LoFlo Records

Last year we launched Lo-Flo Records with a moving video full of striking #images we procured from 12 talented U.S. photographers who had documented #blm protests around the country. The #musicvideo for Jane McNealy‘s “Turn Away From Darkness” (feat. Joyce Dunn) was the debut single from the #fulllengthalbum Running Around. The song was produced and arranged by Harold Battiste Jr. and also features Dr. John on piano. Watch the full video on our Youtube channel 💖 Photo Credits (in order of appearance): • Jane McNealy - @loflorecords • Will Sikora - @iamsikora • Missa Martinez - @justmightbe.photography • Jane McNealy - @loflorecords • Photos from Crosscut © 2020, Cascade Public Media. By photojournalist Matt M. McKnight, Crosscut - @mattmillsphoto • Jane McNealy - @loflorecords • Photos from Crosscut © 2020, Cascade Public Media. By photojournalist Matt M. McKnight, Crosscut - @mattmillsphoto • Noah Lubin - @nowah_j • Jane McNealy - including the next three images • Maria Ruvalcaba - @mariafoto • William Miller - @namkcalb • E. Mackey - @emackeycreates • E. Mackey - @emackeycreates • Steven King - @loveletters2richmond • Photos from Crosscut © 2020, Cascade Public Media. By photojournalist Matt M. McKnight, Crosscut - @mattmillsphoto • Ariel Hamilton - @afrodivinciphotography • Maxdihnn Theis - @maxdihnn • Reginald Smith - @areginalmedia • Chad Brown - @chadinarkansas • Jane McNealy - last two images #gowiththeflow #gwtf #loflorecords #jazz #jazzsinger #soul #janemcnealy #haroldbattiste #joycedunn #drjohn #piano #arranger #neworleans #music #composer #soulmusic #losangelesmusic #vinyl #records #streaming #retro #musician #womenmusicians #womeninmusic #womensingers #blacklivesmatter

“Art & Murder,” Jane McNealy’s animated series blending mystery, music, and the pressures of creative ambition, follows a young composer trying to make her way in Hollywood. It’s not long before trouble finds her: a new client is famous for all the wrong reasons, and Jane must navigate a world that quickly turns complicated and potentially dangerous. “Songs From Art & Murder and Other Whimsical Moments” builds upon the series’ shifting atmosphere, moving between playful, suspenseful, and shadowy moments. Featuring McNealy and legendary jazz artist Harold Battiste Jr., the album unfolds across 29 short-form musical selections. “Intrigue,” the second song on the album, leans into suspense with a lively piano line set against a slyly downbeat synthesizer. “Songs From Art & Murder and Other Whimsical Moments” arrives May 15, 2026. Pre-save now: hypeddit.com/eiyb8d. Catch up on the animated series on YouTube: youtube.com/@lo -florecords @janefargo @loflorecords #JaneMcNealy #HaroldBattisteJr #ArtAndMurder #OriginalSoundtrack #NewMusicRelease

First came “Art & Murder,” Jane McNealy’s 24-episode animated series mixing true crime, jazz, and the perils of artistic ambition. Conceived, composed, and narrated by McNealy, the series follows a wide-eyed composer navigating Hollywood, artistic ambition, and the hard choices that come with both. Now, the music steps forward on its own with “Songs From Art & Murder and Other Whimsical Moments,” a soundtrack drawn from the series’ dreamy, noir-tinged world. A bottle of red and a bittersweet sax sets the mood for the album’s evocative opening number, “Once Upon a Time.” Sometimes reminiscent of the lush soundtracks of the 50s, at other times fueled by the upbeat rhythms of the 70s, the album brings together 29 short-form musical selections featuring McNealy and legendary jazz artist Harold Battiste Jr. across a vivid, jazz-inflected score. “Songs From Art & Murder and Other Whimsical Moments” will be released on May 15, 2026. Pre-save on your preferred streaming platform: hypeddit.com/eiyb8d. Watch the animated series via the Lo-Flo Records YouTube channel: youtube.com/@lo -florecords @janefargo @julie.flogeac #JaneMcNealy #JulieFlogeac #ArtAndMurder #soundtrack #noir

