Laurie Dameron

Laurie Dameron: “I Can’t Wait To See You Again”

With the release of her third CD I Can’t Wait To See You Again, Laurie Dameron has begun to establish herself in the relatively small but growing sorority of female Jazz Guitarists. The fact that she can also sing adds a breadth of commercialism to her music, which should surely help in getting her music out to a greater listening public. For this review though, I will focus more on Dameron’s Guitar Playing than her “delicate” vocal quality.*

Dameron’s playing is a nice blend of old school Jazz Guitar, Rock n’ Roll double stops and swing blues. Her Guitar tone is crisp and smooth, giving her just enough bite for when she does her Bluesy Jazz thang…:) Stylistically, she falls more in line with Charlie Christian and Scotty Moore than Emily Remler or Mimi Fox, but it is a style that she is very comfortable with and it works, especially given her song choices.

Dameron takes us on a musical journey back to the days when tunes like “Body And Soul”, “Blue Moon/I’m Beginning To See The Light”, “Don’t Sit Under That Apple Tree”, “Choo Choo Cha Boogie”, “I’ve Got A Crush On You” and “On The Sunny Side Of The Street” were the popular tunes on the radio and in the Dance Halls. To her credit she doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel but rather treats these tunes as they were meant to be played, with plenty of swing and cool, respecting the songs for what they are instead of approaching them as vehicles for long blowing sessions.

This is not to say that there is no extended blowing on these tunes. Just check out Dameron’s playing on ‘Everyday I Have The Blues”, “Body And Soul”, “Blue Moon/I’m Beginning To See The Light”, “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and “Route 66” to name but a few where she really goes to town!

Also joining her in improvisational splendor is Saxophonist Laura Newman who gets to blow a few potent solos of her own. She really digs into the changes on “Blue Moon/I’m Beginning To See The Light”, “I’ve Got A Crush On You”, and “When Sunny Gets Blue”, where she shares solo duties with Bassist Michael Olson who also gets to shine on “Body And Soul” and “Ain’t Misbehavin’”.

Rounding out the solo space is the clarinet stylings of Dexter Payne during “On The Sunny Side Of The Street”, and the warm, lush Flute tones of Bob Rebholz on the tune “How Insensitive”. Throughout it all, Drummer Larry Thompson keeps things swinging and grooving alongside Keyboardist Holly Halverson and guest Bassist Bijoux Barbosa, who appears on two of the twelve cuts.

I Can’t Wait To See You Again is an enjoyable first outing by Laurie and if I had any criticism to lay down it would be that there is only one original tune by Ms. Dameron and not a whole album’s worth! The title track is as comfortable as an old sweater, so much so that I actually thought I had heard it before and was genuinely surprised to find it was an original composition by Laurie. If there are more tunes like that up her writer’s sleeve, then I’m way eager to hear a second CD…and soon…:)

*According to the Denver Post as indicated on the back of Dameron’s CD.
- Jazz Guitar Life Magazine

Laurie Dameron: “I Can’t Wait To See You Again”

With the release of her third CD I Can’t Wait To See You Again, Laurie Dameron has begun to establish herself in the relatively small but growing sorority of female Jazz Guitarists. The fact that she can also sing adds a breadth of commercialism to her music, which should surely help in getting her music out to a greater listening public. For this review though, I will focus more on Dameron’s Guitar Playing than her “delicate” vocal quality.*

Dameron’s playing is a nice blend of old school Jazz Guitar, Rock n’ Roll double stops and swing blues. Her Guitar tone is crisp and smooth, giving her just enough bite for when she does her Bluesy Jazz thang…:) Stylistically, she falls more in line with Charlie Christian and Scotty Moore than Emily Remler or Mimi Fox, but it is a style that she is very comfortable with and it works, especially given her song choices.

Dameron takes us on a musical journey back to the days when tunes like “Body And Soul”, “Blue Moon/I’m Beginning To See The Light”, “Don’t Sit Under That Apple Tree”, “Choo Choo Cha Boogie”, “I’ve Got A Crush On You” and “On The Sunny Side Of The Street” were the popular tunes on the radio and in the Dance Halls. To her credit she doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel but rather treats these tunes as they were meant to be played, with plenty of swing and cool, respecting the songs for what they are instead of approaching them as vehicles for long blowing sessions.

This is not to say that there is no extended blowing on these tunes. Just check out Dameron’s playing on ‘Everyday I Have The Blues”, “Body And Soul”, “Blue Moon/I’m Beginning To See The Light”, “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and “Route 66” to name but a few where she really goes to town!

