Jazz Articles about Lainie Cooke

Lainie Cooke: The Music is the Magic

by C. Michael Bailey
April 4, 2015

Lainie Cooke is a singer not afraid to take chances. Her third recording, The Music is the Magic, she populates her recital with near standards: songs that are familiar but not cliche. Supported by a reeds-led quartet anchored by drummer (and producer on this recording) Ralph Peterson, Lainie displays a command of vocal jazz that is impressive. “Lazy Afternoon" and “Sweet Pumpkin" are sung with a Sarah Vaughan angularity betraying a good deal of practice and talent. Abbey Lincoln's tightly ...

Lainie Cooke: Speaking to the Heart

by Esther Berlanga-Ryan
August 10, 2009

When Lainie Cooke sings, the heart sinks in poetry made music; air seems to stop to avoid interrupting the flowing of such a magical, beautiful voice. She fills the barely-noticeable silence between notes with a voice that caresses the heart. Her life has been a jazz-bound adventure inspired by an early need to entertain others, landing her in New York City at a very young age.

It's Always You (Harlemwood Records, 2008) is only her second studio album ...