Lana Gray has an international background: her family’s roots are in Senegal, Vietnam, Italy, Corsica, and the United Kingdom. Growing up in such a culturally rich environment, she soon developed a love of music and jazz singing. She studied jazz at the Bill Evans Piano Academy in Paris.

Lana appears on stage with pianist Philippe Baden Powell de Aquino and percussionist Thomas Delor, and bassist Patrick Laroche. They enjoy performing at venues in Paris such as the Sunset-Sunside, the Marcounet Riverboat, the 38’Riv, etc, as well as at the Jazz en Touraine and Jazz à Louviers Festivals, etc.

As a jazz vocalist, melodist and songwriter, Lana draws her repertoire from her own compositions, jazz standards, blues, pop, and Brazilian popular music, all styled with a uniquely multicultural coloring. Her music is poetic. Her inspiration comes from her past and present experiences enriched by her multi-ethnic heritage and from her favorite literature books. The velvety, delicate yet powerful sound of her Quartet & Guests is a perfect accompaniment to Lana’s voice, which may remind listeners of Billie Holiday. She immerses her audience in a world of enchantment. The variety of her influences and her ability to convey feelings make her an impressive jazz interpreter and a consummate artist.

Where did you grow up? How did your upbringing influence your career?

I grew up in Paris (France). My Mom was a dancer, my dad was a photographer, my uncles were musicians. Growing up in an artist family environment led me to love music and particularly jazz. furthermore, my family roots were so rich. At home, we used to speak, Vietnamese, French, English and wolof (Senegalese language) and music was just an other language to me.

What do you see as the biggest challenge in your market?

The biggest challenge would be to sale millions of CD and be in great demand as a singer.

How do you continue to educate yourself?

I still attend singing lessons with a vocal coach. I also have lessons in harmony & improvisation.

What role do partnerships and relationships play in your career?

Partnerships and relationships are important in my career as they are a mean to develop my social network. They also help me to grow up as a singer.

True or false? Hard work solves almost anything. Tell us why you feel this way.

It is true. In my opinion, when you’re gifted in any fields, it’s not enough and particularly in music: You never stop working hard.

What achievement are you most proud of?

I’m very proud that I have produced my CD “The colors of my soul” with 7 of my own compositions.

What’s next in your career?

Many Gigs! a lot of new projects and other CD release: maybe a Brazilian music cd in 2021/22.

What advice do you have for our readers?

Believe in your dreams ! Don’t put an end to what you are capable to do !
Because :
‘…And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it,'” Paolo Coelho’s quote in the Alchemist.