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Carmen Lundy

"Musicians as diversely gifted as Carmen Lundy, who has excelled as a vocalist, composer, lyricist, arranger, and pianist for more than three decades, remain far and few between." - Jazz Times

Grammy® Nominated Jazz singer, composer and arranger Carmen Lundy hails from Miami, Florida and received her B.M. degree from the University of Miami.  In 1978, Lundy moved to NYC and in 1985, she released her first solo album entitled Good Morning Kiss, which topped the Billboard chart for 23 weeks.

Currently on the Afrasia Productions label, Carmen is a 2021 Grammy® Nominated artist for her 15th and newest album Modern Ancestors, for Best Jazz Vocal Album.  Her previous release, 2017’s Code Noir, debuted at #6 on the Billboard Jazz Chart and received both critical and popular acclaim. Carmen’s other releases and discography consist of “Good Morning Kiss” (CLR/Afrasia Productions), “Moment To Moment” (Arabesque/Afrasia Productions), “Night And Day” (CBS/SONY and re-issued by Afrasia in 2011), “Old Devil Moon” (JVC), “Self Portrait” (JVC), “Something To Believe In” and “This Is Carmen Lundy” (both for Justin Time), “Jazz and The New Songbook – Live at The Madrid” (2-disc set and DVD, Afrasia Productions), “Come Home”, “Solamente”, “Changes”, “Soul To Soul” and “Code Noir” (Afrasia Productions). All have topped the Best Albums and Top Ten Albums lists on JazzWeek, Downbeat, and JazzTimes.

Her newest album, Fade To Black, releases on September 30, 2022.

Among Lundy’s other awards and recognitions are a Grammy® Award for Terri Lyne Carrington’s Mosaic Project, Grammy® Winner for Best Jazz Vocal Album of 2011, which features the Carmen Lundy composition “Show Me A Sign”, with Lundy’s original performance from the album “Solamente” reinvented on the arrangement.

In January 2018, Carmen Lundy received the RoundGlass Music Award for her song "Kumbaya" from Code Noir.  In 2016 she was honored with the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award in Jazz by Black Women In Jazz and The Arts, in Atlanta, GA. Additionally, she was honored with Historymaker status by the esteemed The Historymakers® organization, the nation’s largest African American video oral history collection based in Chicago, IL.  Among her other awards and recognitions, especially rewarding was Miami-Dade's County Office of the Mayor and Board of County Commissioners proclaiming January 25th "Carmen Lundy Day”, along with handing Ms. Lundy the keys to the City of Miami. 

As a composer, Ms. Lundy’s catalogue numbers over 150 published songs, one of the few jazz vocalists in history to accomplish such a distinction.  Her compositions have been recorded by such artists as Kenny Barron, Ernie Watts, Terri Lyne Carrington, Straight Ahead and Regina Carter.  Carmen’s far-reaching discography also includes performances and recordings with such musicians as brother and bassist Curtis Lundy, Ray Barretto, Bruce Hornsby, Mulgrew Miller, Kip Hanrahan, Courtney Pine, Roy Hargrove, Jimmy Cobb, Ron Carter, Randy Brecker, Oscar Castro-Neves, Robert Glasper, Jamison Ross, Patrice Rushen, and the late Kenny Kirkland and Geri Allen among others.

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Liner Notes

Dino Betti van der Noot: A Chance For A Dance

Read "Dino Betti van der Noot: A Chance For A Dance" reviewed by Neil Tesser


"I love the rhythm—one of the reasons I love jazz is the rhythm—but I have spent some years to free myself from the rhythm." Dino Betti van der Noot sits over breakfast rolls at the Rosetta Hotel in Perugia, Italy. “I experimented with different time signatures and finally found out that the simplest ones are perfect, as long as you make use of them as, oh, railways, rail tracks." In other words, the time-feel must be a guide, a phisical, ...

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Radio & Podcasts

New Releases by Alexis Cole, Nicole Henry, Carol Albert Plus A Birthday Celebration for Joni Mitchell

Read "New Releases by Alexis Cole, Nicole Henry, Carol Albert Plus A Birthday Celebration for Joni Mitchell" reviewed by Mary Foster Conklin


This broadcast presents new releases from vocalists Alexis Cole, Nicole Henry, pianist Carol Albert, and a piano/organ collaboration of Jeremy Monteiro & Alberto Marsico, with birthday shoutouts to Joni Mitchell, Betty Bryant, Carmen Lundy, Kurt Elling, Anne Sajdera, Amanda Tosoff and more. Thanks for listening and please support the artists you hear by purchasing their music during this time of pandemic so they can continue to distract, comfort and inspire.Playlist Betty Bryant “Cho Cho" from Project 88 (Bry-Mar ...

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Year in Review

La-Faithia White's Best Releases of 2019

Read "La-Faithia White's Best Releases of 2019" reviewed by La-Faithia White


The year is coming to a close and I have enjoyed listening to so many new jazz releases. I present to you my top ten list of new recordings that have sparked my attention, and for your listening experience. Carmen Lundy Modern Ancestors Afrasia Productions Marquis Hill Love Tape Black Music Group Terri Lyne Carrington Waiting Game Motema Music Poncho Sanchez ...

