BIRD YORK: The Velvet Hour

Bird York

The Velvet Hour

© 2005 Blissed Out Records (699213825724)

CD permanently out of stock. Sorry!

Low voiced female vocals atop slow vibey groove. Features IN THE DEEP from the film CRASH. Sophisticated, sultry lyrics. Sensual and moody.

notes

This CD features the song IN THE DEEP from the Paul Haggis film CRASH.
Her smoky voice and haunting melodies lead Music Biz magazine to coin the term "torch trip hop" when describing her music.

The Velvet Hour includes collaborations with Grammy Award winning producer Larry Klein, (Madeleine Peyroux, Joni Mitchell, Shawn Colvin) and Grammy Award winning engineer mixer, Thom Russo, (Macy Gray, Juanez), and includes the theme song to the Lion's Gate film,"Crash" (opening May 6,) as well as songs heard on the WB's "Everwood", the John Cusack produced feature "Never Get Outta The Boat" and Jake 2.0.

Bird's self titled debut cd landed her as "one of the top ten Emerging artists" by the music editors of Amazon.com.

She has worked as a vocalist and songwriter with the likes of Deep Forest, members of the acclaimed Scottish band, The Blue Nile, and was the featured vocalist on Peter Buffet's, Mammoth records release, "Sugarbaby".

Bird spent a season as the 'musical voice' for the critically lauded CBS drama Family Law.
Her music has also been heard in director Dan Water's Newline feature "Happy Campers", and the films "Shelter Island" and "Betrayed".

Doing double duty in film, Bird has gained popularity as liberal left upstart Andy Wyatt on NBC's Emmy Award winning, The West Wing.

Bird (Kathleen) York's credits include films with Tom Waits, Dianne Keaton, Julianna Margules and Dennis Hopper as well as the HBO hit "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and The O.C.

Bird has featured interviews on NPRs Weekend Edition and KCRW's New Ground. go to www.birdyork.com for more info

reviews

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  • Sultry and original...
    author: Amethyste Rah, Amethyte Affirmations

    Great voice...smooth sultry, swimming but with pointedness. The lyrics are wonderful, musicianship is "tight". Great album!

  • This was great
    author: Bob D

    First new great singer I have heard in years.

  • Fabulous CD--amazing voice
    author: Elizabeth

    Bird York has an amazing voice and puts it to good use--overall she created some perfect music to relax to. Definitely a must buy.

  • Music for the soul
    author: Julia Zalazar

    This is indeed music for the soul, it reaches parts of me that others have just approached, a voice so gorgeous there are no words, the tunes are marvelous, listen to it, buy it, you and your soul will enjoy it for a long, long time

  • It can stir your heart and soul if you let it...
    author: Rick

    Her words and music move together like lovers exploring the depth and essence of being truly, madly, and deeply human.

  • smokey
    author: tterrifficc

    A solid cd filled with Bird's smokey voice. I especially like the moodier numbers as they really enhance, and are enhanced, by that wonderful smokey voice. I can see her singing those songs in a quiet place filled with just a few friends and lovers.

  • Even better than the first one
    author: Frisco

    I bought this cd together with her first album (see my review there), and can recommend this to anyone who is tired of being bombarded with mainstream crapola. It seems inevitable that a bigger record label is picking up Bird York, but I feel and hope that she will prevail with her own beautiful quality as a singer-songwriter. This album has got a dreamlike vibe and could be a very good companion when you're travelling. I would love to hear her make more albums and see her live in Amsterdam once.

  • Bird is my new favorite!
    author: Teresa

    This CD is simply the best I've heard for a long while. The vocals are haunting, the instrumentals are sinewy and sexy. Keep em coming Ms. York!

  • can't get it out of my head
    author: Sherry G

    Heard Bird's voice on the Crash soundtrack and just HAD TO HAVE IT. Every song is fantastic (I don't skip over any like I do with other CDs) to the point that they stay in my head and it doesn't even bother me. I'm getting another one for a friend.....maybe I should get several....

  • Hauntingly Awesome
    author: Nzolani

    Simply divine! That sums it up for me!

