Laura Zakian

In two decades of eminence on the UK jazz vocal scene Laura Zakian has stamped her mark with inimitable and sophisticated readings of classic songs.

More recently, she has found her original voice as a thoughtful and original lyricist in collaboration with prolific and eclectic composer Martin Pyne. Together they create genre-defying music, which is at once meditative and expansive, and a springboard for masterful embellishment of this accomplished quintet.

Laura’s mature and intelligent lyrics range far beyond hackneyed themes into sometimes surprising territory, crystallising the frustrations and joys of ordinary moments in our lives.

Dreaming Life, Laura’s latest album, adds five new songs to five reprised and sometimes rearranged compositions from Zakian’s first released collaboration with Pyne, the critically acclaimed Minor Moments (2019). Zakian also covers Coming Home by American folk artist Patty Griffin, displaying her ease in imprinting her style on a wide range of musical idioms.

Laura Zakian has lived and worked in London for more than two decades, teaching as well as practicing her art. She studied in New York with Nancy Marano from the Manhattan School of Music, then began her jazz career in Italy.

“Like those old style, quality torch singers, Laura Zakian sings in intimate, measured tones and puts across each song she tackles with warmth and conviction… She can be ultra-cool and sophisticated, or huskily seductive”

Derek Ansell, Jazz Journal

“Rhythmic poise, a sweet, direct voice without airs and graces, and an obvious love of the material”

Dave Gelly, The Observer

“Emotive introspection and tender beauty….The artistic alliance of Zakian and Pyne intrigues as to what else they may create together, as there is evident empathy in such poignant, meaningful songwriting delivered with gently uplifting grace.”

London Jazz News