GOOD SUNDAY MORNING, P.O.U.!
As you get your Sunday breakfast/brunch on, enjoy the sounds of jazz vocalist, Lauren Henderson.
Lauren Henderson is a jazz and Latin jazz vocalist and composer from Massachusetts. Henderson’s Caribbean and Latin Heritage are central themes in her original music and performance. Currently based in both Miami and New York, Lauren performs standards and original music at various national and international venues.
Henderson’s eclectic vocal influences spread across genres. Her Afro-Latin influence aids her in producing a distinct yet versatile sound. Lauren’s diverse musical background is rooted in jazz and has been influenced by artists like Shirley Horn, Nancy Wilson, Anita O’Day, Chris Connor, Julie London, Sarah Vaughan, Astrud Gilberto, Omara Portuondo, and many others.
In 1993, Lauren began to study piano. She grew up singing in church and school choirs, as well as listening to jazz records from her parent’s, and grandparent’s collections. Timid as a young musician, she was always reluctant to sing solos, until given a gentle push by mentors shortly before heading to Wheaton College (MA) to receive her Bachelor of Arts. At Wheaton, she discovered her voice, becoming the Musical Director of her singing group, a member of Jazz Band, studying classical voice and musical theatre, as well as finding inspiration in her professors and master classes with artists like Paquito D’Rivera and Take6.
Having earned college degrees in both Music and Hispanic Studies, Lauren continues to combine her love of music and culture. While living in Puebla, México she studied the traditional music of the Yucatán and popular music throughout the country at Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla. Through her international piano and voice studies, she worked on developing her musicianship. In Córdoba, España she studied flamenco and its similarities to jazz at La Universidad de Córdoba. An avid nuevo-flamenco listener, Lauren often quotes popular sounds of various countries while nurturing the roots of classic forms.
In 2011 she released her debut album, Lauren Henderson. It was recorded almost immediately upon her arrival in New York. Henderson recorded with close friend, Sullivan Fortner (piano), Ben Leifer (bass), and Jesse Simpson (drums). The original intent was to create a demo to aid in her pursuit of a career in New York’s competitive jazz scene.
(SOURCE: Lauren Henderson Music)