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Radio & Podcasts

Moon in Scorpio and Mischief Night

Read "Moon in Scorpio and Mischief Night" reviewed by Mary Foster Conklin


Besides some spooky seasonal fare, this week we focus on new releases from vocalists Carmen Lundy, Michelle Lordi and Carrie Wicks, trombonist Michael Dease and pianist Michele Rosewoman with birthday shout outs to Nellie Lutcher (pictured), Victoria Spivey, Laura Nyro, Bobby Troup, Jane Bunnett, Esperanza Spalding, Brenda Earle Stokes, Allison Miller and Freddy Cole, among others. Playlist Roxy Coss “Don't Cross the Coss" from Quintet (Outside In Music) 00:00 Madeleine Peyroux “Honey Party" from Anthem (Verve) 05:21 Nora ...

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Album Review

Carmen Lundy: Code Noir

Read "Code Noir" reviewed by James Nadal


Being a genuine jazz singer requires a dedicated focus on sincerity, enhanced individuality, and a commitment to honoring tradition. With Code Noir, songstress extraordinaire Carmen Lundy reveals herself as a gifted griotte, a female singer of praises, exploring the musical and emotional realms encompassing the African diaspora through the music of Black America. As a source of reference: Code Noir --Black Code--was enacted by the King of France, Louis XIV in 1685, to decree that is was illegal ...

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Album Review

Carmen Lundy: Soul To Soul

Read "Soul To Soul" reviewed by James Nadal


There are records created through years of preparation and production that take a lifetime to achieve. Soul to Soul by vocalist Carmen Lundy, indeed falls in that category, yet defies categorization. Lundy is setting her own course, while other singers seek safe refuge in tepid covers of popular standards. She offers original material delivered with authenticity that can only come from a seasoned jazz veteran. Studying the roster of musicians on this record, there is no surprise that ...

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Live Review

Carmen Lundy at Lakeland Jazz Festival

Read "Carmen Lundy at Lakeland Jazz Festival" reviewed by C. Andrew Hovan


Carmen Lundy Quartet Lakeland Community College 42nd Annual Lakeland Jazz Festival Kirtland, Ohio February 22, 2014 It had been well over five years since Grammy award-winning vocalist Carmen Lundy had been in the vicinity of Cleveland and she certainly made up for her absence by delivering a powerhouse performance as the Saturday evening headliner for the 42nd annual Lakeland Jazz Festival. As heady a performer as she is in the true tradition of ...

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TV / Film

New Biopic Documentary On Mary Lou Williams Features Carmen Lundy

New Biopic Documentary On Mary Lou Williams Features Carmen Lundy

Source: Muse Media

Critically-acclaimed vocalist, songwriter, producer and musician Carmen Lundy will be featured in the upcoming biopic documentary about Jazz Great Mary Lou Williams, The Lady Who Swings The Band, directed by filmmaker Carol Bash which premiered at The Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles February 6th. In addition to speaking on film, Carmen also performs the title track live in the film. Carmen herself has a long history with the music of Mary Lou Williams. In the early eighties, shortly ...

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Contest

Enter the "Carmen Lundy - Soul to Soul" Giveaway!

Enter the "Carmen Lundy - Soul to Soul" Giveaway!

Source: All About Jazz

All About Jazz members are invited to enter the “Carmen Lundy - Soul to Soul“ giveaway contest starting today. We'll select FIVE winners at the conclusion of the contest on October 27th. Click here to enter the contest (Tracking Carmen Lundy at AAJ automatically enters you in the contest.) Good luck! About Soul to Soul Soul To Soul, a passionate new song cycle from vocalist, songwriter, producer and musician Carmen Lundy is Lundy’s 14th album, and the next chapter in ...

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Recording

New CD From Vocalist Carmen Lundy, ‘soul To Soul’ Set For Release September 23

New CD From Vocalist Carmen Lundy, ‘soul To Soul’ Set For Release September 23

Source: Miles High Productions

A Myriad Of Special Guests Including Patrice Rushen, Geri Allen, Randy Brecker, Simphiwe Dana, Bennie Maupin, Carol Robbins, Warren Wolf And More Los Angeles, CA. - “Soul To Soul,” a passionate new song cycle from vocalist, songwriter, producer and musician Carmen Lundy, is set for release September 23rd, 2014 via Afrasia Productions. “Soul To Soul”, Lundy’s 14th album, is the next chapter in her critically-acclaimed career as both a musical artist and a visual artist; a return to her roots ...

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Recording

New Carmen Lundy CD, "Soul To Soul," Set For Release 9/23

New Carmen Lundy CD, "Soul To Soul," Set For Release 9/23

Source: Muse Media

Album Features A Myriad Of Special Guests Including Geri Allen, Randy Brecker, Simphiwe Dana, Bennie Maupin, Carol Robbins, Patrice Rushen, Warren Wolf And More jny: Los Angeles, CA: Soul To Soul, a passionate new song cycle from vocalist, songwriter, producer and musician Carmen Lundy, is set for release September 23rd, 2014 via Afrasia Productions. “Soul To Soul”, Lundy’s 14th album, is the next chapter in her critically-acclaimed career as both a musical artist and a visual artist; a return to ...

