Born and raised on the west coast of Ca., Lorraine started singing at public events when she was 5 along with her mother, a classically trained singer, and then moved on to follow in the footsteps of her blues singing grandmother at the age of 15, singing in nightclubs, festivals, commercials and soundtracks. Her grandmother not only sang the blues, but also played the piano and toured from Chicago out to the west beginning in the 30's. Lorraine's early years were spent living not only on the west coast, but also in the midwest and Germany while Lorraine's mother studied with the master voice coaches of the day. Piano, violin and clarinet were studied, and her first experience with jazz came during a high school tour in the Ca. State Honor Jazz Band at 14. Choirs, both in church and in school were also a huge part of her early life as a blossoming singer and soloist. Choosing her next path, Lorraine began singing with bands in nightclubs while in high school in the 70's and traveled up and down the California coast fronting bands playing motown, soul, rock, pop, disco, country, R&B and jazz. In the 80's - motherhood came along and she raised 2 sons while continuing to play, but on a more local level. They're now blossoming as musicians and following in their mother's footsteps and the circle keeps going. Based out of Nevada City, Ca. (2 hours from the San Francisco/Bay Area), widely known as the cultural center of the arts in the Northern Sierra Nevada, she regularly performs in clubs, concerts venues, festivals and events with her 2 bands. Whether singing jazz or fronting an "old school" R&B band, Lorraine's life is a musical world.

Thru the years she’s shared stages and opened for acts including the Pointer Sisters, Etta James, the Charlie Hunter Band, Pete Escavedo and John Hammond. She's also sung on film projects, radio and TV commercials, other artist's CD's, and has recorded and released a new album, 'A World Apart"

A few words about her voice and stage peformances....

"Lorraine Gervais is one of jazz's great voices. Her silky highs and warmly resonant midrange is her's alone. ..” Jazz Chronicles

“Lorraine Gervais has a unique sound reminiscent of Randy Crawford singing with the Crusaders in the 80's or Cassandra Wilson, but one that is totally her own. ..... . With a deep contralto voice that is full of soul and heart, she took us on a wild ride of some familiar lyrics with a new twist on the melody - 60's rock and folk with a big infusion of jazz. ..... Lorraine is also a composer and she brought us a couple of her original tunes, one of them, Cool Water, was absolutely wonderful, the lyrics inspired by Lake Tahoe. .... it was pretty obvious that this lady could take a nursery rhyme and turn it into a soulful hit. ...” Vivian Lee, Savanna’s Jazz Series, Sacramento, Ca.

"The blend of music and song are beautifully balanced and collaboratively focused by Lorraine and her band....refreshing original arrangements. Romantically seductive and simply gorgeous!” Michael Keene, DJ - KVMR

"...Lorraine Gervais IS the Chanteuse of Jazz in Nevada City/Grass Valley...her concert before a packed house at Music in the Mountains spring fest gave proof of her exalted status among jazz lovers...her velvet smooth voice, accompanied so ably by the jazz trio of Bob Villwock, piano, Joe Dolister, bass and Lew Langworthy, drums, delivered a delicious mix of original material and arrangements of standards to a delighted and responsive audience...kudos to all for an attention grabbing and exciting evening of song..." Paul Perry - Artistic Director - Music In The Mountains, Grass Valley Ca.

..and on the new album:

“Congratulations. I really think it all came together for you on this one. Alan did a great
job and all the players are very tasty. Your originals are fantastic! I was happy to see my
old friends Roger Smith and Steve Boutte involved. That's great.... Again, congrats on
such a beautiful record. I bet it opens some new doors for performance. Peace to you
Lorraine.” Charlie Peacock, Sr. A&R Consultant-Sony/ATV

"A local singer/songwriter, this new CD showcases her soulful vocals and eclectic songwriting chops with production and playing that is simply top notch, a lush heartfelt record with something for any fan of great female jazz singers.” Mikail Graham, DJ "The Other SIde"- KVMR Listener’s Guide TOP PICKS 07
Dec07/Jan08 Issue 91

“Lorraine Gervais possesses that mysterious ability to sing lyrics and make them sound as if she’s just thought of them and is sharing in a conversation. Her diction is impeccable, her mid-range voice full of resonance, and she draws on a variety of jazz, pop and folk influences. There are echos of Diana Krall, Laura Nyro, and Norah Jones in her singing and songwriting, and she has an erotic way of placng herself inside mostly mid-tempo instrumental cushions. Lorraine can take a word like “forget” and give it three notes, a subtle trill that is beautifully fluid. Although she includes excellent versions of songs associated with Bonnie Raitt (“The Glow”), Aretha Franklin (“Until You Come Back To Me”), Joni Mitchell (“Edith & The Kingpin” and the Carpenters (“A Song For You”), her own compositions hold their own. The opening original “As You”, includes an outstanding vibes solo from Bob Villwock and work from guitarists Tom Bethky and Alan Kuehne, and “Cool Water” showcases Lorraine’s sensual lyric images; she likes to write about how her skin feels and what whispers sound like.

In “Are You Real” she sings “Are you real/Can I count on you for anything that might come along/You make me feel/There’s a value in my emotions right or wrong”, and brings the listener fully into a troubled love song. A World Apart is a very accomplished piece of work all the way through.”
Mark Leviton, Reviewer, DJ - KVMR Listener’s Guide
August/September 2007 Issue 89
http://www.kvmr.org/personalities/m_leviton.html

"The release of A WORLD APART is a cause for celebration for the silky-voiced singer… she is accompanied by a stellar band including Tower of Power’s keyboardist Roger Smith. From the low and sweet “Before I’m Gone” to the wistful cover of Bonnie Raitt’s “The Glow,” A WORLD APART definitely sets this vocalist apart from the average and closer to the hearts of music fans.”
Sandy Shore, President/Founder - smoothjazz.com