Special Guests
alison april deborah maya nick omarLaurnea
Laurnea is one of those special artists with an instantly recognizable voice ... and a completely unique style. Both qualities are increasingly rare commodities nowadays. Her voice can sound soft and ethereal, energized and edgy, or simply big and soulful depending on the mood of her interpretation.
She draws on jazz, r&b, hiphop and electronica to create her own personal - always soulful - mix. And her songs have the authentic feel of true personal expression.
She made her debut on Broadway at a young age and then became a member of Bobby McFerrin's Voicestra. She then joined UK-pop/R&B hitmakers Loose Ends as a vocalist and thereafter joined rap/hip-hop collective Arrested Development.
She launched her solo recording career in 1997 with the well-received CD "Betta Listen", where she worked with some great producers such as, Omar, Raphael Saddiq, Speech, DJ Kemit , Jon John Robinson and others, with 2 hit singles "Can't Let Go and Infatuation. Two tracks from "Betta Listen," the Prince-like ballad "Infatuation" and the evocative "Can't Let Go" received significant radio and video play nationally.
In 2000 Laurnea released Laurnea II on JVC Japan / Era Sound 1 Records in the overseas market. The CD was released in Japan, South East Asia, Australia and to the Mom and Pops store in the States With producers Ali Shaheed Muhammod, Dwayne Wiggins, Speech , Jon B, Mark Sparks, Craig Love , DJ Kemit.
In 2002 she released "New Territory" on JVC records producers Omar, Laurnea, Avery Jonson, Lil' John Roberts, and Carl McIntosh.
In 2004 "I Remember" was released on Universal Japan and Era Sound 1 Records, producers Laurnea ,India Arie, Billy Odum, Shannon Sanders.
In late 2005 the release of 2 CDs one month apart, "I Remember" on Dome Records, UK September 05, and "The Collection" on Shanachie Records with 4 songs picked from her previous 4 CDs (like the best of) which is sold in 700 stores in the States like Tower, Best Buys and other retail music stores across the nation as well as Mom and Pop stores.
Her music gained significant exposure in Japan and Europe while building a cult following in the United States.
Her acting ability landed her roles in such feature films as Spike Lee's "School Daze" and "Hoodlum" (playing the role of Ella Fitzgerald) as well as the ABC TV After School Special "My Past Is My Own".
Her music was also featured in the hit film "Soulfood" and on the soundtrack of "Exposure". Laurnea also sang back ground and recorded with many artist while living in Los Angeles like Patti LaBelle James Ingram, Bobby McFarrin, Jeffrey Osbone and Caron Wheeler, (Soul II Soul). Has weitten on project like for the nineies group Jade.
She contributed background vocals to India.Arie's "Voyage To India" And India newest release Testimony Volume 1 Life and Relationship album and toured with her as well.
Her stature as a singer was reflected by her inclusion in the concert "Women Of Soul" with such artists as Rachelle Ferrell, Oleta Adams, Jennifer Holiday and India.Arie.
www.myspace.com/laurnea