LOS ANGELES, CA- When I was younger, jazz was my first love. It was the music that played in the background of my most formative years, and I spent countless hours in vocal competitions, pouring my heart into songs that spoke to the timeless ache of human experience. My go-to was always Harry Connick Jr.’s rendition of “It Had to Be You” from *When Harry Met Sally*. The lush arrangements, the swing, the undeniable romance—it all wrapped around my teenage self like a warm blanket. Even now, years later, my record player gets a steady workout from the likes of Frank Sinatra, particularly when “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning” spins its way into my feels. Jazz, for me, has always been the soundtrack to the most intimate moments of life.
So, you can imagine my joy—my pure, unadulterated joy—when I stepped into the Hollywood Bowl for Laufey’s performance, surrounded by a sold-out crowd that spanned generations. A whole new wave of jazz enthusiasts, discovering this classic American style of music, brought to life by a 25-year-old Icelandic wunderkind who’s been taking the world by storm. This wasn’t just a concert; it was a passing of the torch, a reinvigoration of a genre that, to some, might seem like a relic of the past but to us, remains as fresh and vital as ever.
Laufey, a native of Reykjavík, Iceland, has been on quite the journey. Her move to Los Angeles, a city as vast and intimidating as it is inspiring, was no easy transition. Like many before her, she had to acclimate to a world so different from her own—a world where dreams are just as likely to be crushed as they are to be realized. But through it all, Laufey remained steadfast, channeling her experiences and emotions into her music, crafting songs that resonate with listeners across the globe. Her story is one of persistence, of navigating the often tumultuous waters of the music industry, and emerging not just unscathed, but triumphant.
The evening began with the sounds of Chet Baker floating through the air, setting the mood for what was to come. The crowd buzzed with anticipation, a diverse mix of people who had come to witness something special. And special it was. Laufey opened with her band, a simple, intimate setup that allowed her to showcase the raw power and emotion of her music. As she seated herself casually in the middle of the stage, the crowd fell silent, hanging on every note, every word.
After opening with “Above the Chinese Restaurant”, she performed, “Street by Street,” a song that holds a special place in Laufey’s heart—it’s the first song she ever wrote. She never imagined performing it in front of a sold-out crowd at the Hollywood Bowl, and the significance of the moment wasn’t lost on her. She prefaced the performance by imploring the audience, “Don’t ever let anybody take a city away from you.” Her lyrics as emotive as they come, delivered with an air of sophistication that belies her youth. At just 25, Laufey sings about heartache and longing with a depth and understanding that artists twice her age would envy.
Her humor and charm shone through as she introduced “Dear Soulmate,” playfully insisting that the venue was filled with potential soulmates, all of whom, of course, had excellent taste in music – wink, wink. It’s this combination of wit, warmth, and undeniable talent that has endeared Laufey to fans around the world.
For “Best Friend”, Laufey’s twin sister, Junia, joined her on stage to accompany Laufey on violin, a touching family moment that added an extra layer of emotion to the evening. But it was in the second set, accompanied by the LA Philharmonic conducted by Thomas Wilkins, where the true magic happened.
The full orchestra took Laufey’s music to another level, transforming the already lush arrangements into something truly awe-inspiring. During “Fragile,” Laufey’s rich alto voice, flipping effortlessly between head voice and chest voice, showcased her deep understanding of her own instrument. The audience was spellbound, and for good reason—this was a performance for the ages. As the night wore on, the audience lit up their cell phones during “Beautiful Strangers,” creating a sea of lights that mirrored the stars above. It was one of those moments that felt almost too perfect, as if it had been scripted in a movie. And yet, it was real, a testament to the connection Laufey has forged with her listeners.
One of the most striking aspects of the evening was the diversity of the audience. There were equal parts of every decade represented—teens and twenty-somethings discovering the raw emotion of jazz for the first time, thirty-to-fifty-year-olds marveling at the evolution of the genre, and sixty-plus-year-olds reminiscing about what could have been and what still might be. It was a reminder that, in the end, heartache is heartache, no matter your age, as long as it’s performed with passion.
And passion Laufey delivered in spades. Her voice cracked during “Goddess,” a moment that felt so overwhelmingly powerful, it seemed as if the emotion of the song had interrupted the performance itself. But this only added to the authenticity of the evening, a reminder that the best music comes from a place of vulnerability and truth.
The night ended with “From The Start,” a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable evening. As fireworks exploded overhead, Laufey expressed her amazement at living out her dream of performing at the Hollywood Bowl. She ad-libbed, “I’ve loved you LA from the start,” a sentiment that echoed in the hearts of everyone in attendance. It was a perfect ending to a perfect night.
In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, Laufey’s music is a balm for the soul. She is proof that jazz is far from dead—in fact, it’s very much alive, thriving in the hands of a new generation. And as I left the Hollywood Bowl that night, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of hope. Jazz, my first love, is in good hands.
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