Also joining her in improvisational splendor is Saxophonist Laura Newman who gets to blow a few potent solos of her own. She really digs into the changes on “Blue Moon/I’m Beginning To See The Light”, “I’ve Got A Crush On You”, and “When Sunny Gets Blue”, where she shares solo duties with Bassist Michael Olson who also gets to shine on “Body And Soul” and “Ain’t Misbehavin’”.

Rounding out the solo space is the clarinet stylings of Dexter Payne during “On The Sunny Side Of The Street”, and the warm, lush Flute tones of Bob Rebholz on the tune “How Insensitive”. Throughout it all, Drummer Larry Thompson keeps things swinging and grooving alongside Keyboardist Holly Halverson and guest Bassist Bijoux Barbosa, who appears on two of the twelve cuts.

I Can’t Wait To See You Again is an enjoyable first outing by Laurie and if I had any criticism to lay down it would be that there is only one original tune by Ms. Dameron and not a whole album’s worth! The title track is as comfortable as an old sweater, so much so that I actually thought I had heard it before and was genuinely surprised to find it was an original composition by Laurie. If there are more tunes like that up her writer’s sleeve, then I’m way eager to hear a second CD…and soon…:)

*According to the Denver Post as indicated on the back of Dameron’s CD.
- Jazz Guitar Life Magazine

Laurie Dameron
The Carriage House Community Table
By Jaime Edwards


Laurie Dameron is a singer songwriter with a regular gig every Tuesday afternoon at The Carriage House Community Table, a Boulder non-profit dedicated to feeding the homeless and helping them to regain their footing in the shifting sands of modern life.

“I have an especially soft spot in my heart for the homeless,” Dameron says, “especially for those who are mentally ill. It’s tough and sad to see. Every Tuesday is different,”she says. There might be 10 or 15 listeners, or maybe just three or four. She plays them something hyper, or something soft; it depends on the energy.

“Anybody can end up homeless,” she says. “I’m angry at drugs and alcohol. Probably 30 to 50 percent of homelessness is due to drugs and alcohol. Others are homeless because of foreclosures. There’s even a certain percent who like to live outside,” she says. “I’ll let them play my guitar. I talk to them. I feel like I have to. Music is the universal language.”

Dameron volunteers in addition to her Tuesdays at BCH: a gig at a nursing home, another on the speakers’ bureau at Chinook House, a musical Friday night for a church group.

“I try to encourage others to volunteer,” she says. “”Just think what we could accomplish if everyone volunteered even one hour a week!”

Folks at the Boulder Carriage House would likely say, “Just think!”

For more information about The Carriage House Community Table of other volunteer opportunities, contact Volunteer Connection at 303-444-4904 or visit www.volunteerconnection.net. ####
- Boulder Daily Camera

Laurie Dameron
The Carriage House Community Table
By Jaime Edwards


Laurie Dameron is a singer songwriter with a regular gig every Tuesday afternoon at The Carriage House Community Table, a Boulder non-profit dedicated to feeding the homeless and helping them to regain their footing in the shifting sands of modern life.

“I have an especially soft spot in my heart for the homeless,” Dameron says, “especially for those who are mentally ill. It’s tough and sad to see. Every Tuesday is different,”she says. There might be 10 or 15 listeners, or maybe just three or four. She plays them something hyper, or something soft; it depends on the energy.

“Anybody can end up homeless,” she says. “I’m angry at drugs and alcohol. Probably 30 to 50 percent of homelessness is due to drugs and alcohol. Others are homeless because of foreclosures. There’s even a certain percent who like to live outside,” she says. “I’ll let them play my guitar. I talk to them. I feel like I have to. Music is the universal language.”

Dameron volunteers in addition to her Tuesdays at BCH: a gig at a nursing home, another on the speakers’ bureau at Chinook House, a musical Friday night for a church group.

“I try to encourage others to volunteer,” she says. “”Just think what we could accomplish if everyone volunteered even one hour a week!”

Folks at the Boulder Carriage House would likely say, “Just think!”