On May 6, 2022, Lo-Flo Records released “One Day At A Time,” the story of a love affair that is, if not over, at least in limbo. Written by Jane McNealy, the song documents the brief history of a romance and seals it with a kiss. Featuring vocalist Marsha Bartenelli, the song begins in tentative fashion before a soulful samba rhythm changes the mood from pensive to upbeat. These elements were part of why the great Sarah Vaughan chose to sing “One Day at a Time” in one of her last concerts (along with two other McNealy compositions). Stop by Lo-Flo’s YouTube channel where you can enjoy the music video and many other treasures from the vault:: /@lo -florecords1599 @janefargo @marshabartenetti @julie.flogeac #loflorecords #janemcnealy #marshabartenetti #bossanova #sarahvaughan

This week in 2023, Lo-Flo Records released “I Lay Me Down To Sleep,” a haunting lullaby composed by Jane McNealy and sung by Mana Contractor. Written in 1971, McNealy was inspired by classic art; scenes of romantic intrigue that formed the basis for McNealy’s dreamy reverie while Contractor’s hypnotic vocals embrace that twilight world with her delicate delivery. Rounding out our multi-talented cast is Julie Flogeac who created the song’s music video with choice art from dream-weavers like Egon Schiele, William Turner, and Gustav Klimt. You can enjoy that video on our YouTube channel and listen on most popular streaming services. @janefargo @julie.flogeac @chandbibisings #loflorecords #janemcnealy #manacontractor #julieflogeac #flashback

This week in 2024, Lo-Flo Records released “Songs from the Vault: Reel #5,” an EP featuring two compositions by Jane McNealy, each produced by legendary New Orleans jazz musician Harold Battiste, Jr., whose eloquent saxophone enriches both songs. Those songs—“Why Can’t I Have It Too” and “Movie Star,” date back to McNealy’s early writing career in the 70s. Originally arranged and orchestrated by Battiste for two separate projects, his love for the songs compelled him to record his own versions. Harold called “Movie Star” his all-time favorite but “Why Can’t I Have it Too“ has its own special staying power, resonating through the decades as a plea for equal rights and liberty for all. The song opens with McNealy’s pensive piano stylings which Battiste answers with his own evocative saxophone. The result suggests a conversation between two musicians reacting to the societal struggles of the time. In contrast “Movie Star” is a funk-infused song, once again featuring Battiste’s saxophone work with McNealy playing the keyboard, synthesized wind and electronic effects: a soulful symphony for the mind. This EP and other releases from Lo-Flo can be heard on Spotify and other streaming platforms. @janefargo #loflorecords #janemcnealy #haroldbattiste #socialjustice

The Jazz and Heritage Festival is in full swing and that special New Orleans sound is in the air. Many of Jane McNealy’s songs embody that great spirit and so do the artists who sang them, Lydia Marcelle, Tami Lynn, and Joyce Dunn. Lydia was a New Orleans native, a teenage popstar with a 2 1/2 octave range. McNealy recalls, “I’d never heard anyone sing like her.” Tami graduated from church choirs to R&B clubs before being signed by famed songwriter and producer Allen Toussaint—she went on to open for Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Ella Fitzgerald. Joyce Dunn sang on one of Jane’s most beloved compositions, “Turn Away From Darkness.” Check out these artists and more on all of our platforms. Find links to everything in our LinkTree (linktr.ee/loflorecords). @janefargo @jazzfest #loflorecords #janemcnealy #neworleansjazzfest #haroldbattiste #FestivalSeason

This year’s New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival begins on April 23. One of the most celebrated cultural events in the world, it brings together legendary musicians in a vibrant showcase of music, food, and tradition. It also reflects a big part of Jane McNealy’s own musical journey in the form of her mentor and long-time producer Harold Battiste Jr., the syncopated piano stylings of Henry Butler, and the laid-back grooves of Dr. John. All three of these artists played roles in Jane’s musical life and also made frequent appearances at NOJH. In the case of Battiste Jr., he was a vital influence in Jane’s life and others—in 2012 he was the subject of a “Living Tribute” concert headlined by Ellis Marsalis at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. No one song sums up the influence of NOJH on our country’s musical heritage but Battiste’s “Opus 43,” a favorite of McNealy’s, is a worthy candidate. Lo-Flo Records has released work from many of these great musicians and you can find them all at loflorecords.com/homepage. @janefargo @jazzfest @aka_drjohn #loflorecords #janemcnealy #neworleansjazzfest #haroldbattiste #jazz

