Circle in a Square circumvents Lauren Kinhan's view of the world up to her 50th year on the planet. Motherhood, marriage, touring and sending it all through her inventive lens allows the world into her poetry and musical playground. Ever the wordsmith, she has created a vibrant community of musicians who gathered to interpret her personal songs into anthems, heartbreaking sonnets and everything in between. Lauren plays with Jazz, contemporary, world and blues hues to paint a singular place for you to soak up an impressionistic songbook.
Co produced with the legendary Elliot Scheiner, they partnered on this album with all the hills and valleys the repertoire took them and he shined it to a high gloss. Pianist Andy Ezrin was a central collaborator on the music, helping Lauren realize the lushness she wanted from the harmonic and groove components and helping highlight the stories and voice at every turn.
Brilliantly featured on the album are long time bandmates, Ben Wittman on drums, Peter Eldridge on piano, Donny McAslin on tenor sax, Romero Lubambo on guitar and Joel Frahm on alto sax. Rounding out the rhythm section is the elegant David Finck on upright bass and the ever funky Will Lee on electric bass. And other very special guests that put grace to the notes are Chuck Loeb on guitar, Gary Versace on accordion and Randy Brecker on trumpet.
Its a star studded album, but they played like an esemble. Thoughtful and provoking arrangements invented from the beautiful songs, they take the listener on a ride that is unforgettable and wholly original.
Produced by Elliot Scheiner and Lauren Kinhan
Recorded by Elliot Scheiner and Mathew Scheiner
Mixed by Elliot Scheiner
Recorded at Avatar Studios, NYC, Eyeball Studios, Redding CT
Additional Recording by Michael Brorby at Acoutic Recording, Brooklyn and Cynthia Daniels at Monk Music, East Hampton, NY
Asst. Engineer, Akihiro Nishimura
Mastered by Paul Gold, Salt Mastering, Brooklyn, NY
Production Coordinator, Mellissa Hammons
Executive Producers, Robert Marcus and Steve Ridley
Art Direction by Burton Yount
Photography by Sandrine Lee
Dotted i Records, 2014
All songs are written by Lauren Kinhan except where noted
All lyrics are written by Lauren Kinhan
Track Listing:
1. Circle in a Square (Written by Lauren Kinhan and Ada Rovati)
2. My Painted Lady Butterfly
3. Another Hill to Climb
4. Chasing the Sun
5. I'm Lookin' for that Number
6. To Live or Die
7. Pocketful of Harlem (Written by Lauren Kinhan and Andy Ezrin)
8. We're not going anywhere Today
9. Chaussure's Complex
10. Bear Walk (Written by Lauren Kinhan and Jiro Yoshida)
11. Vanity's Paramour
12. The Deep Within (Written by Lauren Kinhan and Peter Eldridge)