For more information about The Carriage House Community Table of other volunteer opportunities, contact Volunteer Connection at 303-444-4904 or visit www.volunteerconnection.net. ####
- Boulder Daily Camera

Here’s what others are saying about Laurie:


“I Can’t Wait to See You Again. Mellow out with the third album from this talented Boulder-based jazz singer and guitarist, who celebrates the disc’s release with a concert Wednesday at Dazzle Restaurant and Lounge in Denver. Whether playing originals, classic blues tunes, jazz standards or Brazilian favorites, Dameron keeps things tasty and understated. She’s got talent to spare but resists the urge to show off.
-- Greg Galsgow, Boulder Daily Camera

“Dameron has come up with a perfect Sunday-morning CD, highlighted by a delicate reading of Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “How Insensitive (Insensatez),” a winking take on Fats Waller’s “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and the CD’s lone original, “I Cant’ Wait to See You Again.” Dameron’s playing is tasteful, and her arrangements are honest and simple, uncluttered by showy studio trickery. Pop this in and float your way through brunch.”
--Jerry L. Wheeler, OUTFRONT Magazine

“This (I Can’t Wait to See You Again) is not your average local jazz CD. This is a sophisticated release filled with near-flawless jazz guitar work and vocals that pay homage to jazz legends.”
--Brian F. Johnson, Publisher/Editor-in-chief of Marquee Music, Inc.


Based in Colorado, Dameron has an echoey acoustic sound on her guitar that is slightly reminiscent of Pat Metheny at times. Her music is soothing, danceable (but with subtle rhythms) and pleasing.
--Scott Yanow, Los Angeles Jazz Scene

“Guitarist/Vocalist Laurie Dameron’s latest CD, I Can’t Wait to See You Again, is a musical journey through the Great American Songbook. Backed by some of Colorado’s top notch musicians, Laurie makes the trip down memory lane worth revisiting time and time again.”
--Susan Gatschet Reese, Assistant Program Director jazz89 KUVO
The 2008 release, I Can’t Wait To See You Again, by local jazz guitarist/vocalist Laurie Dameron captures the true essence of a bygone era. The torch singers in smoky lounges everywhere had a relaxed, gentle conversation with the audience and Ms. Dameron has unleashed the past with this disc. The title cut is a classic jazz vocal track, written by Dameron; questioning love lost, but with optimism. ‘But when it comes to romance, I’ve never been understood.’ It feels like candles are lit, the table set, waiting for someone to sit down.
-- Mark L. Altobelli www.rockoncolorado.com

“Dameron is personable and enthusiastic, especially with music, much like “Looking Through the Blue” The CD is warm and energetic, offering jazz in the form of her guitar and a few hired guns on flute, sax, drums and bass…”-- Ed Montesano, Boulder Planet

“Utah Dream is "a CD consisting of classic folk, jazz and blues underlined by the lilt of a voice so distinct that only one word could describe it: beautiful." -- Laurence Washington, Boulder Daily Camera music critic

"Celestial vocals layered over sophisticated guitar riffs are hallmarks of Laurie Dameron's compositions. They encompass a variety of musical styles from moody acoustic pieces to rock, jazz and blues influences." –
-- Freelance writer Marilyn Gleason
"Delicate voice and confident guitar mark her work..." -- David Thomas, Denver Post
"I was thrilled that Laurie brought her most recent project to Airshow. It was great working together on 'I Can't Wait to See You Again' and I'm very pleased with the results."
--David Glasser, Airshow Mastering


"Laurie D's new CD is one of the best recordings of 2008 and her guitar playing is some of the best I have heard. If you somehow missed 'Can't Wait to See You Again' in your busy life, go to her web site and listen and then get it. She is one of Colorado's best and this CD is not to be missed." – Chris Daniels, musician


“Laurie, your new CD (I Can’t Wait to See You Again) is fun, fun, fun!”
--Carmen Allgood, Colorado Wave Radio


“Laurie Dameron performs with a down to earth, sincere passion that makes her music a very personal statement.” -- Jeff Linsky Internationally renowned guitarist


“Thanks Laurie- my friend Banker said "Laurie Dameron is the female equivalent to Ray (Smith) on guitar!" I'll pass your email on to Ray and yes... he rocks!”
-- Cari Minor, singer songwriter


“Laurie Dameron is a well kept secret: singer, writer and a good guitarist who moves easily between jazz, blues and more. Check her out on myspace and CD Baby, request her on KUVO, and then make a reservation for a good show at Dazzle Wed evening.”
Dexter Payne, musician (sax, clarinet, flute)


"Laurie Dameron was one of the first musicians that I met in Colorado and she has certainly been the best female guitarist and and songwriter I have heard in a really long time. I wish I would have met Laurie a few years ago. She would have made a great addition to Gearl Jam."
--Kathryn Warner – singer-songwriter


“Hi Laurie! Mmmmm-mmmm, I dig that bluesy vibe! Kind of a Bonnie Raitt thing, but your own sound”.
Jim Cab - several shorts

Here’s what others are saying about Laurie:


