HALIE LOREN: A singer/songwriter who gets in your head, plunges you into darkly-effervescent musical waters and pulls you on an emotional journey with her jazz-infused intelligent pop/rock—-a molasses-dipped version of Tori/Sarah/Joni.
ABOUT THE ALBUM:
‘Full Circle’ represents a collection of some of the songs that Halie Loren wrote while she was searching for, and finding, her true musical voice.
Her music has too many facets and layers to simply plug into a cookie-cutter genre to be described as alternative or pop or jazz. Instead, you’ll find the music and the voice taking you down unexpected paths.
The full scope of the songs on the CD move you from 'Full Circle', the CD's title song that spells out emotional revenge so bitter you can almost taste the hurt that’s been a long-time building, to the questioning cry for help on the song ‘Empty’ as it addresses the media-produced images of perfection that are held up to young women in today’s society.
Halie’s lyrics remind us what an excellent writer she is as she cuts to the core without ever thinking of holding back, whether she’s musically commenting on today’s political climate (Numb), reminding backstabbers that their day is coming (Kitty), or giving a tongue ‘n cheek brush-off to a well-deserving significant other (Almost Even). But hope is portrayed in the collection as well. 'Pretty Truth' reminds us to let others know and love us for who we really are. And her song ‘Lucky’ so aptly acknowledges “lucky is, after all, just a state of mind."
Halie accompanies herself with piano on all the tracks. The album was co-produced and engineered with James House, a multi-talented producer and musician who also adds backup to some of the songs on bass and guitar, along with other fine musicians Chris Ward (electric & acoustic guitar and bass), Brian West (drums), Paul Biondi (saxophone/flute) and Dale Bradley (cello).
ABOUT HALIE:
Halie Loren has been blowing away listeners for years with both her voice and her writing abilities as she steadily carves out a unique musical niche with her jazz-infused breed of intelligent piano-rock. Halie writes with a passion that’s carried along by her rich, dynamic vocals and piano-driven melodies, which has already garnered her multiple songwriting awards in almost every music genre.
Based in the Northwest, Halie has performed from coast to coast on stages, headlined full bands in front of thousands, spiced up trios in intimate club settings, and performed solo at showcases in New York, Nashville, and Seattle. She’s shared shows with Grammy-winning performers, collaborated with many well-known and respected writers and numerous other music industry veterans, all while going through her teenage years, preparing for college, and searching and finding her true musical voice
She released her solo project, "Full Circle", of her original material in 2006, a new jazz album of standards and originals in November 2008, and a Christmas album with Matt Treder released in December 2008. She is now in the process of recording another solo CD of originals for release in summer 2009.
Today, with a full-time music career, Halie is constantly performing, writing and recording as well as collaborating on various projects with other music professionals around the country.
To be added to Halie's mailing list and to receive updates performance dates, booking inquiries, etc. please visit Halie's website at www.halieloren.com / www.myspace.com/halieloren or email her at halieloren@comcast.net.
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING:
“Halie Loren-Intelligent, unique, original, gifted. It's difficult to find enough words to describe the incredible talent of this young artist. Quite simply, she is everything that is good about music. From the moment I heard her warm sensual voice and beautiful, textured phrasing, I was completely blown away. Add to that her incredible songwriting and instrumental skills, you have a truly special young woman. One of those rare artists that I believe could take any song from any genre and make it her very own. This album is an absolute gem.” (Rob Lardie, www.CDReviewsbyyou.com)
"Start with equal parts Joni Mitchell and Tori Amos, toss in a generous portion of Fiona Apple and a hint of Sarah McLachlan and you’ll have the perfect recipe for 22-year-old singer-songwriter Halie Loren. Her piano-based pop songs and rich vocals pay homage to those musical giants while still carving out a spot uniquely her own."
