Album Notes

"Singer-songwriter Laura Baron lives in DC, but her latest CD would make you think she is from New Orleans or Paris. She belts out the blues in a primal, earthy way. But don't be fooled. As often as not, her voice is delicate, reed-thin, pleading, vulnerable -- breathtakingly beautiful. --Pam Rigaux, Frederick News Post, May 2008


‘‘Scenes from the Avenue” has a distinct, in-the-moment feel, as though recorded on the fly, surrounded by diners and dreamers, burning cigarettes and clinking glasses. And from a fan of all crooners, from Dino to Ella — yes, that’s a compliment.

I’m not accustomed to writing music reviews, favoring film as the medium most suited to my misguided opinions. But it’s possible Laura Baron could change my mind.

Most recently I received her latest CD, ‘‘Scenes From the Avenue,” and a note to take a listen. So I did.

Baron has an easy way with a lyric — she penned most of the songs, here, save for three tracks co-written with frequent collaborator Pat Quinn, and two covers — and an elusive voice. It’s easygoing, reminiscent of Keely Smith, but with the bite of Natalie Merchant by way of Sheryl Crow, all held together by a harmony best described as haunting – not a far cry from Sarah McLaughlin.

Baron and Company have certainly nailed the jazz element — upon playing the CD on my car stereo, images of an intimate, underground club filled with smoke and song were conjured." --Nathan Oravec, Frederick Gazette