"She is a steady warm presence, and she handles adeptly the balance of grace and appeal to sensuousness that is an earmark of many jazz-vocal greats. That's quite an accomplishment for a young performer of unquestionable beauty, especially at a time when marketers, and critics, offer dubious rewards for looks as much as talent. That she has talent, plenty of jazz fans in Kobe, Japan, can now testify, as have Fortune's nearer-to-home fans here in Seattle and up in Bellingham...Courtney has developed a textured, sultry, arrestingly mature torchsinger's delivery to which experience may eventually lend depth and credence."
-Peter Monaghan, Earshot Jazz Magazine
"We show it off as one of our best during public tours...a really unique style and the talent and vibe to carry it very far. it's only a matter of time." - Tyler Winick and Jacob Voelzke, The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus, The John Lennon Foundation
Hailing from the small town of Bellingham, Washington, twenty one year old Courtney Fortune began cultivating her musical niche and crossover style at an early age while performing at venues in Seattle. As her music blossomed she found a loyal and enthusiastic following in Japan and the UK, playing sold-out shows in Tokyo, Kyoto, Kobe and an array of clubs across London. After moving to Los Angeles she began collaborating with four-time Grammy nominated composer/arranger Chris Walden, chosen as the featured vocalist for The Chris Walden Big Band and lyricist for a number of pop, jazz, and folk projects. She also co-produces her new electro-pop project with LA DJ and electro artist Alex Nahai. This year Courtney performed alongside Garrison Keillor of A Prairie Home Companion, and was awarded for outstanding musical achievement by the University of Southern California at the 2008 Dickens Dinner where she performed for legendary songwriters Brian Wilson and Lamont Dozier. Courtney currently attends USC and holds a residency at the Room 5 Lounge in Los Angeles. She also actively volunteers at the Peapod Music and Arts Academy, which gives foster teens living in South Central a music education. Her music has been recognized by MTV, the John Lennon Foundation, topped online music charts like TheSixtyOne and she has played for audiences of ten to ten thousand.
Lately I've been busy tracking the 7H7E full length. Lots of cool things pending right now with that, I just can't talk about it all yet! We have a ton of video blogs up if you're curious:
http://www.youtube.com/7horns7eyesofficial
And funny you mention the beard, I cut it off three days ago:
Hey Courtney, I've been spinning your album quite frequently. My brother actually surprised me with an advance promo copy he got at the record store he works at. The title track is probably my favorite. Really great, as always. I've already been in LA three times this year, but unfortunately not during any of your performances... Hope all is well!
Courtney! How are you? Not sure if you remember me - we sang together at the Moore Theatre a while back - Anyway, I have a question for you... Where can I get your album?! I need one. Your music sounds amazing! You in LA?
Courtney!! Can't wait for you play in Bellingham again!! I'm going to try and bring the entire band if it's possible :) We'd all love to see and hear you again...Cam and I think you should play Moondance for old time's sake haha.