  • thought I was the 1st to discover....
    author: Kevin T

    ...but like everyone else was hooked to a beautiful voice singing In The Deep whilst the credits were rolling on Crash. Now I'm hooked to the rest of the album. Bird, I hope you perform live in the UK sometime soon - A brilliant album, thankyou.

  • haunting, rich, warm, and wickedly lovely
    author: lulu

    I heard, "In the deep" on the fox hit, House. It stayed with me for the weeks I searched to find her CD. It is haunting, warm, sensual, and wickedly lovely! I bought 3 to pass on to friends. A+++ to bird and cdbaby!

  • Music that gets every human emotion stirred
    author: Simon Guinn

    I heard 'In The Deep' during the end of the film 'Crash' and sat alone after everybody had left just to catch the credits. I was mesmerised, I had to know who was responsible for such a spine tingling, soul catching piece of music. I bought 'The Velvet Hour' on the back of that experience and was not disappointed in the least. As far as 'sitting in the dark with a glass of red wine' music goes it doesn't come much better than this. Buy it, listen and just get involved, it will be a relationship you will never want to end.

  • Music that gets every human emotion stirred
    author: Simon Guinn

    I heard 'In The Deep' during the end of the film 'Crash' and sat alone after everybody had left just to catch the credits. I was mesmerised, I had to know who was responsible for such a spine tingling, soul catching piece of music. I bought 'The Velvet Hour' on the back of that experience and was not disappointed in the least. As far as 'sitting in the dark with a glass of red wine' music goes it doesn't come much better than this. Buy it, listen and just get involved, it will be a relationship you will never want to end.

  • Grabbed my inner secrets and lured them into the light!
    author: Amy Alleson

    Sharp lyrics to grab your attention but general enough for all of us to relate to the cd's experience. If lyrics aren't your thing, turn up the volume and enjoy the driving rythms. Keep the Velvet coming!

  • soulful lyrics and thoughtful melodies
    author: Roland Derksen

    Soulful lyrics and thoughtful melodies: Bird York's "The Velvet Hour" provides a refreshing alternative to the current plethora of sound-alike solo female vocalists. She carves out deeply personal songs that initially may take some time to get used to, but once they get into your memory, you want to hear over and over again. My present favourite cuts on the CD are "haunting you", "wicked little high", "lovely thing" and "come be with me>"

  • Superb!!
    author: Jim Geiger

    Great recording, great musical content. I agree with all the other comments. Superb recording in all respects. "Remedy" won't leave my mind! This lady has something to say to YOU. I hope she comes to Phoenix soon. Get it now!

  • STUNNING . . .
    author: Terry

    There is only one word for this CD: stunning. Every cut is hypnotizing -- I just can't stop listening to it. Wow, really makes you wonder why some artists just don't get the recognition they deserve!

  • We Loved It !
    author: Big Sky

    We really loved the CD. So much so, that we bought 2 copies so we could give one to a friend. Bird York has a great voice, very sultry. Am looking forward to her next CD. First time I heard the cut In The Deep, I was just blown away. It was from the movie Crash. I just had to know who the singer was and how I could get a CD with that track on it. Although I do think she should have put one more verse into the song. It just wasn't long enough. And for the life of me, I cannot understand why In The Deep was not put on the movie sound track CD. GO FIGURE ! ! ! But still a good movie sound track. Check them both out.

  • sophisticated
    author: marcella galvan

    This CD exemplifies good taste. I bought 2 extra to share. The sound is deep, sexy...appealing. Anyone who enjoys a sultry and moody listening experience will be completely engaged by this CD. Bird York is for the sophisticated music lover. What a beauty too!

  • ~ Delovely ~
    author: Wilhelmus VanderKallen

    Love the song ~Into the Deep~ extended version on the CRASH soundtrack a little more. But this CD is a whole new type of mood. Great for the bedroom and pleasent to the soul ;-)

  • creeps deep down into you
    author: jd

    Great cd. Have listened 5 or 6 times so far and although you might put this on as 'background' music - given its 'mellowness' - it soon gets into you and becomes much more than that.

  • Sultry
    author: Lori Frankfort

    I really enjoyed this CD, and I haven't loved every song on a CD in years. The vocals, lyrics and production were outstanding. Good job Bird and Larry!