Today we commemorate Alice Kuhns, a gifted lyricist and Jane McNealy’s venerable colleague , who passed away on this day in 2024. A resourceful wordsmith with an indelible instinct for storytelling, Alice co-wrote 10 musicals with Jane including Hotel Romeo and Juliette, winner of the Elmira College Original Musical Award. Her presence and poetic attitude toward lyrics and life are still deeply missed by all who knew her. Alice was an integral part of the Los Angeles arts community. She served on the board of the Mark Taper Forum, and worked with the Opera Associates Group to expand local access to opera. She served as Alumni Association President for her alma mater, Vassar College, was a Docent at LACMA, and was deeply involved with the Nine O’clock Players, bringing the theatrical experience to low-income and special needs students. Beyond her impressive public service and cultural stewardship, Alice is remembered for her sharp wit, and the rigor, passion and skill she brought to every endeavor. Today, we remember Alice not only for the institutions she helped build but for the enduring words she left behind. @janefargo @lacma @vassarcollege #loflorecords #janemcnealy #alicekuhns #musicaltheater #lyricist

“Dormir Pour Rêver” was released on this day in 2023. A pensive ballad composed by Jane McNealy and Alice Kuhns with lyrics by Jane’s mother Ann McNealy, it was intended for a musical about the iconoclastic artist Paul Gauguin. Sung by Emmanuelle Raoul-Duval against the backdrop of an elegant arrangement by Ari Fisher, the song is as serene and richly poignant as one of Gauguin’s own canvases. Julie Flogeac’s design for the song’s cover art is a tribute to both the song and the painter. You can watch the music video for “Dormir Pour Rêver” on YouTube (/watch?v=B18joeoq2l8). The song is available for streaming on all platforms including on Spotify, YouTube Music, and iTunes. @janefargo @room_architecture @arifishermusic @julie.flogeac #loflorecords #janemcnealy #julieflogeac #paulgauguin #room_architecture

This day in 2022 saw the release of “Marsha Bartenetti sings McNealy & Kuhns.” The album is a treasure trove of memorable songs, curated by Jane McNealy, composed by herself and Alice Kuhns, and lifted up by the entrancing vocals of Marsha Bartenetti. The songs run the gamut of emotion, from yearning and desire (“Love”), to a dance-ready Afro Cuban beat (“One Day at a Time”), to an optimistic farewell served with a slice of nostalgia (“Kite in the Clouds”). Recorded at the fabled Capitol Records, the album features a wealth of extraordinary musicians bringing Mike Watts’s renowned orchestrations to life. “Marsha Bartenetti sings McNealy & Kuhns” is available for streaming on Spotify, YouTube Music, and iTunes, as well as on vinyl and CD at Amazon and all major retail outlets. @janefargo @julie.flogeac @marshabartenetti #loflorecords #janemcnealy #alicekuhns #womeninmusic #capitolrecords

On this day in 2023, we celebrated the release of “Epiphany (The Instrumentals),” an extended play follow-up to the full length album of the same name. The years haven’t diminished the music’s subtle power or its ability to mesmerize the listener. Mike Watts’s multi-layered orchestration and arrangements shine in the album’s rousing opening number, ”Barnaby Finn’s Cafe,” written for the McNealy/Alice Kuhn musical “Primrose Hill.” It’s followed by the haunting “Fly Away,” first recorded by Petula Clark for the 1980 drama, “Never, Never Land.” The third song, “Who Are You,” communicates a yearning message even in the absence of McNealy’s sublime lyrics, and the album ends in grand style with “Forever,” orchestrated and arranged by Ari Fisher. Find “Epiphany (The Instrumentals”) on your favorite platform by visiting the Catalog section of our website, /catalog. @janefargo @julie.flogeac @arifishermusic @petulaclarkhq #loflorecords #janemcnealy #julieflogeac #instrumentals #jazzpop