Magnolia Memoir invites you to a sacred but gritty joint-Imagine an old speakeasy at 3am where Billie Holiday whispers in Tom Waits’ ear. Ties get loosened and the party begins…

Their self-titled debut album has already been labeled, “…an instant classic” by fans like Grant-Lee Phillips, Margaret Cho, and Mark Flanagan, owner of  Largo-Los Angeles.  Currently recording their second album, the young ensemble is led by singer/composer, Mela Lee, with music direction by vibe/keyboard player Alexander Burke, an anchor of Bass by Gordon Bash, Toby Karlin on Sax/flute and percussion, Aron Forbes on guitar, and Matt Lucich on Drums.

Sweet, sexy, nuanced, and smart  -with a healthy dash of irreverence – find out what critics and audiences have been raving about.

Mela Lee – Vocals
Mela Lee’s five octave range and unique sound are reminiscent of the spirit of a young Etta James or Billie Holiday along with the mischievous youth & sensuality of Grammy Award-winners, Amy Winehouse and Adele.  Lee’s voice is classic, stunning, and instantly familiar. Andrae Crouch says of Lee, “She has the voice of an angel and can break the heart of heaven”.  A professional voiceover artist for film and television, Lee is featured in over 30 animated series, games and movies and can be heard in the upcoming Lions Gate animated feature film, “Alpha and Omega” with Hayden Panetierre, Christina Ricci, Justin Long, Danny Glover and the late Dennis Hopper.

Alexander Burke - Vibraphone, Piano, Organ
Burke has been playing professionally for 14 years. He has performed with musical legends  Jon Faddis, Joe Labarbera, Joey DeFrancesco, Slide Hampton, Chuck Hedges, and blues greats Arthur Adams and Guitar Shorty. In 2002, he became one of the youngest music directors in the history of Second City Chicago and continues to tour with the national company as time permits. He has performed with SNL sketch comedy legends  Mike Meyers, Tim Meadows, Rachel Dratch, Amy Poehler and Keegan-Michael Key from Mad TV. He holds a BA in Jazz Composition from Columbia College and a Masters in Film Scoring from USC.  Along with his writing partner, Ben Watters, he is the youngest composer in history for an Emmy-nominated network television series (“Frank TV” on TBS). He has recently completed work on a film score with Grant-Lee Philips, is featured on the upcoming Margaret Cho Album “Cho Dependent”, and is an in demand vibe, keyboard, and B3 session player.
Gordon Bash – Upright Bass,  Ukulele
A Pennsylvania native, Gordon moved to Los Angeles where he started playing with the world famous Dresden singing Duo “Marty and Elayne” at the age of 18. In the past decade, he has continued to be in demand with jazz ensembles and rock bands alike due to his command of rhythm, dynamics and his rock sensibility.  Gordon also composes for film and television, produces the original rock band – “Mankind is Obsolete”, Music Directs the Mortified After School Orchestra, and makes the ladies swoon.

Aron Forbes – Guitar

Born and raised in Big Sur, California, Aron began playing guitar at age 5. By the time he was 11 years old he was singing and playing in his own blues band “The Blue Tones.” The band was invited to play at the famed Apollo Theater where they were named one of the top three new teen bands in the nation by Teen People Magazine. Scouted by the USC Thornton School of Music, Aron moved to Los Angeles where, along with his studies, he continued to work as a guitar player for clients including BC Jean, Toby Gad, and Paula Cole.

After appearing on the Magnolia Memoir debut album, Aron toured the world as the Music Director for Justin Timberlake produced artist, Esmee Denters.  The tour had him performing at the 02 arenas and festivals with the likes of  Lady GaGa, The Black Eyed Peas and Ne-Yo.

Now off the road, Aron is primarily in the studio tracking for the new Magnolia Memoir project and trying to fend off offers from agents and admirers.

Matt Lucich -Drums

A native of San Francisco who now resides in Los Angeles, Matt is an in-demand studio and tour musician. Matt has performed with Pat Monahan (singer of Grammy-Award winning band Train), Grammy-Award singer Paula Cole, Pop/R&B singer Taylor Dayne, Lea Salonga (Miss Saigon), Prog-Rock icons Queensryche, and Industrial/Rock group Snake River Conspiracy and has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Ellen, Craig Ferguson and The Today Show.

Currently, Matt is recording and Performing with Magnolia Memoir and is the only member in the group without a nickname…

Toby Karlin - Saxophone, synthesizer, percussion

Special Guest Artists on  the Debut Album: