artist Lori Cullen

At the intersection of jazz, easy listening, orchestral pop and acoustic folk is the sparkling sound of Buttercup Bugle. On her fourth solo CD, Toronto-based independent singer/songwriter Lori Cullen weaves sophistication and whimsy into an unexpected discovery. The disc was co-produced by Chris Dedrick –mastermind behind the legendary 60’s Sunshine Pop vocal group Free Design. His elaborate backing vocal sections and brass arrangements evoke a lost era of meticulous craft, adorning the songs with breathtaking ornamentation executed by the distinguished True North Brass ensemble. Emanating from the local folk scene in 2000 with her first recording, Cullen’s artistic evolution quickly outgrew restrictive genres. Last year’s collection of covers, Calling For Rain, received a Juno nomination for Best Jazz Vocal and garnered significant radio support nationally. A song from that same recording won the Colleen Peterson songwriting award from the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals. Her critically acclaimed Uneven Hill release from 2002 has recently seen a resurgence of interest with BBC play in England. A guest appearance on Polaris winner Owen Pallette’s Final Fantasy project further establishes her credentials as an essential voice. Buttercup Bugle features eight new original songs, and 3 interpretations of classics by Dedrick, Gordon Lightfoot, and the seldom-covered cult fave Judee Sill.

Lori Cullen Singer / Songwriter / Guitarist