Artist description Mary Lofstrom brings a glimmer of old-fashioned silken artistry to songs that are ripe for this moment. A unique flavor is brought to the jazz world through Mary Lofstrom's songwriting and song choices. Seated at once smack dab in the middle of traditional jazz yet tugging at its fringes with her openly lesbian lyrics, Lofstrom makes her listeners feel at ease with her clear emotive style. These songs could easily accompany the listener to daylight, come along for a lazy drive, take a turn in the garden of the soul, or leave one in the dark with martini in hand.

Music Style Vocal jazz accompanied by piano, bass and strings. Two beautiful ballads and a boisterous bop tune fall within the bounds of traditional jazz.

Musical Influences Chris Connor, Julie London, Patricia Barber, Ferron, Tammy Wynette

Similar Artists Holly Cole, Chris Connor, Suede

Artist History Mary Lofstrom grew up in rural central Minnesota. A move to Seattle upon completing a degree in Art History brought more studies with Jazz vocalist Jay Clayton. Its here that Mary developed her improvising skills and began gigging in the Seattle area. Lofstrom has attended the Bud Shank Jazz Workshop in Port Townsend and studied Afro-Cuban drumming with Bill Matthews. In 1996 Lofstrom released her first CD entitled 'My Secret Joy'. It consists of nine original tunes with facets of humor, frolic, heartbreak and melancholy with dashes of vocal scat. Lofstrom's second release 'Ginger Comes to Stay'came in Fall of 2002. Three of the eleven tunes are original and available for listening on Mp3.com. The remainders are well-picked and aptly interpreted songs like 'My Baby Just Cares for Me', 'You Hit the Spot', and 'Your Good Girl is Gonna go Bad' to name a few. Lofstrom's approach to song and songwriting is lyrical and melodic in style. Her voice is rich, relaxed and very good to the ears.

Group Members Mary Lofstrom-vocals Dawn Clement-piano Laura Welland-bass Nelda Swiggett-synth strings

Instruments vocals, piano, acoustic bass, synth strings

Albums 'My Secret Joy'--1997, 'Ginger Comes to Stay'--2002

Press Reviews 'I LOVE this album!! Some of the sweetest, smoothest, swinging-est, most melodic, foot-tappin' finger-snappin' jazz on disc--with fabulous lesbian lyrics! Buy this if you like jazz, and buy this if you don't think you do--very highly recommended. --Ladyslipper '(She) scats. Her voice very amply fills a space between alto and contralto. She phrases with confidence (and) her sense of humor can be edgy and self-mocking.' --Alan Bargebuhr, Cadence Magazine 'The smoky jazz lounge sounds of Lofstrom as she croons, 'she rarely wants me' will sell you.'--Girlfriends Magazine 'Her voice is mellifluous with an astounding range.'--Sam Spitzer, Earshot Jazz '...not just for the jazz aficionado...powerful and moving...'--Jeff Smith (CDBaby.com user review) of 'Ginger Comes to Stay'

Location Seattle, WA - USA

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