Lauren Newton

This American-born vocalist/composer made a name for herself in Germany, first as a singer with Mathias Rüegg’s Vienna Art Orchestra, then with a host of European avant-gardists, including Fritz Hauser, Jon Rose, and Vladimir Tarasov. Newton moved to Europe in 1974 after receiving a degree in music from the University of Oregon. She subsequently studied at the School of Music in Stuttgart, Germany. Newton’s first solo LP, Timbre, won a German Critics’ Award in 1983 (the album — renamed Filigree — was re-released on compact disc in 1998 by the Leo label). In addition to her jazz-oriented work, Newton has also performed 20th century art music. She has recorded prolifically with the aforementioned musicians (among others) and as a leader. She’s also been an active educator; since 1978, she’s taught privately and in a number of European academic institutions. She worked with the Austrian poet Ernst Jandl from 1983-1999. Some of Newton’s other collaborators have been bassist Jöelle Léandre, guitarist Christy Doran, saxophonist/composer Anthony Braxton, and pianist/composer Hannes Zerbe. Newton’s art explores the abstract use of language and nontraditional sounds and vocal techniques. ~ Chris Kelsey