematic experience where jazz, opera, pop, and global sounds collide to create a breathtaking celebration of artistry, imagination, and fearless self-expression.

We Speak Music

Kat Orlando Releases New Ballroom Dance Single “BlackTie”

Published

14 minutes ago

August 6, 2026

Olivia Long

Detroit’s own Queen of Sax, Kat Orlando, follows up her highly danceable “Mean Daughter’s Wedding” with another gem!

“Black Tie”, the title track of the EP, is expertly crafted for the urban ballroom dance community, capturing the ele gance, rhythm, and sophistication that define the culture. Its smooth, soulful groove is complemented by a subtle yet infectious drive, creating the perfect tempo for dancers to effortlessly glide across the floor. Whether moving gracefully within a crowded ballroom or sharing an intimate moment as a couple, the song’s rhythm invites every step with confidence and style.

Lyrically, Kat tells a story of attraction and anticipation. The female protagonist is captivated by a distinguished gentleman wearing a black tie, his presence commanding attention from across the room. As their eyes meet, the music becomes the soundtrack to an unspoken connection, em bodying the romance, confidence, and timeless elegance that make urban ballroom dancing such a unique and memorable experience.

While Kat possesses a distinctive style and vocal identity all her own, this groove pays tasteful homage to the smooth, infectious R&B sound that defined an era. Listeners may catch echoes of classics such as “Too Close” by Next, along with other iconic tracks that blended irresistible rhythms with soulful melodies. Rather than imitating those influences, the song embraces their spirit while allowing Kat’s artistry to shine through with authenticity and freshness.

Once again, producer Gayle Brannan demonstrates an exceptional ear for pairing the right musical landscape with Kat’s natural gifts. By crafting a production that complements rather than competes with her voice, Brannan creates the per fect setting for Kat’s rich, soulful vocal delivery to take center stage. The result is a seamless fusion of contemporary soul and nostalgic R&B influences, showcasing Kat’s emotional depth, vocal versatility, and undeniable ability to connect with listeners through every lyric and melody.

Kat Orlando’s lifelong passion for music began at just four years old, inspired by the 45s her grandmother and aunt brought from their restaurant jukeboxes. Early influences ranged from the flute mastery of Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson to the vocal powerhouses Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross. She studied with Denver Jazz Bebop saxophonist George Keith, honing her craft and developing her unmistakable tone and phrasing. As a songwriter, she draws heavily from legends like Stevie Wonder and Prince, infusing her music with a mix of social consciousness, emotion, and irresistible groove.

On stage, she’s a dynamic force—switching effortlessly from lead vocals to sax, flute, and harmonica, all while moving with the rhythm and engaging audiences with every beat.