Laura Allan

Singing with a dulcimer and zither, Laura Allan might be called one of Joni Mitchell's musical children. After participating in the legendary Fairfax Street Choir in the early 1970s, she released this solo debut in 1978 with the help of her older brother. Her attraction lies in a personality that retains a folk scent while being deeply influenced by soul and jazz. West Coast luminaries including Jim Keltner, Jeff Porcaro, Chuck Rainey, Lee Sklar, Waddy Wachtel, Craig Doerge and Seawind lift her songs.

Opening with her dulcimer, ‘Opening Up to You’ is an exceptionally mellow tune in which electric piano and saxophone create a fine groove. The following ‘Slip and Slide Away’ begins with sumptuous electric piano and harmony, and her singing is lovely too. The finely made songs that follow reveal Laura's supple musicality. It is a highly accomplished album, yet for some reason it failed to win popularity. Sadly, she died of lung cancer in 2008.