  • author: Steve Ellis

    I bought this CD for my girlfriend, she heard the song in the deep in the film "crash" she so much enjoyed the soundtrack that she went to see the film again. its a shame i couldn't find this album anywhere in the uk. Thanks CDbaby. i've played the album myself and really enjoy it.

  • I LOVE IT!!
    author: Alan Dale

    I worked with Kathleen on "The OC" and was surprised to discover that she is also a musician. Her CD has become one of my favourites. I have now bought five more CDs as gifts and would highly recommend it. The only question I have is WHEN IS THE NEXT ALBUM COMING?

  • Beautifull
    author: Patrick

    I just bought the cd of Crash because of your song and another one, and the quality is not that good compare to your audio sample on your website for Deep !

  • The best thing I've heard in years
    author: Jim

    Isaw Crash and just had to find out who "the voice'' was.This is the best album I've heard in years. I can't wait to share with friends. Maybe I should buy a copy to give away.

  • A place you never tire of going to
    author: Frank Walton

    Never heard of Bird York till the film crash. Velvet Hour is made up of beautifully constructed songs, whose interpretation by Bird, flows into your ears, and makes straight for your heart.

  • incredible treasure music and lyrics are so sensual and addictive
    author: rubydou

    Oh my what a FIND!!! So sensual, so moving, Bird has it in her voice and lyrics. Quite a treasure...feel lucky to have found it on cdbaby!!! It is one of those play over and over cd's....then you find yourself humming her songs and you must listen all over again. She truly emotes as "one who has been there" in each song on this disc. Wow! What a lovely lady and I hope she gets some more airplay!

  • Fantastic and utterly haunting!
    author: Fred Atherton

    I've been driving around listening to this CD for several weeks now - a friend burned a copy of his for me, but I then decided I had to support the artist (she's great!), so I bought two - to have one to give away at some point in future. The song Wicked Little High has completely gotten under my skin - great music for driving around on a rainy night in the city, perfect tale of ill-advised obsession with Mr. Wrong...

  • Fantastic and utterly haunting!
    author: Fred Atherton

    I've been driving around listening to this CD for several weeks now - a friend burned a copy of his for me, but I then decided I had to support the artist (she's great!), so I bought two - to have one to give away at some point in future. The song Wicked Little High has completely gotten under my skin - great music for driving around on a rainy night in the city, perfect tale of ill-advised obsession with Mr. Wrong...

  • author: Don Don A.kA. FLDONB@AOL.COM

    They said to keep it short so The cd was off the hook and just to let you know I downloaded 1 of the songs for free and then I went out and bought hole CD :) it's that good......

  • Love It!!!
    author: Cindi

    Heard In the Deep in the movie CRASH & had to find out who had the mysterious haunting voice, bought both of her CDs as soon as I found out her name. Love The Velvet Hour the most. Can't wait to hear new stuff from her.

  • Simply Gorgeous
    author: Kylie

    This CD is simply amazing. Bird has a beautiful, haunting voice and she pulls these songs off so well. A great CD for Sarah Mclachlan, Tara Maclean, Norah Jones or Jessica Jacobs fans. I can recommend this cd to anyone because it's simply too beautiful to be criticised. Well produced record by a talented artist. Perfect to whack on in the car and listen to on the drive home or curled up with a good book.

  • Original sultry fantastic music
    author: Nalini

    This entire album is terrific. Touches the soul. New recording of Open Wider has a fresh and interesting arrangement and back up vocals and the tune, Had a Dream is a real audio treat. Both the music and lyrics are stunning.

  • Freakin Awesome-Just so soothing!
    author: Victor Hudson

    All of the songs on this CD resonates within my soul and being. I bought this after watching the movie "Crash" and listening to In the Deep, but found myself listing to all of the songs with the same passion. Save Me, Remedy, Come Be With Me the album includes all the lyrics of the songs, so if you are into that thing or just like to "picture" what the song is about this album will not disappoint you and it may even be used for mood music for that special person.

  • Current radio fodder pales in comparison.
    author: Chris

    Haunting vocals and a singular way with a lyric are just two of the hallmarks of this remarkable disc. Excellent production and playing. I bought five copies to hand out to friends and no one has been disappointed. Mesmerizing.

  • Stunning, gorgeous sounds
    author: Benita

    This CD is pure emotion, and quite a few of the songs have totally summed up how I've been feeling the last few weeks. I'm addicted...

