Rory Partin

?If you enjoy the recordings of Harry Connick, Jr. and Michael Bubl?, this CD is up to that standard ? one of the best,? writes British music critic, Cross Rhythms Magazine. I was born and raised in Cajun Country, in Southwest Louisiana, where my musical influences were diverse. Family gatherings around food and church played a huge role in my life. Growing up with four other siblings, there was rarely a dull moment; and somehow my parents always found time for family meals, and great music every day in our home.

I was born and raised in Cajun Country, in Southwest Louisiana, where my musical influences were diverse. Family gatherings around food and church played a huge role in my life. Growing up with four other siblings, there was rarely a dull moment; and somehow my parents always found time for family meals, and great music every day in our home. I remember Mom turning on the stereo and playing Satchmo, Mahalia Jackson, Ray Charles, Nat King Cole, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Andr? Crouch, classical music... While my older brothers were playing the Doobie Brothers, Three Dog Night, Cream, Stevie Wonder, and other great artists on their stereos and in their cars. Add to that, local Cajun and jazz bands, and to say the least, my musical influences growing up were both amazing, and varied. But what I found at the heart of all that great music was SOUL. And that's what really dug into MY soul. When I sing and play, I gotta feel it. And I want others to feel it too. At the core, I'm an emotional, heart-felt artist, singing from a place deep inside me that screams to be heard. I try to allow this to come through in all I do as an artist, whether singing, playing an instrument, writing...To me, the music has got to have a connection to the soul, otherwise it's just colorful noise in an already too noisy world.

"Partin's debut album, THE VERY THOUGHT OF YOU only shows off one small part of his vast talents. And his blue-eyed soul voice is convincing whether he is pulling every ounce of emotion from a classic soul set or swinging with his big band on THE VERY THOUGHT OF YOU. Rory explains, 'I enjoy singing songs that I feel. I love to connect with an audience, to see the way they're moved by the pure emotion of a song.' From the album's opening cut, WALKIN' MY BABY BACK HOME, this pure emotion is immediately evident. Critics have already been wowed by the way in which Partin tackles the material.

"The Very Thought Of You is destined to introduce Partin to a wider audience than just those who have seen his excellent big band's live performance. Bringing his own unique personality to these familiar songs, a new generation is discovering these fresh interpretations of timeless classics. Partin delivers them in a voice that is both knowing and passionate, and with a romantic flair that melts hearts." BBC Journalist