I would like to acknowledge the Kaurna people as the custodians of the Adelaide region WHERE I LIVE AND WORK. I acknowledge and respect Aboriginal peoples as the country's first peoples, and recognise them as traditional owners and occupants of the lands and waters in South Australia. Their sovereignty has never been ceded. ALWAYS WAS, ALWAYS WILL BE, ABORIGINAL LAND.
"A voice to watch for..."
John McBeath (The Advertiser)
Lauren Henderson is an award-winning vocalist, actor, songwriter, educator, and devoted mother of two. Renowned for her versatility and artistic range, Lauren moves seamlessly across genres including jazz, R&B, soul, hip hop, folk, music theatre, and pop. Her dynamic and genre-defying approach has led to collaborations with internationally acclaimed artists such as Moonchild, Jazzmeia Horn, Linda May Han Oh, Kate Ceberano, Anna Butterss, James Muller, Gian Slater, Michelle Nicolle, Anita Wardell, Anna Goldsworthy, Robyn Archer, and The Lost and Found Orchestra (creators of STOMP!).
A certified Estill Master Trainer and accomplished stage performer, Lauren holds an Honours degree in Acting from the prestigious Flinders Drama Centre. Her deep passion for artistic expression and creative empowerment informs both her performance and teaching practice, where she is committed to helping others unlock their full potential through the arts.
Her accolades include:
Winner of the National Jazz Awards - voice (2020)
Freedman Jazz Fellowship Nominee (2016)
Top twenty semi-finalist in the Theolonius Monk Competition for jazz voice (2015)
Helpmann Academy Vocal Jazz Award (2013)
Downbeat Student Music Award (2013)
Lauren currently lectures in jazz voice at The Elder Conservatorium at Adelaide University.
PRESS REVIEWS
There's a lot going for this highly ambitious album, which is imbued with gravitas throughout. It's described aptly in the marketing as "an exploration of resilience, introspection, gratitude, love, family, relationships, vulnerability and motherhood". Henderson writes two exceedingly touching compositions for her sons Casper and Hank, which are deeply intimate. An excellent singer who won the National Jazz Awards competition at Wangaratta in 2020, she transforms two tunes - the well-known standard You Don't Know What Love Is, and Billy Joel's great work Just the Way You Are - into much more dramatic ballads than they were in previous versions. A key accompanist is the talented Adelaide pianist Alexander Wignall, who provides a moving instrumental entitled Melody of Love, said to be inspired by heartbreak. Other musicians are Melburnians Sam Anning (bass) and Kyrie Anderson (drums), whose solos give the album real distinction. Strong arrangements for string quartet, written by Adelaide's Thomas Voss, are remarkably effective. The opening track, Little Person, composed by American singer/songwriter Jon Brion, establishes from the outset an exquisite mood which is retained throughout the rest of the album.
****
Eric Myers, The Australian
‘Henderson’s acting is genuine and layered, extracting a great deal more poignancy from the script than is immediately obvious. Her vocals are absolutely immaculate — her performance… is breathtaking.’
Martin Cheney, Sharp Four reviews
‘… Henderson is outstanding... Her skills and merit as a vocalist have always been known to me but having now seen her in an acting role, an even greater respect continues to develop beyond the admirable and previously established impression I have had for her and her work’
Kym Purling, Hi Fi Way theatre review
‘…Henderson’s solos were particularly affecting as her flawless voice resonated with the audience who loved her comedic delivery…’
Jennifer Trijo, The Serenade Files review
‘Henderson’s vocals are pure and clear, which made her solos touching and heartfelt.’
Charlotte Leamon, Theatre Travels review