Laura Chavez

My Voice

Ruf Records

Laura Catherine Chavez, born April 3, 1982, is an American blues, soul, and rhythm & blues guitarist, songwriter, and record producer. Over the course of her career she has worked with a wide range of respected musicians including Deborah Coleman, Candye Kane, Dani Wilde, The Mannish Boys, Mike Ledbetter, Monster Mike Welch, Vanessa Collier, Casey Hensley, and Whitney Shay. Her guitar style draws heavily from both the Texas and Chicago blues traditions, blending classic blues roots with modern influences. Chavez received Blues Music Award nominations for Best Instrumentalist–Guitar in 2019 and 2021, finally taking home the award in 2023.

Chavez’s early interest in music was encouraged by her mother, who played piano. Listening to her brothers’ record collection—especially albums by Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix—further fueled her passion. She began taking guitar lessons as a child, eventually returning to the instrument seriously during her teenage years. Chavez did not begin performing professionally until after graduating from high school.

Her early professional break came after meeting blues singer Lara Price at the first blues jam session she attended. Chavez joined Price’s band and spent eight years performing with her. During that time the group appeared at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis and recorded two studio albums before later releasing an acoustic duo album.

In 2008, blues powerhouse Candye Kane was searching for a new lead guitarist and asked Sue Foley for recommendations. Foley immediately endorsed Chavez, and Kane trusted her judgment. Chavez soon became not only Kane’s lead guitarist but also a close friend and collaborator. She appeared on Ruf Records’ Blues Caravan: Guitars and Feathers alongside Kane, Deborah Coleman, and Dani Wilde.

Chavez went on to play guitar on several Candye Kane recordings, including 2009’s Superhero, 2011’s Sister Vagabond, and 2013’s Come Out Swingin’. On these albums she served not only as lead guitarist but also as co-producer and musical director. Come Out Swingin’ would become Kane’s final album before her passing from cancer in May 2016. Chavez later reflected on their partnership, saying that neither of them anticipated how profound their collaboration would become. Kane consistently pushed Chavez into the spotlight, encouraging her to take center stage.

In 2014, Chavez also appeared as a guest guitarist on The Mannish Boys album Wrapped Up and Ready. Over the years she has continued to perform and record with artists including Nikki Hill, Vanessa Collier, Whitney Shay, and Casey Hensley. Chavez has often noted that she enjoys the challenge of playing styles people might not expect from her. Her recording credits also include work with The Lucky Losers, Ina Forsman, Lindsay Beaver, and Katarina Pejak.

On her new album My Voice, Chavez plays all of the guitars, including an electric nylon-string instrument. She is joined by Lea Worms on organ and piano, Tomek Germann on bass, Marty Dodson and Denis Palatin on drums, and Antonio Econom on percussion.

My Voice was recorded in November 2025 at Studio St. Annen in Bad Sooden-Allendorf, Germany. The album was co-produced by Chavez and Thomas Ruf. Chavez has expressed gratitude to several key influences and mentors, including Debbie Davies, Sue Foley, and Candye Kane, along with her supporting musicians Marty Dodson, Lea Worms, Tomek Germann, and Denis Palatin.

The album is entirely instrumental, with five carefully chosen covers and five original compositions written by Chavez. It opens with a striking interpretation of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Born on the Bayou,” written by John Fogerty and first recorded in 1969. Chavez follows with three original compositions: “Mind Your Step,” “Shot-Zee,” and “Wanderer,” each showcasing her expressive phrasing and distinctive guitar tone.

“El Cascabel,” another highlight, was written by Lorenzo Barcelata Castro, Antonio Ángel Pro, and John Christian Contreras. The song is a classic mariachi standard first recorded by Los Trovadores Tamaulipecos in 1932. Chavez’s version draws inspiration from the influential Chicano rock band Los Lobos.

“So Long Baby, Goodbye” serves as Chavez’s tribute to her home state of California. Written by Dave Alvin, the song was originally recorded by The Blasters in 1981 and featured guitarist Hollywood Fats, known for his work with Canned Heat and James Harman.

“Chinese Checkers,” another instrumental selection, was written by members of the legendary Stax Records house band Booker T. & the M.G.’s—Steve Cropper, Al Jackson Jr., Booker T. Jones, and Lewie Steinberg. The track highlights Chavez’s deep appreciation for classic rhythm and blues guitar traditions.

The album concludes with “La Llorona,” a haunting slow blues inspired by Mexican folklore. The piece was recorded at the suggestion of label founder Thomas Ruf. Chavez noted that the recording took place around Día de los Muertos—the Day of the Dead—and that she drew inspiration from the emotional guitar style of Peter Green. The story of La Llorona is dark, and the music reflects that mood with a deeply mournful melody.

My Voice stands as a bold artistic statement. After years of elevating the music of others as a sideman, collaborator, and producer, Laura Chavez steps forward to tell her own story—entirely through her instrument. Raw, expressive, and deeply human, her debut solo album reveals a guitarist fully in command of her craft and ready to be heard, without ever saying a word.

Richard Ludmerer

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