Biography
Vocalist, lyricist, improviser, and composer, Lora Sherrodd is a product of talent, hard work, exceptional teachers, and genetics. Based in Philadelphia, Lora brings new excitement to the vocal jazz scene, racking up an impressive list of credentials for her young age, including being the recipient of the Outstanding Soloist Award in the Downbeat Magazine Student Music Awards 2020 (Undergrad) and 2021 (Graduate). She regularly performs at Philadelphia venues, including Chris’ Jazz Café, South Jazz Kitchen, World Cafe Live, and The Kimmel Center.
Originating in Laramie, Wyoming, Lora grew up surrounded by music. She started singing, dancing, performing and studying music from a young age, encouraged by her mother, a professional rock bass guitarist. She received her M.M. in Jazz Studies from Temple University and her B.A. in Music in 2020 from University of Wyoming. She was taught by incredible musicians Dr. Ben Markley, Dr. Katrina Zook, Bruce Barth, Najwa Parkins, and Chelsea Reed. She continued her professional relationship with Ben Markley to include writing lyrics for Markley’s original music showcased in an asynchronous recording entitled Lora Sings Markley. She has also written lyrics for Elio Villafranca’s “I Belong to You” featuring Cécile McLorin Salvant.
n 2019, she earned a grant from The University of Wyoming to record her debut album, 287. Her recording, “I’m Gonna Lock My Heart (And Throw Away the Key)” from this record earned her a 2020 Downbeat Magazine Student Music Award for outstanding jazz vocal solo. As an undergraduate, Sherrodd was the featured vocalist in the Wyoming Jazz Ensemble and appeared on a number of recordings, including the university’s Winds of the Snowys as well as All In by John May. She worked regularly with the Wyoming Jazz Ensemble, earning the opportunity to perform with many notable musicians, such as Nate Werth at Dazzle in Denver with the University of Wyoming Steel Pan Band, Greg Osby with the Wyoming Jazz Ensemble, and Terell Stafford at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola with the Wyoming Jazz Ensemble in New York City.
About the Music
“In my experience, I have found that the way to connect jazz music to contemporary audiences is through clever lyricism that is relevant to the modern-day experience. I write straight-ahead tunes with feminist lyrics that capture the unique experience of growing up as a girl in the twenty-first century. I invite the audience to laugh and cry along with me while I speak my truth through my compositions.”
