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Laura Landsberg trio coming to Studio 64
By Mike Redfern
Two old favourites are returning to Studio 64 for the second concert in this fall’s Live at Studio 64 jazz & blues series. Nelson’s Laura Landsberg brings her mixture of jazz, blues, gospel, and rock vocals to Kimberley, backed by Doug Stephenson on bass and Tony Ferraro on drums, both whom have excited audiences at Studio 64 when they have previously appeared there with other lead artists.
Although this will be Laura Landsberg’s first performance in Kimberley, she is pretty well known around the Kootenays where she has been busy this summer, touring with her new CD, A Simple Twist.
In addition to performing as a vocalist, Landsberg is also a voice and ensemble instructor at Selkirk College. After graduating from Grant MacEwan University in Edmonton, Landsberg went on to study with various vocal musicians including Bobby Ferrin, Dee Daniels, Rhiannon, Kiran Ahluwalia, and other talented vocal teachers.
It is hardly surprising that she has garnered a solid reputation as a jazz singer, being the daughter of jazz musician Ian McDougall who played in the famous Johnny Dankworth jazz band in London during her childhood.
Laura herself has performed with such jazz greats as Chris Brubeck, son of Dave Brubeck, Donnie Clark and Hugh Fraser. She has been the soloist with the Spokane Jazz Orchestra, the Vancouver Ensemble for Jazz Improvisation, and the Universal Gospel Choir and has appeared at the Kaslo and Sandpoint jazz festivals. CBC Radio’s former host of Hot Air, Paul Grant, said of Laura Landsberg, “With so many singers trying to sound like someone else, it’s a treat to hear Laura Landsberg’s fresh and original voice – she’s a natural.”
As for Stephenson and Ferarro, they both appeared at Studio 64 backing Melody Daichun, to whom Stephenson is married, in 2014. On that occasion Doug played some pretty funky stuff on acoustic guitar. This time he’ll be on bass. Ferraro first created a drumming sensation at Studio 64 when he appeared with the Tyler Hornby Trio earlier that same year. On both occasions he received the loudest applause for his dynamic drum solos and sensitive rhythm accompaniment of the vocals.
On Saturday, October 15, Laura Landsberg brings her fresh and original voice to Studio 64 for what promises to be a memorable experience for jazz and blues lovers. The concert starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are available at Centre 64 (250-427-4919) or online at eastkootenaysnapd.com. You’d be advised to snap ‘em up early (pardon the pun)!
