LZ Love is a vocalist, percussionist and songwriter; Born in Chicago, back to Louisiana at age 3, then raised in Berkeley California. As so many great American singers have, LZ began singing gospel in a southern church…at age five. Having sung and toured with a long list of icons including Mary Wells, Joan Armatrading, Billy Preston (the 5th Beatle), Parliament Funkadelic, Luther Vandross and Stephen Marley, her credentials are impressive.
A favorite of Tommy Castro and Michael Franti, her voice appears on their releases, as does theirs on her CD. LZ Love’s s solo career began in 1995 when her song Lift Me Up reached number two on the European dance charts. Mainly known for her back-up vocals and co lead vocals, LZ has had the pleasure to record with many great artists. LZ made a name for herself with releases in the UK of her dance singles from 1999 to 2005. When residing in London, LZ’s dance-music career was interrupted by the severe illness of her mother. After caring for her dying mother in California, her career took yet another path.
In 2001 she co-wrote ‘ONE’, her first album, and the song Been Lonely became a favorite on the San Francisco scene and was released on ‘San Francisco Bay’s Best Blues’ by Epitaph Records. In addition to singing in the Broadway production of ‘The Lion King’ in San Francisco, 2003 saw the release of the acclaimed CD ‘Standing Wide-legged & Proud’.
Relocating to Austin, Texas (The Music Capital of the World) in 2004, with her song-writing partner and their lead guitarist, LZ continues to release dance-singles in Europe, albums in the US, and lend her amazing vocal abilities to other projects. In 2006, she released her debut solo album, 'My Higher Ground', featuring her incomparable songwriting and vocal talents. 2006 saw her adding supporting vocals on a Michael Franti Spearhead CD and Lightning Red’s first acoustic release. LZ and Lightning Red's duo recording, 'Gut Bucket Blues' in 2007 has led to label interest and tours. It's Stumpdown acoustic - raw blues at it's best!
2007 was a banner year for LZ. LZ took her band on several short tours, receiving accolades from Clubs, Blues Festivals and Blues magazines. She sang the Star Spangled Banner for the San Antonio Spurs NBA Playoff Game on May 2. LZ also recorded with Calvin Russell on his latest CD, 'Unrepentant' adding backing vocals on 2 songs. The City of Austin declared November 29th as LZ Love day and presented her with a proclamation. Her song, 'My Higher Ground' has been selected to appear on the Austin Convention & Visitor Bureau's compilation CD Volume 7, as well.
In 2008, she released her second solo CD, 'Dancin' With The Blues' to much acclaim. LZ performed at several Blues Festivals and took her band on a few tours. In 2009 she Recorded on Ouachita's new CD in the studio. In 2010, she performed on Sara Hichman's new project, "Theater Action" - featuring Willie Nelson, Ray Benson, Ruthie Foster, Carolyn Wonderland, LZ Love, Shelley King and many more.
LZ also spent the greater part of 2009 writing and refining her new music and sound while looking for a record producer to take her music to the next level. LZ found her producer in Matt Smith of the "Monstas" fame. Together, they formed a music partnership that has made "MYSTERIOUS" such an amazing album in 2010. LZ is off on a tour of Europe and Blues Festivals in late June for several weeks to pump up the volume on her new album. She plans to tour extensively this year and beyond.
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