Azure Ray

Although they became important figures in the Saddle Creek community of Omaha, NE, Orenda Fink and Maria Taylor made their initial mark in Athens, GA, where they formed Azure Ray in 2001. The two musicians -- both Alabama natives -- combined elements of folk, Americana, and light electronica into their 2001 debut album. The next winter, Azure Ray issued the November EP on the Saddle Creek label, sparking a fruitful association with the label and its roster. The sophomore effort Burn and Shiver followed in 2002 and exuded a more serene soundscape, as well as slick production work from Crooked Fingers frontman Eric Bachmann. Fink and Taylor also began lending their contributions to other albums, from Moby's 18 to Bright Eyes' Lifted or The Story Is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground. A year later, Azure Ray continued their prolific pace by issuing Hold on Love. The album proved to be the band's last release, however, and both musicians went on to pursue solo careers. ~ MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide