Elizabeth Tomboulian

After decades of performing, including her early days as a blues/folk singer/songwriter in Arkansas and Houston during 1970s, to her deep dive into Brazilian and Uruguayan music and her many excursions into jazz as both a pianist and vocalist, Elizabeth Tomboulian is finally making her debut as a leader. Love’s in Need of Love Today is a wide-ranging collection that reflects Tomboulian’s eclectic musical tastes. It combines her bluesy roots and her love for jazz, bossa nova, and her belief in the healing power of music. She said that this was her first album as Elizabeth. I had previously recorded with Circo, my Latin group with wordless vocals and horn unisons. “I felt it was time to take control of my creativity and decide on a project that involves me singing songs in English that tell stories.” Love’s in Need Of Love Today was originally created as a response to the tragic shootings at Pulse disco in Orlando in 2016. Tomboulian recalls that she heard the song after the shooting and thought it was the perfect song. She also cites Bobby McFerrin and Rhiannon as her teachers. The Stevie Wonder classic is brought to life by her gospel-tinged rendition, which features strings and an uplifting choir. Elizabeth’s fondness for New Orleans music is evident in a second line reimagining of “Exactly Like You,” in which her husband Lee plays the piano. Elizabeth contributes lyrics to the McCoy Tyner waltz “For Tomorrow”, which features an impressive solo by guest trumpeter Ingrid Jensen. Husband and wife collaborate on a clever Jackie

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