Lauren Sevian-Baritone Saxophonist

What some have said...

"Lauren Sevian holds down the low end of the arrangements with an exuberance that earns her a believable place in the strong Mingus lineage of tenor players like Booker Ervin. Wait for her to be let loose on “Moanin” - it is well worth it" -Robin Margolis, Audiophile Audition (review of Mingus Big Band's "Live at the Jazz Standard")

"In 2009 there aren’t too many jobs that can’t be
held down by a woman. One that comes to mind might
be the baritone saxophone chair in the Mingus Big
Band. But that’s exactly where Lauren Sevian cut her
teeth and earned the accolades that led to Blueprint, her
debut recording on Greg Osby’s label. Sevian’s tone is
full and authoritative on the big horn. Her
straightahead compositions (ten originals; one cowritten
with guest altoist Mike DiRubbo) are rendered
with graceful precision by her working quartet
(particularly pianist George Colligan). Sevian’s long,
fluid lines run counter to most contemporary baritone
styles, which tend to lean toward the avant garde,
supplementing and sometimes replacing lyricism with
overblowing or other flashy effects. On Blueprint
Sevian is no-nonsense and establishes herself as a fresh
and important new voice on an underappreciated
often intimidating instrument."--Jeff Stockton, All About Jazz, review of "Blueprint"

"...The title track opens the album and from the git-go one realizes Sevian can get around on the large horn with style. Her sound is full and rich, evoking memories of Nick Brignola. The baritone is a gas in capable hands and that ability to 'get around' on the horn and explore its registers is an element of the instrument's appeal. Sevian displays a convincing and exhilarating capacity to both tell a lively story through her solos and explore the range of her instrument without hesitation..."--Rick Erben, amazon.com, review of "Blueprint". Visit the "news" section for a link to the full review.

"For the past few years Lauren Sevian has been a "rising star" on the New York jazz scene, particularly in her role as the baritone saxophonist in the Mingus Big Band. Lauren's debut CD, filled with original compositions performed by a stellar quartet, is further proof that she is becoming an important voice on her instrument."--Bob Bernotas, host of "Just Jazz" WNTI 91.9 FM/wnti.org (review of "Blueprint")

"Baritone saxophonist Lauren Sevian improvised over the fast section, issuing rhythmically robust lines that had a Coltrane-like angularity here, a Bird-like warmth there."--Zan Stewart, The Star Ledger (review of Mingus Big Band)

"From the first unaccompanied notes of Lauren Sevian’s baritone saxophone it was clear that the Mingus Big Band was in powerful, energetic form, both as the highlight of this year’s Jazz Weekend at the Bath International Music Festival and at the midpoint of their current British tour." --Alyn Shipton, Times Online

"Mingus Big Band gave a tyically rollicking show for a sold out audience on the Saturday night with baritone saxophonist Lauren Sevian setting the tone with her barnstorming solo on the opener, 'Moanin'." --Stephen Graham, Jazzwise Magazine

"Then the band...ripped into Mingus's rapid-fire blues ''Boogie Stop Shuffle."...Lauren Sevian soloed fluidly on the unwieldy baritone saxophone, building to a honking finish as the trumpets shrieked." --Kevin Lowenthal, Boston Globe correspondent (review of Mingus Big Band @ Regatta Bar, September 2nd 2005)

"Opening with a rousing version of "E's Flat, Ah's Flat Too" we wasted no time in launching into some serious and extended solos. First up was Lauren Sevian giving us a blistering baritone sax solo taking time to dip into the delicious lower register of this instrument." --Dave Barnes "The Live Music Report" (review of Mingus Big Band @ Toronto Jazz Festival)

"The basement's acoustics, coupled with the band's tremendous sound, helped enhance the warmth and softness of baritonist Lauren Sevian's tone during her solo on "Diane." The band's personnel are known to shift from time to time, so let's hope Sevian finds her way to town with the rest of the group." --Minnesota Spokesman/Recorder (review of Mingus Big Band)

"This New York-based band is full of young fiery musicians who understand the spatial qualities of Bjork’s music and who delve into Sullivan’s terrific arrangements with commitment and energy. The band is rich with soloists... the fiery playing of Lauren Sevian on baritone sax..." --Alan Chase, The Wire (review of Bjorkestra cd "Enjoy")

"Lauren Sevian and Randy Brecker began the second piece with mournful, soulful refrains, as the deep baritone sax played the slower theme and imbued it with energy and even a danceable melody."--Dr. Roberta E. Zlokower, Roberta on the Arts (review of Mingus Big Band @ Iridium)

"Between the soloists emerge Lauren Sevian perfectly comfortable on her heavy instrument... --AllAboutJazz Italy (review of Elephunk CD "For Rent")