  • absolutely wonderful!
    author: Liz

    This is a beautiful cd. Just love it. Sent it to my college daughter and she loves it also. She can't wait to share it with her friends!

  • My Favorite CD
    author: audthervox

    This CD has me UNDONE - I've listened to it at least twice a day since I got it. Recommended you experience it at night; better yet, by candlelight. Haunting and seductive, it speaks to the soul. Favorite tracks: Haunting You, Come Be With Me, and In the Deep. I haven't felt this way about a CD or artist in years...

  • Sultry voice kept me glued
    author: Todd Hartman (DigitalGlu)

    Come Be With Me is the song that I just had to have....I feel ya Bird!!! This whole CD is just packed with emotion! I love it!

  • Beautiful CD
    author: Malele

    I love this CD. It has been well produced and the songs are well written. Bird has a beautiful haunting voice that makes the compostions even more remarkable.

  • Song from Movie CRASH - "In The Deep" AMAZING
    author: Tom's better half

    It isn't often that a song I hear in a movie sets me running to my computer to find the artist. I left the theater this weekend after seeing the movie Crash trying to remember the words to this song so I could find it. "In the Dee" moved me and my husband so much when we heard it. I am so glad to have found it here and 3 dollars less than Amazon. Thank you Bird York and thanks CD Baby.

  • cdbaby strikes another hit!
    author: Peter McKenna

    You couldn't possibly give this album less than 5 stars..its perfect. I bought Holly Palmer's I confess, and cdbaby recommended this to go with it..thank you cdbaby..2 of my favourite albums ever..this one just grows and grows and grows on you...crack open the red wine and lie back and go to Bird York Heaven!

  • Suprised me how good it really was!
    author: John

    "The Velvet Hour" is one of the few cd's that I love to listen to from beginning to end. You can feel the emotion flow throughout the CD. It is a truly a must for every CD collection.

  • author: Sarah_Makinson

    I loved this Velvet Hour. The cd is very haunting and moody. My favorite song would have to be In the Deep. You must get this cd!

  • Cosy music
    author: TP

    This is a nice record for those cold, dark winters days when the best place in the world is by the fire side with a cup of hot tea and scones. But it is also a record for hot summer nights, for windy autumn evenings. Bird's voice is big, a bit hoarse, and very comforting. The music is smoky, sexy and dreamy. No song sound like another, it's an even record, the songs are good and there's no real bad song. I look forward to hear Bird's next album.

  • Late Nite Conversation
    author: Jon P.

    I am a tremendous fan of Bird's first CD and this one is as good or perhaps even better. I have found that it is something I can listen to it driving at work and at night. Her voice and lyrics and style just fill me and I savor every moment. This CD makes you feel like you are listening to a close friend or the most intriguing person at a dinner and all you want is to sit and listen and let them enchant you with their words. Truly a special artist and a wonderfull trip.

  • Wow!
    author: Reba

    This sultry song Bird is par extraordinaire! Her voice guides you on a fantastic journey in your mind, and who knows whom elses! From Haunting you to Up in Flames, I am now a ghost and on fire from the nightingale's voice. What a wild ride this album takes you on, GO FOR IT!

  • Brings out my sexiness!
    author: Cassendre Xavier, CD Baby Artist

    I love Bird York's music! Listening to her voice and music inspires me to bring out more of my own sensuality and sexiness in my music. Also, I love that she's an actor, too. A real renanaissance woman... Rock on, Bird! (And I love her name, too :-)

  • Lovely, intimate late night story telling.
    author: simon strevens

    The Velvet Hour to me, plays like a trusting confessional from a close friend. It feels good to be the one in Bird's confidence, as she sings to you from the heart and with an earned craft about the lure and demands of love. Up there with Stina Nordenstaam's wonderful album 'And She Closed Her Eyes'.

  • wow!, i found a new favorite
    author: Jessica

    Bird York is a wonderful mix of Fiona Apple and Jewel combined with the edge of Alanis... i love it so much

  • Just when I was ready to give up on new music...
    author: Pat Formosa

    this cd is absolutely wonderful. you have a true gift. a sense of music and lyric that creates synergy. not common nowadays. it will sit comfortably and rightfully in my collection next to kate bush, tori amos, sarah mclachlan and sheryl crow, and it will not pale in the least by comparison. it was magic from the first time i heard it. i'm going to play the hell out of it. you should be forever proud of this project.

  • Sophisticated, sexy, sassy, contemplative and thoughtful
    author: Mohammad Rahman

    "The Velvet Hour" is a sophisticated, beautiful album that is as good as anything by Joni Mitchell at her silkiest and smoothest. The songs are individually striking with sharply observant lyrics and sexy vocals. Holds the listener captive with its luxuriant charm from start to finish. She's given it her all and she's produced a classic!

  • Sexual, Sensual, Sweet and Most Of All Real
    author: David Simmons

    I have had the pleasure to see Bird York Live four times. A rare experience yet so memorable they remained etched in my minds eye. When you see her sing you can see that she is living her poetic lyrical movements. Her voice portreys that of a women trying to convey much more than a song. She attemps to force a visualization, a cinematic representation of her songs. As you watch her move subtle and slowly through deep measures of realtionships of past loves you realize you have stumbled upon the rare experience. Where you can close your eyes and go to places you haven't visited for a while in your own souls desires. Her library of music travels between intimate love in the making, to the love of a women for her husband from the point of view of a grandchild. She never leaves her basic theme, the many ways to look at love in our world that could use a huge dose of more of it. Love truly makes the world go around and Bird is all of that and more. She knows us as people man or women child or parent. She is beyond a breathe of fresh air, she brings up the hope, the realization that love is alive and well in our crazy world today. Where so many artists choose to dwell on the issues of negative karmas Bird York and her music concentrates on the celebration of love from every angle possible. Put in her CD and grab your favorite friend and crack a bottle of nice wine and enjoy the company. Bird York is the beating of the heart in all of us. A soft kiss, a mosaic touch, a memorable timeless moment. You will listen to this cd over and over as it will sooth your very soul, straight through your ever loving heart. david simmons

  • A rare bird
    author: lover of real music

    The velvet hour is intoxicatingly beautiful. Beneath the smooth, mellow sounds of her voice and melodies, lays the pounding heart of a smart, sensual, witty and poignant poet. Put on your headphones and get drawn in. Listening to the first cut, I realize she knows this about herself: “I am guilty of haunting you, I am the song that stays in your mind…” Check out her NPR interview on www.birdyork.com. p.s. – thanks cdbaby for great treasure-hunting and for service that always brings a smile to my face!

  • Hmmm......Still LOVE the album but......
    author: R

    I bought The Velvet Hour when it first came out and have listened to it hundreds of times, even on repeat 4 times in a row during a long drive. I recently gave my copy to a wonderful friend of mine and he fell in love with it and told all his friends to listen to Bird. My issue is small, but it really BUGS me to no end. Whose idea was it to add all those meandering sonic-whirs throughout "I Had a Dream?????" It was wonderful in its original state, but I CAN'T STAND the NEW--"Remixed" if you will, version. It is just plain annoying. I honestly want to know if I can find someone who will let me buy their copy, one that doesn't have all this unnecessary mess, because I'm assuming that this is the "new/improved" version of this song and the final state the artist and producer want. "Have no Fear" and "Had a Dream" were and still are my favorites, but I just am going to have to skip past track 4 now. I suppose some will love it, but seriously, uggh. If the additions/subtractions actually did "add" to the song and improve it that would be wonderful, but it just seems like pointless tinkering with something that was fine. Just an opinion. Still an amazing album. -R

  • 2 WORDS...FAN-TASTIK
    author: Alice Grob

    I have not been able to stop listening to this CD. I play it in the office and every time people always ask...what is this GREAT music playing. Phenominal CD, I give it as gifts cause you can't go wrong with it. :) Alice

  • Utterly Amazing!
    author: watch me drown

    It's like going on a roadtrip with Norah Jones in the driver's seat making out with Fionna Apple on prozac riding shotgun. This cd is amazing! Her voice is so sultry and strong, and doesn't waver at all no matter what pitch she's singing in. The lyrics are sexy as well. Calming, yet erotic, her music is unlike anything I've ever experienced. You have to buy this cd!

