Vocalist Laura Ridgeway brings to life holiday favorites on her highly anticipated, newly released CD, "Christmas at Home." Her smooth, versatile voice and talented musicians combine jazz, oldies pop, swing, and blues - along with original pieces - to offer classy, nostalgic songs that delight and touch all age groups.
Laura Ridgeway's versatile vocal influences include jazz legends, Carmen McRae and Nat King Cole; pop artists Barbra Streisand, Karen Carpenter, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and k.d. lang; country artists Patsy Cline and Mary Chapin Carpenter. Laura has been singing in various capacities for over 20 years. She performs at outdoor concerts and festivals throughout the South, for the governor and other dignitaries of North Carolina, BTI Performing Arts Center, RBC Center, and for countless galas, weddings, dances, finer restaurants, and private events. The release of her first solo CD, Triple Dog Dare Ya, in March, 2002, includes three original jazz/blues pieces, illustrating her talents as a singer/songwriter.
Laura Ridgeway and Friends can consist of a duo (vocals with keyboards or guitar) all the way to a five or six-piece group, as illustrated on the "Christmas at Home" CD. These musicians represent some of the finest in the region, many whom have performed and toured regionally, nationally, and internationally.
In addition to her work with her jazz/pop group, she performs in acoustic duos with several area male guitarist/vocalists performing blues, pop, light rock, and folk pieces. For many years, she competed on a statewide and regional basis with the Raleigh Sweet Adelines, a four-part harmony, female a capella show chorus performing Broadway show tunes and oldies favorites. She attributes her vocal accuracy and keen ear-training to these experiences.
Laura generously devotes her time and talents to the community through music. She has performed with a 150-member gospel choir. She sings weekly with a local women's three-part harmony chorus that performs for residents in nursing homes. Also, she performs for charitable benefits, area elementary schools, children's music programs, and currently conducts a children's choir. In addition to vocals, she plays the flute, rhythm guitar, and piano. For further information, contact Laura Ridgeway at Lmridgeway@earthlink.net.
Read more...