The multi-talented Carmen Lundy / Photo by Twitter.com

Internationally acclaimed vocalist/composer Carmen Lundy is touring off her latest album and will grace the stage at the Dirty Dog Jazz Café on Friday May 11 and Saturday, May 12. She will be featuring material from her extensive four decades-long career and her latest album “Code Noir”, where she uses her deep evocative voice in this collection of her original songs which she describes as “a song cycle for turbulent times”. “These songs encompass the musical and artistic influences from the African diaspora and its influence on Jazz and other genres – the bossa nova, the blues, swing, funk, the exploration into the avant-garde”, says Carmen. This is her 15th release to date.

Photo by Antonio Porcar

The “Code Noir”  features an impressive, multi-generational list of artists, including Patrice Rushen, piano, Ben Williams, bass, Jeff Parker, guitar, Kendrick Scott, drums with Ms. Lundy on vocals, keys, guitar, string programming and background vocals.

Ms. Lundy, who is also the sister of world-renowned Jazz bassist, Curtis Lundy, started playing piano and singing as a young child while growing up in Florida. She is a multi-talented vocalist, composer, arranger and lyricist also plays keyboards, guitar, and much more. A gifted artist she also designs many of her album covers much like Joni Mitchell.  Although she’s often been compared to Nina Simone and Abbey Lincoln, Lundy is a true individualist.

Photo: SoulTracks.com

Over the years, she has received critical acclaimed from the New York Times, the Village Voice, the Los Angeles Time, the Washington Post, Downbeat and many more. She also received a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Miami.

Her compelling live performances are highly expressive partially because she has written and arranged all of the music which makes for a very personal approach. She’s a very special artist you won’t want to miss. She will be doing two sets each night next weekend. For more information and reservations, go to DirtyDogMusic.com or call 313-882-5299.

Detroit Public Radio mainstay, Judy Adams, is a trained pianist, composer and musicologist who hosts a Jazz and contemporary music show on CJAM 99.1FM and guest hosts on WRCJ 90.9FM.