December 26, 2018. The ever-versatile Laurin Talese has been a familiar name in the music community since attending Philadelphia’s University of the Arts. After sharing stages with prominent musicians in many different genres, Laurin created a gift for jazz lovers – an album of originals and some familiar tunes called Gorgeous Chaos.
The record, co-produced by Grammy- award winning drummer and producer Ulysses Owens Jr. and Tony-award nominated bassist and music director Adam Blackstone, received much acclaim from the start. Laurin’s compositions come from a place of empowerment, where she has thought life through and can now live with clear intention. “Time heals all wounds,” as sung in the song “Forgive and Forget,” is a running theme within her storytelling.
An unexpected surprise is a version of George Michael’s “Kissing A Fool,” which never received jazz kudos, but has always been a jazz tune. Laurin’s interpretation highlights this fact, as it sounds less produced and features more horns. Her treatment of “Cry Me A River” is absolutely beautiful, and has become a favorite amongst WRTI listeners.
2018 has been an amazing year for Miss Talese. She recently won the 7th Annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition! With an album about moving forward and a successful year under her belt, listening to Laurin Talese is the perfect way to kick off the new year, and you can, right here on WRTI 90.1. Be sure to tune in!