Special thanks to Bruce Bigenho who recorded , as well as played piano and keyboards on " Some kind of Wonderful" "I hold No Grudge" and "I put a spell on you".
Also thanks to Eli Buchanan who added his Super Sax Expertise on both of those songs~
Influences
My influences , Soul/R&B: Mavis Staples, Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin. Jazz: Definitely Peggy Lee, Lena Horne, Ethel Waters. As far as Musical theater: Liza Minnelli, of course!
Laura J. Cozzi was born and raised in Santa Barbara, California and has been well known to Santa Barbara audiences since her Musical Theater days. She has sung and danced her way through many a musical at the Lobero Theater and other theaters in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles.
It was her first professional production of "A Funny thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" starring Tony Geary, Dom De Luise and a cast of veteran character actors that inspired her to continue working in entertainment, as well as move to Los Angeles. She attended the L.A. Dance Academy on a scholarship, studied with "The Groundlings" and began auditioning and working in commercials, features and television pilots with the guidance of her mentor and agent, Lola Hansen who cast Laura in her first speaking role in the film, "Suds, the cleanest show in town" which starred, Phyllis Diller ,Fred Willard and Ray Walston. Lola, who was a star in many films back in the 30's and 40's and appeared in many of the Three Stooges films under the name, Lola Jensen.
Laura is also a proud member of the Screen Actor's Guild union.
Laura attributes her passion for entertainment to her Italian heritage. "Italians are typically so animated, naturally funny and have a vast emotional range, In other words, we're a little crazy!." Her father William Cozzi was from Livorno, Tuscany and was a true stone mason blessing Santa Barbara with his artistry. He passed away in 1979 when Laura just turned 16. Laura's mother, Fausta was born in the U.S. and was raised in Rome, Italy. During world war 2, the Nazi's became aware of the pretty U.S. citizen and attempted to capture her as a P.O.W. It was a Jewish family who were hiding from the Nazis that helped her to do the same. Fausta was also an amazing artist who mastered water colors and showed her art in local Santa Barbara galleries. Laura and her Mom were incredibly close. Fausta passed away almost two years ago from Cancer. After taking some time to grieve, Laura has decided it was time to get back on that stage, again and she started off by putting an R&B band together earlier this year. She is working with some amazing musicians, William Zepeda on bass, Rod Wilson on keys, Mike Willis on drums and lead and back up vocals, and the amazing Andy Najera on Guitar and Sax! They have played in and around Ventura at upscale winebars, popular venues and restaurants. They have also performed at a private party at the Channel Islands Corinthian Yacht club, and a recent performance for a large corporate gala event at The elegant Wilshire Grand Hotel Ballroom..
Laura has performed at Chumash Casino, SOhO, James Joyce, The Palms, Royal Scandanavian, Big Yellow House, Jonathans/J's tapas, with festivals and events for Cancer Foundation's "Viva La Vida", Strawberry Festival, and Vandenberg Air Force Base Holiday Event, just to name a few. She has discovered that singing RnB, and even a little Jazz is really where her passion lies and it shows.... because when she performs she can really knock the socks off of anybody......
Laura...Oops, I Apologize, Sometimes I Over Analyze. Its The Virgo In Me. Please Forget About What I Said... After All, Your Like My Only Critic, LOL No One Else Takes The Time Out To Listen To My Music. LOL Talk To You Soon, Lots Of Love, Dimitri
Hi Laura, Thank You For The Comment On "Just Do It" I Know You Like "Ressurrection" 100X More. To Tell You The Truth When I Created "Just Do It" I Was Hoping To Create Another Popular "Stupid" Club Song. I Am Not So Crazy About "Just Do It"..., I Thought The Song Was Gonna Sell A Lot Of Copies. I Enjoy Doing Original Stuff Better. I Got The Idea For Creating "Just Do It" From The INXS Song, "Devil Inside" I Replayed The Guitar Part From That Song. I Got The Feeling You Thought You Insulted Me When You Said That "Ressurrection" Blew "Just Do It" Away. You Did Not Insult Me At All. I Appreciate Your Honesty. I Am Thrilled That You Loved "Ressurrection" Better Than "Just Do It" I Love To Hear Your Comments. Even If You Think Some Of My Songs Could Use A Few Improvements. Anyway, I Didnt Want You To Think You Insulted Me. I Hope To Hear From You Soon And Please Give Me All The Comments You Want. Lots Of Love Dimitri
Hi Laura, Thank You For The Best Comment In The Whole World!!! I Am So Happy You Like "Resurrection". That Really Meant A Lot To Me............ Words Can Not Describe. I Am Going To Email You That Track And A Demo Of Another Track I Am Revisiting. I Need To Finish About "9" More Songs And "BadBoy Joe" Said He Wants To Sell My Music On Itunes When All The Tracks Are Completed . I Dont Want To Get My Hopes High, It Seems Like He Is Sincere. I Wish I Didnt Have My Regular Job Because I Would Be Finished A Whole Lot Sooner. AnyWay,Send My Love To Mary And Edward. Talk To You Soon. Lots Of Love, Dimitri
Howdy Laura, Hope all's well and you are living life to the fullest. Added some fine harmonies by Russell Anguiano to "The Cowboy Way". The song just keeps rolling along and growing and I can't quit it. Must be love. Also completely rewrote and re-recorded Water. Guess I felt like I had to say more. Keep twangin' Dexter
Howdy Laura and thanks for your enduring frienship and support. Just to let you know, your music is well crafted, has a great vibe and energy and once again shows what agreat artist you are. On the homefront, I just added my latest song, "The Cowboy Way". I'm sure you'll feel what I did when I wrote the song. There is a side to me (and everyone, I expect) that I can hardly understand and that I can't expect anyone else to understand, either. Have fun listening and let me know how you like the song. Dexter
Hi Laura,Thanks For Wishing Me A Happy Birthday. I Have Been Revisiting My "Resurrection" Track. It Is Almost Complete. There Is Something Missing On The Track And It Is Really Bothering me.Overall, I Am Very Happy With It But Some Improvements Should Be Made Here And There. I Cant Wait To Post It So You Can Give Me Your Opinion of It Lots Of Love Always Dimitri
Laura,Just Wanted To Wish You A Happy Birthday And Also Compliment You On The Recording Of"Some Kind Of Wonderful". Sounds Really Great,I Love The Way It Was Recorded. Lots Of Love To You And Your Family xo Dimitri
Howdy Laura, Thanks for your friendship and the great music on your page. Just uploaded my new song "My Future Showed Up Late". It's a toe tapper about southern style karma and us good ole boys. Enjoy and let me know how you like it. Thanks, Dexter
HI LAURA!! THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE ADD AND THE FRIENDSHIP!! I REALLY APPRECIATE IT A LOT!! I LIKE YOUR MUSIC, AND THE FACT THAT WE HAVE THE SAME MIDDLE INITIAL!! :-) ALSO, YOUR LAST NAME--ITALIAN, RIGHT?! I AM MARRIED TO AN ITALIAN, SO I RECOGNIZE GOOD ITALIAN NAMES! :-) HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY AND WEEK MY FRIEND! LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP, CATHEY J JOHNSON
