Genre: Blues
Starting Date: 8/21/07
Members: hali ritchens.
Qual is the solo project of Blues pianist/vocalist Hali Ritchens (b. D-14 Y-18 to famous Los Angeles socialite Hannelore Ritchens), currently signed to Blue York City Records. Qual's sound is predominately Boogie Woogie, with a strong early rock 'n roll influence. The original name, “Rozalia Qual,” was an alias Ms. Ritchens used while living in Nashville as a runaway.
Years relevant: Y31-Present
Ritchens got her start by playing piano in a now-defunct tiny honkey tonk joint just outside Nashville, where she took up residency with the owner upstairs after running away from her home in Los Angeles at the age of 15. Influenced heavily by the soulful sound of the various Blues musicians who played late-night jam sessions after hours over some old fashioned moonshine, Ritchens began learning 12-bar blues basics on piano under the wing of the club's owner, Mama Legs Andersen. Upon returning to LA after the club's doors were forcefully closed in Year 30, she began her new solo project in LA, then called Rozalia Qual, on Day 14, after playing piano for her own 19th birthday party. Only a year later Qual was signed with multi-genre True Love Inc.'s True Blues Love! branch.
The name was shortened to “Qual” after the birth of Hali Ritchens's first daughter, Rozalia, and has remained largely a solo act. During a brief period during Y 40, Qual became a duo with Cengiz Satan introduced as the drummer and dancer. Despite the warm partnership the two enjoyed personally and professionally, personal scheduling conflicts interfered and the two parted ways. Despite the drum-heavy sound of the songs written during this period, Qual still performs them sans drums, albeit with mixed reviews.
At the end of Year 41, Qual broke off ties with the True Love Inc. and was signed to Blue York City Records.
Qual remains very active and tours extensively in the Americas and most European cities.
Starting on D. 14 Y. 43, Qual will embark on her very first world tour alongside fellow blues solo act Lonely Dog.
| Date | Name | Type | Review | Label |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.28.08 | Left Me For A Tornado | Single | 3/5 | True Blues Love! |
| 9.9.08 | A Bottom Shelf Affair | Full Length | 4/5 | True Blues Love! |
| 10.22.08 | I Ain't No Slave | Single | 3/5 | True Blues Love! |
| 12.23.08 | Vanity Meets Calamity | Single | 4/5 | True Blues Love! |
| 3.4.09 | Etiquette of Parlysis | Full Length | 4/5 | True Blues Love! |
| 4.22.09 | I Just Want One Drink | Single | 4/5 | Blue York City |
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