Best Local Folk Singers In Miami
Rachel Goodrich
Rachel Goodrich is a singer and songwriter who incorporates a plethora of instruments, such as guitar, ukulele, harmonica, kazoo, xylophone, banjo and recorder into her music. You might even hear keys, spoons, pots and pans. This folk singer has been described as an "eclectic blend of vaudeville-inspired indie pop, swing-jazz and country-folk." She has dubbed her music "shake-a-billy." You know, like rock-a-billy, except her music doesn't rock, it shakes. She self-released her first album, entitled "Tinker Toys," in 2008 and The New York Times promptly wrote her up as the "queen of the Miami indie rock scene." People who watch her perform describe Goodrich as goofy and genuine, from her big smile down to her silly costumes. Depending on the show, she may perform by herself or have an ever-rotating cast of friends assisting her on instruments.
Raffa & Rainer
Raffa, of Raffa & Rainer, has actually toured with Rachel Goodrich and both Raffa and Rainer are good friends of hers. It makes sense that the best local folk singers in Miami would stick together and support one another. Duo Raffa & Rainer is actually Raffa Jo Harris, the vocalist, and Rainer Davies, guitarist. They have been playing together for over 10 years now, since they were in high school. Raffa & Rainer released their first album back in 2005 - "Stolen Coal," and it featured just the two of them. Their second album, "No Mercy," was released in 2010 and incorporated a lot of their friends this time around. Rachel Goodrich is one of them, along with many from the University of Miami's music school, where Rainer teaches jazz guitar. Altogether, there were 30 guest musicians. Their live shows are always fun and ever-changing, because obviously their 30 guest musicians cannot travel with them - at least not all at the same time. Luckily, Raffa & Rainer's well-written songs can stand alone.
