Courtney Lemmon-vocals, George Kahn-piano, Wayne Peet-keys, Sammy K-Drums, MB Gordy-percussion, Karl Vincent- bass, Ed Maxwell-bass, MJ Acosta-sax-flute, Brett Farkass- electric guitar, Heday Murcury- acoustic guitar on "The Way You Look Tonight".
Influences
Fiona Apple, Ella Fitzgerald, Eva Cassidy, Susan Tedeschy, Nora Jones, Billy Holiday, Sarah Vaughn, Amee Mann, Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, Joni Mitchell, Nina Simone, Bessie Smith, James Brown, Portishead, Sia, Jack Johnson, Regina Spektor, Bitter Sweet, Patsy Cline, Nikka Costa, Henry Purcell, Duke Ellington, Rachel Assil, Genevieve Artadi, Crystal Knighton, Alison Kraus, Feist, Astrud Gilberto, Kurt Elling, Macain Treat, Elvis Presley, Jackson 5 and big MJ, Madonna, Ozomatli, George Michael, The Supremes, Betty Carter, Krishna Das,
A native of Santa Monica, California, Courtney has been active musically since elementary school. Her early performances include fundraisers with such acclaimed artists as Natalie Cole and Robert Winter, as well as her solo Jazz debut at 15 with Sheila Jordan and Jay Clayton. Ella Fitzgerald, Janis Joplin, Eva Cassidy, Fiona Apple and Billy Holliday all inspired her to investigate a wide range of genres. This appreciation for a wide pallet of musical styles lead her to the Jazz and Contemporary Program at Manhattan’s prestigious New School University, of which she is a recent graduate with a high respect for the blues due to her studies with the incredible pianist Junior Mance.
Now back in Santa Monica, she recently recorded her debut CD “Stay With Me” teaming her with Grammy winner Mike Acosta as a co-writer, Producer and Saxophonist. Mr. Acosta is known as the creative genius behind the original Brian Setzer Orchestra, for which her served as Musical Director, Arranger and featured soloist. For her first full-length recording he surrounded her with Grammy nominees and LA session players to add experience to her youthful sound. This combination of youth and experience propels her music on a journey through several of her favorite styles yet still sounds unique. The title cut “Stay With Me” garnered Courtney and Honorable Mention in the 2006 John Lennon Song Writing Competition.
Courtney’s Santa Monica roots also extend out from her time at Santa Monica Community College where she was introduced to George Kahn. She appears on Kahn’s 2006 release “Compared To What?” which charted in the top ten for the year in Europe. Courtney appears around LA with Kahn from time to time at venues such as The Jazz Bakery, Catalina Bar and Grill and other familiar Jazz haunts in the city. She has also performed with the Hollywood Symphony Choir honoring great composers of our time in beautiful Royce Hall of UCLA.
Currently you can catch her weekly segment “On The Move With Courtney Lemmon” with host Gary Hamada. Check www.KRML.radio.com for the schedule in your area. The Independent Film industry has picked up on Courtney’s sound so listen close as you watch….you may hear her in your favorite film.
“Compared to What? proves itself a funkier, harder-driving version of the Les McCann/Eddie Harris hit from '68, featuring vocalist Courtney Lemmon, whose soulful take on the lyrics show them to be as relevant in these turbulent times as they were in the late sixties.”
~ Dan McClenaghan, All About Jazz Magazine
“With a sweet yet lonely voice, and a comfortably lazy feel on the beat, Ms. Lemmon shows much promise as she showed full command in front of the snapping rhythm.”
~George W. Harris-Jazziz Magazine
"At age 15, Courtney Lemmon takes the stage, and the applause, at The Club."
~ Sherri Zickefoose- SummitUP Newspaper, Banff
I edited my profile with Thomas Myspace Editor V4.4 (www.strikefile.com/myspace)
Speaking of pretty, I love you're new picture! It's beautiful!! Did your Mom take it? She's so good!! Actually, my friend Kiko did my make up and Johan took the pic and Sivitri will be doing all the overlay work on the pics I'm using. Don't think this will be the album cover though...can't wait to see you! xoxox
O HEY GIRL I KNOW ITS A SONG BY AN ARTIST I LIKE A LOT BUT SHE FOR SOMEREASON IS NOT SINGING IVE GOTTA FIX IT BUT LOOK AT THE NEW VIEO UP ON MY PAGE! BY THE WAY IM SOOOOOOOOOOOOO PROUD OF YOU!!!!!! CONGRATS IM BUMMED I COULDNT MAKE IT BUT NEXT TIME!
Thanx for Your Friendship,,If you should get your hands on our cd please burn it and place the burnt copies in random restrooms or countries,,or countries with restrooms. Because we want you to be happy on your travels and not baffled when the country you are in has no restroom to put our CD.
Thanks for being my friend ! Now you can have and download the title tracks to my three recent releases for free! Check em' out! .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. <td width="178" height="35" ..&quo
I'm really enjoying your CD. Nice choice covering Zero 7; I knew I recognized the song but you made it your own. You sound great and the arrangements are interesting. I'm gonna listen more and let it sink in but "Give Up" might be my fav so far. I like the harmony/explosion leading into the break; the mysterious feel reminded me of something from Pet Sounds. You rock!
Online Now!
..
