You probably know or remember Laurnea most from her debut CD on Yab Yum /Sony released in 1997 called "Betta Listen", where she worked with some great producers such as, Omar, Raphael Saddiq, Speech, DJ Kemit , Jon John Robinson and others, with 2 hit singles "Can't Let Go and Infatuation. The videos for these songs are in heavy rotation still on BET and VH1 soul.
After leaving Yab Yum Sony in 2000, Laurnea started her own label Era Sound 1 Records where she released 4 other Cd's in 7 different countries.
In 2000 Laurnea released Laurnea II on JVC Japan / Era Sound 1 Records in the overseas market, . The CD was released in Japan , South East Asia , Australia and to the Mom and Pops store in the States With producers Ali Shaheed Muhammod, Dwayne Wiggins, Speech , Jon B, Mark Sparks, Craig Love , DJ Kemit.
In 2002 she released "New Territory" on JVC records producers Omar, Laurnea, Avery Jonson, Lil' John Roberts, and Carl McIntosh.
In 2004 "I Remember" was released on Universal Japan and Era Sound 1 Records, poducers Laurnea ,India Arie, Billy Odum, Shannon Sanders.
In late 2005 the release of 2 CDs one month apart, "I Remember" on Dome Records, UK September 05, and "The Collection" on Shanachie Records with 4 songs picked from her previous 4 CDs ( like the best of) which is sold in 700 stores in the States like Tower, Best Buys and other retail music stores across the nation as well as Mom and Pop stores.
Her music gained significant exposure in Japan and Europe while building a cult following in the United States. Her acting ability landed her roles in such feature films as Spike Lee's "School Daze" and "Hoodlum" (playing the role of Ella Fitzgerald) as well as the ABC TV After School Special "My Past Is My Own". Her music was also featured in the hit film "Soulfood" and on the soundtrack of "Exposure".
Laurnea also sang back ground and recorded with many artist while livng in Los Angeles like Patti LaBelle James Ingram, Bobby McFarrin, Jeffrey Osbone and Caron Wheeler, ( Soul II Soul). Has weitten on project like for the nineies group Jade. She contributed background vocals to India.Arie's "Voyage To India" And India newest release Testimony Volume 1 Life and Relationship album and toured with her as well.
Her stature as a singer was reflected by her inclusion in the concert "Women Of Soul" with such artists as Rachelle Ferrell, Oleta Adams, Jennifer Holiday and India.Arie. "The Collection" brings together a scintillating selection of great tracks from Laurnea's solo recording career to date, drawn from all four of her albums. Many of the songs, which are mostly written or co-written by Laurnea, are drawn from her experiences in her own life - especially from the arena of relationships, love gained and love lost. But there are also such great inspirational tracks as "Doin' It From Me" and "Keep Your Head Up" as well as the somewhat whimsical "Trash", which nonetheless came from her experience as a victim of identity theft.
Throughout, her singing draws you in and then invites you to soar with her. With such an abudance of talent and expressive range, it won't be long before she has created another body of work worthy of a "Collection Vol. 2"!
Visit Shanachies website at shanachie.com and get information and actual musical samplings from all our new releases as well as our extensive catalog of titles.
Laurnea is one of those special artists with an instantly recognizable voice . and a completely unique style. Both qualities are increasingly rare commodities nowadays. Her voice can sound soft and ethereal, energized and edgy, or simply big and soulful depending on the mood of her interpretation. She draws on jazz, r&b, hiphop and electronica to create her own personal - always soulful - mix. And her songs have the authentic feel of true personal expression. Given her many accomplishments, it's hard to believe that she is not yet a household name.
She made her debut on Broadway at a young age and then became a member of Bobby McFerrin's Voicestra. She then joined UK-pop/R&B hitmakers Loose Ends as a vocalist and thereafter joined rap/hip-hop collective Arrested Development.
She launched her solo recording career in 1998 with the well-received CD "Betta Listen", gaining recognition as one of a wave of innovative artists such as Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Maxwell, and Adriana Evans. Two tracks from "Betta Listen," the Prince-like ballad "Infatuation" and the evocative "Can't Let Go" (both included here) received significant radio and video play nationally.
She toured as opening act for Maxwell's first national tour. She then decided to launch her own imprint and over the next several years. Look out for other artist that will be coming from Laurnea's label in the near future and in the mean time go pick up "The Collection" and Laurnea's other CDs' online or in stores near you.
Laurnea has just recorded background vocals on India Arie's next CD to be released June 27, 2006.
Look out for many things in flim, television and new music from Laurnea.
Thank you for all your support!
