Lawrence Lebo
“With equal parts Etta James and Bonnie Raitt, LAWRENCE LEBO's voice is made for the ages. She would have packed them in 60 years ago at the most happening spots out there, and her style should translate into quick chart dominance today....... I’d never call her Larry, but I will call her an instant classic” - Cashbox Magazine
"In these days when even solid singers rely heavily on Auto-Tune doctoring to take imperfections (and also any signs of humanity) out of their vocals, it is refreshing to discover a voice as pure and lovely as LAWRENCE LEBO's." - Linda East Brady, Standard Examiner
On LAWRENCE LEBO's fourth release, the title track "HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, BABY" is a classic Rhythm & Blues masterpiece that is sure to become the standard at everyone's anniversary celebration. The song is penned in honor of LEBO's 25th Wedding Anniversary to musical partner, husband/bassist DENNY CROY, this Halloween, October 31, 2011. "Yeah, you still look good to me... In love I'll always be.... HAPPY ANNIVERSARY", croons LEBO. Her deeply heartfelt lyrics are sure to resinate with listeners everywhere. DENNY CROY (Doug MacLeod, Brian Setzer Orchestra) joins LEBO on bass, as does SOUTHLAND BLUES award winning harmonica and hammond B-3 player LARRY "BIG HOUSE" DAVID (Keb'Mo, Bo Diddley, Roy Gaines), guitarist TONY MANDRACCHIA (Edgar Winter, Mitch Ryder), and STEVE MUGALIAN (James Harmon, Rick Holmstrom, Lucinda Williams), on drums. On the "B" side of this CD single release is LEBO's "STOP SHOUTING YOUR BUSINESS". This second-line swamp blues party song comes with it's own social message. "Don't get on your cell .... hollar and yell ... spreading your business like it's something to sell" tells LEBO! The accordion work of CARL BYRON (Bo Diddley, Thelma Jones) helps give the tune it's Louisianna flavor.
Hailing form Southern California, singer/songwriter/composer LAWRENCE LEBO is an artist who is enthralled with and dedicated to American Roots Music. Her journey began with her critically acclaimed debut Ep titled “LAWRENCE LEBO and her LITTLE BIG BAND:DON‘T CALL HER LARRY ”. The work garnered rave international reviews. The Ep's success got the attention of NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO who featured Ms. LEBO on the WEEKEND EDITION show, hosted by Liane Hansen. The success of her first endeavor sparked her second release"DON'T CALL HER LARRY, VOL. 2", and LEBO completed the trilogy with “DON’T CALL HER LARRY, VOL. 3 : AMERICAN ROOTS”
Ms. LEBO has worked long and hard at developing her craft. In addition to her more that 20 years experience as an accomplished vocalist, band leader and songwriter, Lawrence was driven to expand her natural talents through various educational programs. In the 1980s, she attended the vocal program at Grove School of Music in Los Angeles, California. With this educational background, a steady performance schedule and raising family, Lawrence returned to traditional academia in 2000, earning an Associate of Arts degree in music at Santa Monica College, and then transferring to UCLA to complete her Bachelor of Arts degree.
"An education at UCLA was not something I could afford,” says Lawrence. Nevertheless, she poured herself into her studies at UCLA and the hard worked paid off. Ms. Lebo received two of UCLA’s highest honors, including a Regents Scholar and a Gold Shield Alumni Scholar. Lawrence proudly notes, however, “The highlight of my experience at UCLA was getting to study Duke Ellington under Professor Kenny Burrell. It just doesn‘t get any better than that!” In the summer of 2005, Lawrence graduated from UCLA with Latin Honors. On the heels of this educational achievement, Lawrence released, DON‘T CALL HER LARRY, VOLUME 2. Currently LEBO teaches a Blues singing techniques workshop at world famous McCabe's Guitar Shop in Santa Monica. LAWRENCE is listed as a Blues educator with THE BLUES FOUNDATION.
Intellectually curious and stubbornly original, LAWRENCE LEBO continues to explore American Roots music and develop her art in ways that defy categorization. Ms. LEBO can be found performing at events, festivals, night clubs and exclusive private parties. She can be found on the world wide web at www.lawrencelebo.com For Booking Information or Press Kit contact On The Air Records at (818) 708-9565 or email at: lawrencelebo@lawrencelebo.com.
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