In two decades of eminence on the UK jazz vocal scene Laura Zakian has stamped her mark with inimitable and sophisticated readings of classic songs. More recently, she has found her original voice as a thoughtful and original lyricist in collaboration with prolific and eclectic composer Martin Pyne. Together they create genre-defying music which is at once meditative and expansive, and a springboard for masterful embellishment of this accomplished quintet. Laura’s mature and intelligent lyrics range far beyond hackneyed themes into sometimes surprising territory, crystallising the frustrations and joys of ordinary moments in our lives.
Dreaming Life adds five new songs to five reprised and sometimes rearranged compositions from Zakian’s first released collaboration with Pyne, the critically acclaimed Minor Moments (2019). Zakian also covers Coming Home by American folk artist Patty Griffin, displaying her ease in imprinting her style on a wide range of musical idioms.
Laura Zakian has lived and worked in London for more than two decades, teaching as well as practicing her art. She studied in New York with Nancy Marano from the Manhatten School of Music, then began her jazz career in Italy.
Percussionist and composer Martin Pyne’s recorded oeuvre ranges from straight ahead contemporary jazz through electronica to improvised percussion for dancers. His Spirit of Absent Dancers LP was hailed as one of the Guardian’s personal albums of the year for 2020.
Paul Bartholomew, on baritone sax, has worked with stars from BB King to Chaka Khan, Dr John to Supergrass. He’s also Zakian’s husband.
Steve Lodder, on piano, bassist Andy Hammill and drummer Nic France complete the quintet. They are all highly regarded in the jazz and wider musical world, and between them have worked with an amazing array of artists, from Andy Shepperd and Annie Ross to Sarah Jane Morris and Tanita Tikaram.
