‘Coming Home’, the second CD released by Manchester-based Alexandra Lorence…contains nine compositions she has penned herself with guitarist Mark Townson. Reviewing her first album, ‘Round Midnight’ in 2005, I remarked on the unique sound of Alex’s voice. With this latest offering, she sings numbers which again showcase her delivery and style.

It is worth mentioning that Ms Lorence is not simply a ‘girl singer’. She graduated from Salford University with an MA in Music Performance and was awarded the prestigious James Morrison Jazz Masters Award, so knows her way around a music score. That is obvious in the construction and delivery of her compositions on this CD, and I particularly enjoyed ‘Waiting For You.’

During the past 10 years she has appeared at major festivals in the north with her ensemble, which includes my old mate, Vinny Parker on keyboards. Besides Vinny and Mark Townson, the studio personnel for ‘Coming Home’ are Tim Franks (drums), Dave Turner (bass) and Ed Kainyek (sax), all excellent players. Their restrained but influential contributions are the foundation on which Alex can build. She is comfortable with them and this shows in the confident manner she delivers her songs. She is rightly proud of this album.

Fred Shawcross
Lancashire Evening Telegraph
July 2008

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Alexandra swings gently on "Coming Home", a relaxing and highly original CD containing readily listenable tunes yet with quite clever and philosophical lyrics. This really is a collaborative effort and Alexandra's unforced vocals come across so beautifully because of the thoughtful backing she receives from co-writer and master guitarist Mark Townson, elegant keyboardist Vinnie Parker, attentive bassist Dave Turner who underpins the entire superbly and drummer Tim Franks whose empathetic brushwork is a listener's delight. Saxophonist Ed Kainyek makes a thoughtful contribution, never intruding yet stamping his professionalism on each foray. All in all, a CD which may be difficult to pigeonhole but is extremely easy to sit back and listen to.

Graham Brook
North West Jazz Promoter
July 2008

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REVIEWS FOR 1ST ALBUM 'ROUND MIDNIGHT'

Hailing from Wigan, Alexandra is a young, mainstream jazz vocalist who has built and enviable reputation in her native north-west. This album contains a solid blend of classics ('Is You Is, Or Is You Ain't', 'Georgia') with contemporary covers (Elvis Costello's 'Baby Plays Around'). Supported by classy professionals such as Vinny Parker (keys) and Edd Kainyek (sax), Alexandra displays a melodic touch with a wide range of songs and, as her moving version of Joni Mitchell's 'A Case Of You' highlights, she may score radio success with suitable originals in a similar vein. Promising.

Musician
The Journal of the Musicians' Union

Alex has a unique sound but can deliver virtually every style across the musical spectrum, and has a great feel for swing, having studied the work of jazz divas like Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Billie Holiday. I particularly enjoy her delivery of ballads, which emphasises the haunting quality of her voice. Recently Alexandra went into the studio with four of the North West’s best musicians – Vinny Parker (keyboards), Frank Grimme (bass), Tim Franks (drums) and Edd Kainyek (sax) – and the resultant CD, ‘Round Midnight’, showcases her vocal range on a collection of mostly well-known numbers.’

Fred Shawcross
Lancashire Evening Telegraph

What a delightful debut last time out, such poise and stage presence and some fine interpretations of timeless jazz standards as well as refreshingly upbeat soulful repertoire. Making her way in the music world she invites you in from the very first song, and just doesn't let go. Alex is surrounded by superb musicians yet she shines through.

The Cinnamon Club

Alexandra is a talented young vocalist with genuine stage presence.

Mark Ritchie - The Stage Newspaper

Alexandra Lorence is a fantastic jazz vocalist…and is one of the best female singers
in her field on the circuit.

Act-e-Vate, Entertainment Consultants

A Search For A Star contest was launched by Pizza Express in Preston city centre to help pull in cash for £400,000 appeal. Alexandra Lorence was declared the overall winner after giving an awesome performance of jazz numbers Basin Street Blues, Lover Man and Over The Rainbow.

Lancashire Evening Post