(Mare Wakefield, Performing Songwriter Magazine)
” Versatility merits kudos for any musician--but add Loren's dynamic performance style, which combines powerhouse passion with confessional intimacy, and it's understandable why she's turned heads on stages in Nashville, New York, Seattle and other venues far beyond hometown Eugene. (Mikael Krummel, Eugene Magazine)
"The minute I put this CD in I liked it. It’s smooth, comfortable, and emotional. The kind of CD I could put on … fall into the music and forget about the world around me. Captivating, emotional, without being overly moody." (Mike Cavanaugh, All Access Magazine)
"It took about fifteen seconds for me to decide that 22-year-old Halie Loren was bound for greatness; that's the point at which quiet piano gives way to powerful voice on "Maybe I'll Fly," the first track on her stunning debut album, Full Circle. It's a voice that's been compared (deservedly) to greats like Tori Amos, Sarah McLachlan and Joni Mitchell (who Halie delicately and wonderfully covers on Track 4, "River")... Rich, dark, bittersweet, and oh-so satisfying. (Michael Fiegel, OnlineRock.com)
"As one might imagine, we receive a lot of independent releases for review consideration here at E4W. Yet few have been quite as impressive as Halie Loren's new release, Full Circle. An intelligent, sophisticated, and downright impressive collection of contemporary alt-pop piano rock tracks, Full Circle delivers, essentially, the full package: interesting musical arrangements, inspiring vocals, and clever lyricisms. It's absolutely delightful." (Carly Hope Finseth, Editor, www.Empowerment4Women.org)
“Halie is my new favorite artist over here at Whole Wheat Radio. Considering we air thousands of independent singer-songwriters and I'm somewhat immune because we hear so much music, that is the highest compliment I can give. I feel the same sort of wonder I felt when I first heard Eva Cassidy. I am stunned that Halie is only in her 20s. This is an artist I want to keep track of because once the world hears her, I think she has the talent and ability to be a major performer. I highly recommend this CD.” (Jim Kloss, Whole Wheat Radio - www.wholewheatradio.net)
“She sings of love and struggle, like most performers, but with stories and poetry that are complex and accessible without relying on catchy repetitive hooks or obscurity needing Impressionistic interpretation.” (Mark Sabbatini, Juneau Empire)
"To truly capture so much emotion in one's voice is true art; to express it is a gift indeed. The melody is as rich as the lyric and Halie's pliable voice does every note full justice weaving beauty into every measure." (Annette Conlon, www.netteradio.com.)
“Loren has a mature, rich voice, diving to passionate depths and hovering over the tender notes. Coupling intriguing songwriting with a skilled musical ear, Loren is an exciting talent with songs that are fully formed and resonate as only songs based on experience can.” (Vanessa Salvia, Eugene Weekly)
“The album, "Full Circle," deserves a wide audience. It is an achievement in capturing Loren's vocal range, expressive, ethereal piano and heart-wrenching pop lyrics.” (Serena Markstrom, The Ticket/Register-Guard)
“The best part about it all, besides the great lyrics, is that it comes at you set to sounds that are just as biting and attention grabbing. This is a great album, and one that needs plenty of recognition and a large audience to enjoy just as I did.” (Keith Hannaleck, www.muzikreviews.com)
“There are twelve tracks on Full Circle and they all have two things in common: Ms Loren's moody piano, and some sharp lyrics. … Halie Loren can succeed in putting you right there in the moment. (Arhythmius, DJ, Female Front Radio-www.femalefront.com)
“Full Circle has left me breathless. … The balance between breath & song is poetry in motion, like a master artist with a brush, striking the perfect equilibrium between space & negative space.” (Morris Walker, MicroEpic Productions, Corvallis)
“The songs are written with a lot of intricate layers and interesting pieces. They often go where you don’t expect, a good indicator of a talented songwriter. The piano composition and performance are divine…Her voice is beautiful. She puts so much emotion into her words and melodies you really feel it along with her.” (Amy Young, www.collectedsounds.com)
"Halie Loren has a voice that defines a true artist; one that comes from a deep emotional place. She puts an ultimate truth and personal soul into each and every note she sings. As a producer, never has a voice moved me more than Halie's!" (Rick Chudacoff, Producer, Nashville/LA)
“Halie Loren’s one of this country's most likely candidates to put integrity and quality back into pop music." (Mike Meyer, Music Director KKUP-Cupertino and KRVM-Eugene)
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