BIO
That Certain Chartreuse is the title and the enigmatic colour of the fifth solo album from Lori Cullen. The Toronto based artist interprets 10 eclectic songs by a wide range of writers in her genre defying style, and presents a new original composition as well. Tunes made famous by Shania Twain and Suzanne Vega rub shoulders with a cult classic from King Crimson, while local composers Jory Nash, Kurt Swinghammer and John Millard are represented beside a chestnut from the grandfather of Toronto singer/songwriters, Gordon Lightfoot.
Tying the disparate elements together is Cullen’s unique aesthetic, blurring the divisions between jazz, folk, and pop. Her distinctive voice is featured in complex multi part arrangements, which are the sonic signature of this self produced CD. Her core band is comprised of acclaimed musicians Maury Lafoy (Jann Arden, Juno nominees The Monkey Bunch), David Matheson (Ron Sexsmith Band, x-Moxy Frouvus), Mark Mariash (Sarah Slean, Danny Michelle) and Kurt Swinghammer ( Ani Difranco). The album was mixed by multiple Juno Award winner Michael Phillip Wojewoda.
Lori’s Calling For Rain CD was nominated for a Best Jazz Vocal Album Juno, and made the Best of 2006 lists in Toronto’s Eye Magazine and Jazz FM 91.1. An original composition from that same recording won the Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award from the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals. A live performance of her brilliant brass flavored 2007 CD Buttercup Bugle was recorded and broadcast on CBC Radio 2. The album, co-produced by the late Chris Dedrick of the legendery Free Design, received distribution in Japan, South Korea and the Philippines. She has appeared as a guest singer on numerous recordings including Polaris prize winner Owen Pallette’s groundbreaking Final Fantasy project.
Lori Cullen never relies on cliches, never adheres to trends, and never emphasizes style over substance. Whether finding a personal way to interpret a standard, choosing an unexpected gem to breath new life into, celebrating the artistry of her peers in the local community, or carefully crafting an original composition, each recording marks an exploration of challenging creativity. That Certain Chartreuse adds to the rich catalog from this compelling artist.