I've been a singer/songwriter for over 20 years. I work with Grammy winning New York Voices since '92.
I recorded my first solo CD, Hardly Blinking, in 2000 with Phil Ramone. 2 songs from this CD were licensed by the Oxygen Channel in 2000.
In May 2010, I released my second solo CD, Avalon, to rave reviews. It's an eclectic mix of music, merging my many years invested in the jazz world with my love of the singer/songwriter narrative and vibe.
New York Voices has recorded my originals. As well, these songs are being recorded by other artists.
I work with Moss - another mega watt vocal group. I have three compositions on that latest recording on Sunnyside Records.
I also record with JaLaLa which is made up of Janis Siegel (of Manhattan Transfer) and Laurel Masse'.
I just finished my first term as a Board of Governor for the Recording Academy's NY Chapter.
Latest News
Lauren Kinhan's sophomore release, Avalon, hit the streets May 2010 to rave reviews!
Jazz Times calls it "hip, intelligent and vibrant."
Jazziz publisher Fagien says, "I can't stop listening to it!"
The Midwest Record says, ""These are new songs with a heavy art jazz slant....she remembers what is is to entertain."
Lauren Kinhan
Singer/Songwriter Lauren Kinhan has been creating genre-merging music for years as evidenced in her latest collection of songs. "Avalon" is another fine example of how she comfortably bridges the jazz and adult alternative worlds. The last 18 years of her career have taken her all over the world and allowed her to work with some of the industry's great artists. Parenthood influenced the album's thematic depth and provided a beautiful filter in which to experience this growing repertoire. "Avalon" speaks elegantly to solitude, love, life, loss and JOY!
Legendary Phil Ramone describes Lauren as a true songstress, "She is musical, lyrical, and really delivers vocally." Phil produced Lauren's debut release, "Hardly Blinking," in 2000. "Avalon" is a good look at some of the mile markers since then. Her versatility in singing and contributing original music is evidenced in her years with New York Voices, and co-founding Moss and JaLaLa. Moss, made up of Luciana Souza, Kate McGarry, Theo Bleckmann, Peter Eldridge and Lauren, released their self titled CD "Moss" in 2008 to rave reviews. In 2010, it was included in DownBeat's Best CDs of the 2000s. JaLaLa is short for Janis Siegel, Laurel Massé and Lauren, and they released their tribute to Johnny Mercer, "That Old Mercer Magic," in 2009. "Spring, Spring, Spring" was selected from their CD to be on the soundtrack of Clint Eastwood's documentary about Mercer titled, The Dream's on Me.
Avalon features some of Lauren's closest friends who happen to be some of New York's finest musicians. It is a rich and well crafted project highlighting Lauren's songs, co-produced brilliantly by Ben Wittman, the singer-songwriter "whisperer." Peter Eldridge, fellow New York Voices band mate, plays piano and co-pens some songs. Jonatha Brooke joins her on "Here After" while Rob Mounsey adds an exquisite string arrangement. Romero Lubambo guests on "Until You're Mine" and "Here is My Avalon" and Donny McAslin and Joel Frahm add their signature horn handiwork. Andy Ezrin is also featured on piano and B3 organ. The sophisticated and nuanced attention to detail is present throughout the recording.
Lauren's debut CD, "Hardly Blinking," was produced by a powerhouse of great music men; Phil Ramone, Frank Filipetti and Rob Mounsey. The CD comes from another era of Lauren's life which draws upon living in the East Village, working through relationships, pondering lost youth, mourning loved ones, past pain, and ultimately finding love. Where there are a few more pop and rock elements prevalent in this one, the style is the same. Lauren meanders through the genres and crafts the song where it needs to go. "Ask Amelia," I Saw Love Today," and "Heave and Earth" are particular high notes. "Are You Listening" was licensed as the Theme/Opener to a talk show on the Oxygen Channel in 2000.
She joined New York Voices in 1992. They share two Grammy awards for their featured work on Paquito D'Rivera's "Brazilian Dreams" in 2003 and Count Basie Orchestra's "Live at the Manchester Craftsman's Guild" in 1997. They continue to use the choral canon as the playground for their four voices as evidenced in their most recent release "A Day Like This."
Lauren is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music.