  • Bird is an exceptional talent!
    author: David Schwartzman

    I have been playing Bird York's CD since it arrived. I cannot get over how wonderful she is. I have let many friends hear it and have told ALL of them that where to go to buy one. It appeals to ALL ages. It is a shame her first CD is not still available. Bird, keep up the great work!

  • Smoky, sensual and full of soul.
    author: Jenny

    This music makes me want to sip a strong drink in a swanky club, and I mean that in the BEST possible way. Her singing is soulful and sexy, while the lyrics made me reminisce of a lost love. "Haunting you" is by far my favorite. Keep 'em coming Bird!

  • Best cd in years
    author: Alain

    This is truly the best cd I heard in years.

  • Sexy, Cool, MUST HAVE!
    author: Gail

    I first heard Bird york being interviewed on KCRW, and loved her humility. Her lyrics are modern and real. Her voice is sexy and amazing! I love listening to her cd while sitting in traffic, taking a deep breath and just saying aaaahhhhhhh.

  • Liquid Sex!
    author: Marianne

    Awesome! Took a hint from a friend and I'm in love. I find myself grooving along even when the CD's not in the player...which isn't often I might add!

  • Wonderful CD
    author: Stillwaters

    I ordered this CD sound unheard...and don't regret it a bit. Smoky voice and smooth beats make for great mood music.

  • AMAZING
    author: Lori

    I find myself dancing to this albumn in the middle of the day... it just makes you sing and groove along! Definitely worth the buy!

  • Sultry voice and music
    author: Permanent4

    Picture a smoky jazz club where the spotlight falls on an Auburn-haired chanteuse standing in front of the microphone. Her sultry voice spins tales of love and loss and human experience, sucking you right in until there's nothing else but her and the music. If that's your speed, you will love this disc.

  • One of the best cds I've heard this year
    author: Kathy

    I bought her first cd by chance. Which brought me back for the sophomore album. Her music and songs captivate you and leave you wanting (needing) more.

  • Very melodic, exciting choices of songs---great discovery!
    author: Erin

    The name caught my eye, but her voice keeps me listening. The variety of songs are unique. This CD catches my ear each time I play it, from the opening song Haunting You to the final song Have No Fear. I love the story that is told in the song Save Me.

  • Pulsing and passionate, multi-layered...every track is a keeper
    author: Joseph

    The Velvet Hour will transport you to another world. It's a rich tapestry of sound which will draw you in a little more each time you listen. There's the poetry of the lyric, the smooth yet smokin' guitar work, the hypnotic and pulsing rhythm, and best of all Bird's delicious and sultry singing voice which she brings down to a whisper in a few choice and very tasty moments. The Velvet Hour is cool, romantic and chic...

  • buy this cd
    author: Philadelphia

    this cd just keeps getting better every time i listen to it. best thing i've bought in many months!

  • beautiful
    author: sharon

    amazing talent, soothing and warm voice. i regret not buying this cd sooner!

  • One of the most original songwriters of our era!
    author: Shane

    The Velvet Hour is an absolutely beautiful and engaging work of art. Bird's lyrics are at once honest and personal, while being universally accessible. The poetry of her lyrics combined with her sensual voice and haunting melodies create songs that resonate with the heart and soul. Add to this brilliant musicianship and production that draws on a myriad of genres and you get a collection of songs both infectious and irresistible.

  • my upscale medispa office plays it all day long. i love it/patients love it
    author: george

    bird is a rare species. everyone who hears the cd asks where i found her. just lucky i guess. i love it.

  • Sexy and fresh.
    author: Damien

    I've listened to this CD numerous times and still look forward to driving home with it in the player. Superb vocals, excellent lyrics and beatuiful music all come together in one. Who could ask for more?

  • Buy this CD, you won't regret it.
    author: Toni

    I saw Bird perform on Oct 11th at Agape and she was truly inspirational. Her lyrics were moving and she has such a beautiful voice.

  • Authentic lyrics and vocals. Haunting, sexy tunes.
    author: Smiller

    Bird's lyrics are beautiful, honest and memorable. I especially like 'Open Wider' and 'Have no fear'. Listening to this cd is like reading a great novel, you just don't want it to end. I highly recommend this as a unique addition to any music collection.

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