Event

Jazz Duets Featuring Carmen Lundy & Harpist Carol Robbins

Jazz Duets Featuring Carmen Lundy & Harpist Carol Robbins

Source: Dorothy Riley

Experience world-class jazz at the Mayme A. Clayton Library & Museum during Black History Month! Jazz @ the Clayton presents Jazz Duets, an incredible series of four (4) unique jazz concerts. The series begins on Thursday, February 7, 2013 and ends on Feb. 28, 2013 with the final concert featuring celebrated Jazz composer and vocalist Carmen Lundy and Harpist Carol Robbins. Please note that each concert may be recorded live during the performance. The Jazz Duets Concert Series is produced ...

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Event

Carmen Lundy + Luckman Jazz Orchestra: Tribute To Heath on February 9

Carmen Lundy + Luckman Jazz Orchestra: Tribute To Heath on February 9

Source: Dorothy Riley

Celebrated jazz vocalist and composer Carmen Lundy joins the Luckman Jazz Orchestra in a one-evening-only tribute performance to the incomparable Jimmy Heath. During his five decade career, Heath has performed with jazz greats including Howard McGhee, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, and Wynton Marsalis. Heath performed on more than 100 albums and wrote more than 125 compositions. Carmen Lundy is hailed by the Los Angeles Times as having a voice of agility and seductive allure. February 9, 2013 8:00 ...

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Performance / Tour

Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley Welcomes Carmen Lundy on April 3-4, 2012

Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley Welcomes Carmen Lundy on April 3-4, 2012

Source: Dorothy Riley

Carmen Lundy Celebrates the CD Release of Changes Tuesday: One show at 7:30pm Wednesday: One show at 7:30pm $22.50 Carmen Lundy—Vocals Anthony Wonsey—Piano Darryl Hall—Bass Jamison Ross—Drums The Pacific Jazz Institute at Dimitriou's Jazz Alley welcomes jazz vocalist Carmen Lundy for two nights, touring in support of her new release Changes. Band members joining Ms. Lundy are Anthony Wonsey (piano), Darryl Hall (bass) and Jamison Ross (drums). Show times at ...

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Performance / Tour

Celebrated Jazz Composer & Vocalist Carmen Lundy To Appear At Vitello's Jazz and Supper Club

Celebrated Jazz Composer & Vocalist Carmen Lundy To Appear At Vitello's Jazz and Supper Club

Source: 1888 Media

Carmen Lundy Celebrates the CD Release of Changes Two Shows, Friday-7:30 & 9:30 PM / Saturday -8:00 & 10:00 PM Anthony Wonsey—Piano Darryl Hall—Bass Jamison Ross—Drums and special guest Nolan Shaheed on trumpet “In a world of pretenders, Carmen Lundy is a genuine Jazz Singer" —The Evening Standard Carmen Lundy began her professional career as a jazz vocalist and composer when there were very few young, gifted and aspiring jazz vocalists on the horizon. ...

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Event

Carmen Lundy Returns With All-new Nine Song Collection, "Changes"

Carmen Lundy Returns With All-new Nine Song Collection, "Changes"

Source: Dorothy Riley

Composer & Jazz Vocalist Teams With Legendary Engineer Don Murray and an All-Star Band to Create an Album of Unprecedented Warmth and Depth Carmen Lundy—Changes Street Date: February 7, 2012 Los Angeles, CA / New York, NY: Encountering the work of Carmen Lundy can, admittedly, be a bit surprising for the first time listener. In an age of prepackaged, mass-produced beats and slavishly retro stylings, Lundy offers something that's become increasingly rare: utter authenticity. A unique and adventurous singer, often ...

"Musicians as diversely gifted as Carmen Lundy, who has excelled as a vocalist, composer, lyricist, arranger, and pianist for more than three decades, remain far and few between." - Jazz Times.  “In a world of pretenders, Carmen Lundy is a genuine Jazz Singer" - The Evening Standard.  “The singer has a commanding presence, her words tumbling, soaring and stretching. Carmen Lundy delivers storytelling lyrics with jazz technique and a fusion vibe.” – Mike Hobart, Financial Times. “Carmen Lundy, as beautiful inside as out, has accomplished the near impossible for a jazz singer by maintaining a solid, successful, three-decade career while focusing largely on original, self-penned material.” – Christopher Loudon, Jazz Times, 4 Star Review

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Habaka KFJ
vocals

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Concerts

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Back Home in Kansas...

Smoke Sessions Records
2023

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Fade To Black

Afrasia Productions
2022

buy

Code Noir

Afrasia Productions, Inc.
2017

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Soul To Soul

Afrasia
2014

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Changes

Afrasia
2012

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https://on.soundcloud.com/DFFzs

Grace

From: Soul To Soul
By Carmen Lundy

Love Thy Neighbor

From: Changes
By Carmen Lundy

My Shining Hour

From: Night And Day
By Carmen Lundy

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