Lauren Meehan
Lauren's musical career ignited at an early age and became professional at the age of 16. Her musical influence began from the classic early Jazz and Swing era of Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, and Billie Holiday and the Big Band sounds of Duke Ellington, The Dorsey Brother's Orchestras and Glen Miller. Modern inspiration which influenced her career came from the iconic Diana Krall and Broadway artist Linda Eder. Lauren has appeared in the iconic Jazz clubs throughout New England, down the Eastern coast and Internationally in the U.K. She has had the privilege to perform with the Boston Pops, the Broadway touring cast of Phantom Swings, opening for comedian Don Rickles, and appeared at the famous Ryles Jazz Club with guest trumpeter extraordinaire Wayne Bergeron, among many more esteemed accolades. Lauren is a featured recording artist on two Big Band Albums, Bandwidth and Time After Time, and in 2022 released Nature Boy, a Jazz quartet combo album.
John Simonetti: Bass
Multi-instrumentalist John Simonetti was born into a musical family. A Durham native, John continues to record and perform in a wide range of venues with groups spanning all genres.
Dave Albert: Drums and Percussion
Dave Albert studied at Berklee College of Music and East Carolina University. He conducted Band Programs in Elizabeth City, NC and Raleigh, NC and is now retired “Conductor Emeritus” of the Leesville Road High School Band Program. Mr. Albert’s bands have performed at State Music Conventions and most major cities in the U.S. including the Midwest Clinic in Chicago. Il. He studied with Ed Shaughnessy, drummer for Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show and mentored with Buddy Rich. He is an Endorsing Artist/Clinician for Ludwig Drums, guest conducts Honor Bands, presents seminars in Student Leadership, adjudicates festival events and serves as Academic and Music Education Consultant for many colleges and schools throughout the Unites States.
Doug Kobs: Piano:
Keyboardist/Guitarist Doug Kōbs was accepted into the classical piano program at Lawrence University in Appleton, WI, but switched to jazz and ultimately earned a degree in Jazz Performance from the University of North Texas in 1989. While studying the piano, Doug also honed his flat picking and finger style guitar technique. After 14 years in New York, Doug relocated to Raleigh, where he is currently the keyboardist and piano player for various funk, Motown, Jazz groups, including regular solo Jazz piano gigs. Doug joined Lauren Meehan in 2022 and plays regularly as part of the LJM Jazz Ensemble.
Greg Brink: Piano (feat. on album Nature Boy)
From his roots in Ohio to his adopted home in the Raleigh, North Carolina area, Greg has always found a network of like minded and inspiring musicians. Trumpet was his first instrument. He began playing in elementary school and continued through high school and college at Capital Conservatory and Ohio University. When one of his college jazz bands needed a keyboard player, Greg stepped up to fill the role having no formal piano training, but a great ear for chords and musical structure. Inspired by Dizzy Gillespie’s advise that anyone who wants to play well and understand music should also learn to play the piano, he continued to work on his keyboard skills. After college, piano became his primary instrument. He moved to Akron, Ohio where he played with various ensembles in the region and studied with jazz pianist, Pat Pace. He studied with Ed Paolantonio and continues to play various ensembles. Greg previously played with Lauren Meehan and is featured on the album Nature Boy.