“Lauren has a beguiling voice that mixes sweet playfulness with solid technique, control and range.” – Cathy Riches, Whole Note Magazine

Melissa Lauren, appearing Wednesday, March 26 at The Arts Station, is an accomplished singer and songwriter who is making her mark on the Canadian music scene. With a strong influence in jazz and blues, Melissa has developed an original style of her own; melting together old school sounds with modern flare. Melissa’s latest album, ‘The Other Side,’ was released in March 2012 to great review and is a collection of original compositions and jazz standards. Produced by Eric St-Laurent, the album pays tribute to the jazz and swing sounds that shaped her musical style, and offers a variety of classic sounds, mixed with modern pop sensibilities.

The singer’s love for swing and jazz music started when she started performing with the Toronto All-Star Big Band. She continued to tour and perform with them until branching out on her own in 2004. Melissa has had the opportunity to work with and open for many wonderful musicians; Jeff Healey, Gordon Lightfoot, Renee Lee, Henry Questa, Tommy Ambrose, Peter Appleyard, Buddy DiFranco, Jackie Richardson, and Clark Terry to name a few. In addition to touring Western Canada Spring of 2013, Melissa will be heading across Europe this summer to promote the album and debut songs from the next.

‘“I won’t rest until I am my best for you.” The Toronto chanteuse can now put up her feet – she’s lovely with her strummy and breezy elegance, which seems absolutely good to us.” -Brad Wheeler, The Globe and Mail

“Melissa Lauren is a real jazz singer, good in the way Blossom Dearie or Stacie Kent are good. Once you hear her sing, you want to keep listening.” -Stanley Fefferman, The Opus One Review

“She takes gorgeous risks….and her melodies and lyrics are engaging and meaningful…..as a songwriter, she’s a winner. “ – Mark Myers, JazzWax

Showtime is 8 p.m.

The Arts Station

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