Maria Schafer releases her third full-length studio album Here For You on November 15

Vocalist and songwriter Maria Schafer releases her third full-length studio album Here For You on November 15, 2024, a rich new presentation showcasing six new compositions, afresh lyrical treatment of a classic instrumental by trumpet player Tommy Turrentine, and awell-honed treatment of a lesser-known Youmans ballad.

Rooted in straight-ahead jazz,Here For Youmarks a turning point in Schafer's career as botha composer and vocalist. It highlights her ongoing commitment to musical exploration andreflects a philosophy centered on connection—both with her audience and fellow musicians.With her approachable vocal style and skillful, nuanced phrasing, Schafer appeals to listenersof both classic and modern jazz. AsThe New York City Jazz Recordnoted, Schafer'sperformances "leave you wondering what she can't do” and she sought to answer that inquiryherself by traversing a range of grooves from calypso and mambo to hard-swinging 4/4 andjazz waltz with a common through line: celebrations of the human voice as a musicalinstrument and the human experience as a well-earned journey.

Here For Younot only features Schafer’s well-established Los Angeles-based guitar quartetwith incomparable collaborator and guitarist Zack Caplinger, but also introduces the long-anticipated addition of piano withJeremy Siskind, who was mentored exemplary fifteen-time Grammy nominee Fred Hersch. Schafer, who has been studying the dynamic between pianoand guitar in live performances, explains, "I've had Jeremy's sound in my ear for a long time.Collaborating with him on this album—and hopefully many more—has been such a joy."Schafer was first captivated by Siskind’s impressionistic yet conversational playing style whilelistening to his work on an album with fellow jazz singer Nancy Harms. The connectionbetween Schafer and Siskind is clear with both sharing a palpable passion for interpreting the world through their compositions, and his steadfast artistry is a perfect complement to Schafer's vision.

In an intentional aversion to the trite, Schafer's lyrics walk the line between poetry and pop,veering away from the clichéd show tunes often associated with jazz singers. Deemed “justthe right tonic for jaded jazz ears (Midwest Record)” her catchy phrases and familiar songstructures feel both fresh and timeless, as if they’ve always been part of the vocal jazztradition.

The album opens with “You Said It”, a playful tune shifting between mambo and swing tomirror the lyrics about the cat-and-mouse chase for those three little words we all long to hear.The well-oiled ensemble is in full force, setting the tone for the sultry, yet earnest rumbagroove of “A Chance To Make You Mine” and the Max Roach-inspired calypso undercurrenton “Release Me”—two songs that explore the need to be seen and the struggle for self-acceptance.

Greasy minor swing tune “Give Us A Smile” is a knowing nod to other women who've beenasked one too many times to placate the desires of strange passersby by changing their expression to something more attractive. With lyrics that also tap into the universal feeling ofwaking up on the wrong side of the bed, the song is both witty and relatable.Schafer reflects on the album’s title, emphasizing her realized dedication to buildin community and serving others in the journey through music. The title track, a remarkablycomforting duet between Schafer and Siskind, reminds listeners that they are not alone—thatboth the joy and pain of the human experience are best shared.

The album closes with “Get Up And Go”, a cheeky and quietly seething second-line groovefeaturing a duet between Schafer and drummerKaro Galadjian. Schafer’s biting lyrics are abarb to those who no longer serve a purpose in her life, showcasing her sharp sense of selfand lack of patience for those who can't keep up.

As a bandleader, Schafer prioritizes collaboration in the studio. “I never want to write in a waythat boxes in other musicians. The whole goal is to see where we can take things togetherand though these songs reflect my experience and feelings, it's a pleasure to write music thatinstrumentalists are enjoying too,” she explains. The result is a cohesive yet exploratoryalbum, with standout solos from everyone, including relative newcomers bassistDavidReynosoand drummerGaladjian.

​Schafer’s previous albums—To Know Love(2018) andNo Broken Hearts(2019), bothreleased by Marsch Music—established her as a compelling modern jazz vocalist set to makeher mark in the 21stcentury's expansion of the jazz genre.To Know Love, her well-receiveddebut, was a collection of modernly re-imagined jazz standards written while touring withswing big band The Glenn Miller Orchestra across the USA, Canada, and Japan andrecorded in New Orleans while the band was on a break. Since then, Schafer has continuedto build her reputation through extensive regional touring and numerous accolades, includingbeing a semifinalist in the international Riga Jazz Stage competition.

Maria Schafer – vocals, compositions, arranging / Zack Caplinger – Guitar / Jeremy Siskind –Piano / Karo Galadjian – Drums / David Reynoso – Bass / Brad Black
additional arrangingon Where Is Love (Waltz)

1. You Said It (03:54)(Music: Tommy Turrentine / Lyrics: Maria Schafer)
2. A Chance To Make You Mine (04:22)(Music and Lyrics: Maria Schafer)
3. Where Is Love (Waltz) (04:59) / Where Is Love (Waltz) [radio edit] (04:18)(Music and Lyrics: Maria Schafer)
4. Release Me (04:15)(Music and Lyrics: Maria Schafer)
5. More Than You Know (05:53) / More Than You Know [radio edit] (04:35)(Music: Vincent Youmans / Lyrics: Billy Rose and Edward Eliscu)
6. Give Us A Smile (05:43)(Music and Lyrics: Maria Schafer)
7. Here For You (05:13)(Music and Lyrics: Maria Schafer)​
8. Get Up And Go (05:30)(Music and Lyrics: Maria Schafer)