JO LAWRY

Rarely does a singer come along in whom virtuosity meets sensitivity. Jo Lawry at once tests the limits of technical facility and explores the furthest reaches of musical expression. Her music, steeped in the jazz tradition without being constrained by its traditional forms and functions, demonstrates a unique combination of maturity and inventiveness. Born in South Australia, Jo Lawry’s professional performing career commenced at age 12 with a principal role in the Australian company of Cameron Mackintosh’s Les Miserables. After a brief affair with operatic study at Adelaide University’s Elder Conservatorium, Jo Lawry began her instruction in the Jazz Department, completing Bachelors and Honours degrees in Jazz performance, winning numerous awards and ultimately being invited to join the faculty. In 2003 she was awarded the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship for study in the United States, which led her to New York, where she still resides. While earning a Masters Degree in Jazz Performance at Purchase College, she studied with such jazz luminaries as Javon Jackson and John Riley, and recorded with Renee Rosnes, Peter Washington and Lewis Nash. She was also named as a semifinalist in the 2004 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition. Jo Lawry’s performing career since arriving in the US has been exciting and varied. She has performed and/or recorded with Jon Faddis, Clark Terry, and Hal Galper to name a few. Recent projects as a ‘sideman’ have been with Donny McCaslin and Allan Harris, both funded by Chamber Music America with appearances at venues ranging from NYC’s Blue Note and Jazz Gallery to the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Ongoing collaborations with vocalists Kate McGarry and Peter Eldridge have yielded performances at Birdland and Joe’s Pub. Jo is also Artist-in-Residence at the United States Embassy of Australia and has given multiple command performances for both the current and previous Australian Ambassadors. Most recently, Jo was accepted to participated in the Fred Hersch Professional Training Workshop at Carnegie Hall, and is now a member of Mr. Hersch’s quartet, the Fred Hersch Pocket Orchestra.

Picture : Ichiro Okada

In 2006 Jo commenced her studies at the venerable New England Conservatory for a Doctor of Musical Arts in Jazz Performance. There, she has studied with Danilo Perez, Jerry Bergonzi, Dominique Eade, John McNeil and Dave Holland. Upon graduation, she will be the first vocalist to be awarded this degree from NEC. Jo leads her own quintet which performs in and around NYC, appearing regularly at notable jazz venues such as the 55 Bar and Cornelia Street Cafe. With this group, she recently recorded the album “I Want to Be Happy”, which features her own compositions and arrangements and is due for release on October 21, 2008. Discography - I Want to be Happy – Leader, voice, arrangements, compositions, triangle - Live at Jazz Standard - Fred Hersch Pocket Orchestra (Sunnyside 2009). Lead vocals. - Strange Sweethearts in America - James Shipp's Nós Novo. Lead vocals, mandolin, melodica, shruti. If Less is More… Nothing is Everything – Kate McGarry (Palmetto 2008) - Guest vocals, violin. - Rise Up! - Dr. Lonnie Smith (Palmetto 2008/2009) - Guest vocals - Sing Along with the Heinle Picture Dictionary for Children – Vocals, compositions. - Cry of the Thunderbird – Allan Harris (2007) – backing vocals and percussion - The Absolutely Very Best of Peter Combe Live (DVD, ABC Australia) – 1992 Website www.jolawry.com