Jazz singer Lori Lefevre celebrates self-produced CD
Written by Brigitta Burks | News Editor | BBurks@toledofreepress.comLocal jazz artist Eric Dickey has long encouraged jazz singer Lori Lefevre to produce fer own CD. In January, she agreed, and will celebrate the release of “The Song is You” on Aug. 29.
Lefevre has been performing for 30 years and recorded on several other groups’ CDs, including with the Toledo Jazz Orchestra for the 2011 Toledo Free Press “Holiday Wishes” CD benefiting Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Lefevre, a Whitmer graduate, discovered jazz courtesy of her mother, also a jazz singer.
“I just kind of grew up with it and always sang it and always enjoyed it,” Lefevre said.
The singer attended the University of Toledo and then traveled doing musical theater before returning to the area and to jazz. She recently accompanied famed singer Jon Hendricks to France.
Lori Lefevre, with Ray Parker and Eric Dickey.
Lefevre, also an art teacher at Whitmer, said she loves jazz because of the freedom it allows her.
“Not only is the music interesting in terms of the lyrics and the melody, but also the compilation of the chords and the opportunity for improvisation so you can add your own twist and tricks as well as your own emotional perspective to the tune,” she said.
Choosing songs for her new CD was difficult because she enjoys so many, Lefevre said. Tracks include “The Nearness of You,” “All the Way” and “Like a Lover.” In addition to Dickey, Scott Kretzer, Jordan Schug and Gene Parker play on the 11-track CD.
“I feel really fortunate to be in Toledo where there is a pretty strong community of jazz musicians and listeners,” Lefevre said. “It’s a good place to be if you’re a jazz lover.”
The jazz lover is also a member of local jazz group 6th Edition, which has its own CD, “It’s About Time.”
The Aug. 29 celebration is sponsored by the Art Tatum Jazz Society and the Grand Plaza Hotel as part of the Jazz on the Maumee series. Every Wednesday, local artists play from 5-7 p.m. in the hotel’s Aqua Lounge at 444 N. Summit St. For $15, eventgoers receive free valet parking and can see live jazz. A cash bar is also available. Dickey and John Johnson will accompany Lefevre.
Another CD release party is planned for
7 p.m. Sept. 14 at the Bowling Green State University Moore Musical Arts Center. Lefevre will also accompany the Toledo Jazz Orchestra and other vocalists at 8 p.m. Sept. 22 for “Songs for Our Sister” at the Valentine Theatre.
Lefevre’s CD is $15 and will eventually be available at CD Baby and iTunes. To purchase now, contact her at ljjazzy2468@yahoo.com.
Tags: Art Tatum Jazz Society, Eric Dickey, Lori Lefevre, Ray Parker, Toledo Jazz Orchestra
