Lura GriffithsLura has been singing jazz in the Portland area for the past 5 years. Past venues include Jimmy Macs, Ivories, Wilfs Restaurant, a number of local hotels and restaurants, plus private parties and corporate events. In addition, she has had the pleasure to perform with Karen Gray in Bethesda, MD, and with Donna Verzaro in Paris, France.
Lura love's to sing jazz for many reasons: it's timeless and often haunting lyrics are a joy to sing. But truth be told, as she says, "I LOVE the beat! There is nothing I like more than to see an audience tapping, moving and swinging right along with me and the other musicians on stage. It's the whole reason I do this!" Upbeat swings and latins are what she enjoys the most. Lura tries to find an interesting mix of well known standards, as well as lesser known numbers from the past and from just the past few years. Artists who have inspired her include: Anita O'Day, Peggy Lee, Flora Purim, Nancy Wilson, and Julie London, as well as newer artists such as Carol Welsman, Heather Rigdon, Norah Jones, Sony Holland, Halle Loren, Robin Stine, and Joyce Cooling. More info about Lura at www.reverbNation.com/luragriffithsvocalist |
Lori BooneLori has always enjoyed music. Her father taught dance and her mother was a music teacher. Piano lessons started when she was six and she began singing in grade school. By her senior year in high school, she was singing frequently in trios, duets, solos and accapella groups. Then came college, career and kids. A jazz workshop is what got her started again.
Lori is inspired by jazz because of the timeless lyrics and the lovely melodies. She enjoys bringing new life to these classic tunes by incorporating subtle melodic changes or variations in the timing making the songs her own. Older songs sound fresh and up-to-date and she also includes contemporary song selections to appeal to a wide range of music listeners. Lori has been singing in Portland for the past few years at a variety of venues. Influenced by Sarah Vaughn, Julie London, Eva Cassidy and MelodyGardot her style is fresh, sultry and sophisticated. She selects jazz standards from the American Songbook and mixes in current songs that are written in a similar style but have up-to-date lyrics. |