“I Can’t Wait to See You Again. Mellow out with the third album from this talented Boulder-based jazz singer and guitarist, who celebrates the disc’s release with a concert Wednesday at Dazzle Restaurant and Lounge in Denver. Whether playing originals, classic blues tunes, jazz standards or Brazilian favorites, Dameron keeps things tasty and understated. She’s got talent to spare but resists the urge to show off.
-- Greg Galsgow, Boulder Daily Camera

“Dameron has come up with a perfect Sunday-morning CD, highlighted by a delicate reading of Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “How Insensitive (Insensatez),” a winking take on Fats Waller’s “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and the CD’s lone original, “I Cant’ Wait to See You Again.” Dameron’s playing is tasteful, and her arrangements are honest and simple, uncluttered by showy studio trickery. Pop this in and float your way through brunch.”
--Jerry L. Wheeler, OUTFRONT Magazine

“This (I Can’t Wait to See You Again) is not your average local jazz CD. This is a sophisticated release filled with near-flawless jazz guitar work and vocals that pay homage to jazz legends.”
--Brian F. Johnson, Publisher/Editor-in-chief of Marquee Music, Inc.


Based in Colorado, Dameron has an echoey acoustic sound on her guitar that is slightly reminiscent of Pat Metheny at times. Her music is soothing, danceable (but with subtle rhythms) and pleasing.
--Scott Yanow, Los Angeles Jazz Scene

“Guitarist/Vocalist Laurie Dameron’s latest CD, I Can’t Wait to See You Again, is a musical journey through the Great American Songbook. Backed by some of Colorado’s top notch musicians, Laurie makes the trip down memory lane worth revisiting time and time again.”
--Susan Gatschet Reese, Assistant Program Director jazz89 KUVO
The 2008 release, I Can’t Wait To See You Again, by local jazz guitarist/vocalist Laurie Dameron captures the true essence of a bygone era. The torch singers in smoky lounges everywhere had a relaxed, gentle conversation with the audience and Ms. Dameron has unleashed the past with this disc. The title cut is a classic jazz vocal track, written by Dameron; questioning love lost, but with optimism. ‘But when it comes to romance, I’ve never been understood.’ It feels like candles are lit, the table set, waiting for someone to sit down.
-- Mark L. Altobelli www.rockoncolorado.com

“Dameron is personable and enthusiastic, especially with music, much like “Looking Through the Blue” The CD is warm and energetic, offering jazz in the form of her guitar and a few hired guns on flute, sax, drums and bass…”-- Ed Montesano, Boulder Planet

“Utah Dream is "a CD consisting of classic folk, jazz and blues underlined by the lilt of a voice so distinct that only one word could describe it: beautiful." -- Laurence Washington, Boulder Daily Camera music critic

"Celestial vocals layered over sophisticated guitar riffs are hallmarks of Laurie Dameron's compositions. They encompass a variety of musical styles from moody acoustic pieces to rock, jazz and blues influences." –
-- Freelance writer Marilyn Gleason
"Delicate voice and confident guitar mark her work..." -- David Thomas, Denver Post
"I was thrilled that Laurie brought her most recent project to Airshow. It was great working together on 'I Can't Wait to See You Again' and I'm very pleased with the results."
--David Glasser, Airshow Mastering


"Laurie D's new CD is one of the best recordings of 2008 and her guitar playing is some of the best I have heard. If you somehow missed 'Can't Wait to See You Again' in your busy life, go to her web site and listen and then get it. She is one of Colorado's best and this CD is not to be missed." – Chris Daniels, musician


“Laurie, your new CD (I Can’t Wait to See You Again) is fun, fun, fun!”
--Carmen Allgood, Colorado Wave Radio


“Laurie Dameron performs with a down to earth, sincere passion that makes her music a very personal statement.” -- Jeff Linsky Internationally renowned guitarist


“Thanks Laurie- my friend Banker said "Laurie Dameron is the female equivalent to Ray (Smith) on guitar!" I'll pass your email on to Ray and yes... he rocks!”
-- Cari Minor, singer songwriter


“Laurie Dameron is a well kept secret: singer, writer and a good guitarist who moves easily between jazz, blues and more. Check her out on myspace and CD Baby, request her on KUVO, and then make a reservation for a good show at Dazzle Wed evening.”
Dexter Payne, musician (sax, clarinet, flute)


"Laurie Dameron was one of the first musicians that I met in Colorado and she has certainly been the best female guitarist and and songwriter I have heard in a really long time. I wish I would have met Laurie a few years ago. She would have made a great addition to Gearl Jam."
--Kathryn Warner – singer-songwriter


“Hi Laurie! Mmmmm-mmmm, I dig that bluesy vibe! Kind of a Bonnie Raitt thing, but your own sound”.
Jim Cab - several shorts