Electronic Press Kit!
You can download a copy of our EPK in PDF format:
Contact
To book a show or get in touch with a band representative please contact:
Band Biography
With a number 1 Album on the “Roots Music Report: Top 50 Canada Album Chart” for “Painting Stars” (2023), a Sapphire video award in 2020, a top 5 Album on the “Roots Music Report: Top 50 Canada Album Chart” in 2019 for “Catch The Westbound”, and a nomination for “Best New Act” at the 2018 Maple Blues Awards, the LH Express is a soulful, fun-filled and electrifying musical ride!
Lucas Haneman has long been widely regarded for his distinctive and explosive guitar work. Along with Megan Laurence who is a force of nature wherever she is present as a singer, these 2 create a musical partnership that is electrifying. Martin Newman (bass), & Valera Negovora (drums) round out the LH Express, giving them their one of a kind sound drenched in the blues, funk, and a little something they can call their own.
The LH Express are releasing their highly anticipated 4th studio album "Painting Stars" on June 2nd, 2023, and have released 3 full-length albums to date. These include their debut CD “Welcome Aboard” (in April 2015), their critically acclaimed sophomore album “Tearing Up the Rails” (in December 2016), and “Catch The Westbound” (in April 2019).
“Painting Stars” marks a new direction for The LH Express (formerly The Lucas Haneman Express). The album as a whole is a strong statement, a burst of light and optimism in a time when the world so desperately needs it. Representing the L in "LH Express" Megan Laurence steps forward as lead vocalist on half of the album, making her long overdue mark on the Canadian blues scene with sheer presence and beautiful intensity. Representing the H in the band's name, Lucas Haneman's guitar playing and vocals are focused, passionate, and stronger than ever before, while the rhythm section is tight and funky throughout. The album illustrates a deep and unique connection to the blues tradition, with gritty passionate material mixed by Dean Watson.
The LH Express's prior album “Catch The Westbound” achieved universally positive attention from both fans and music critics from around the world. The album received a great deal of airplay and had numerous appearances on the “top 50 Canada Album Chart Roots Music Report” throughout 2019, cracking the top 5 shortly after its release.
Haneman has toured Canada with different projects, as well as performing on world famous Beale Street in Memphis TN, Pubs in London England, L.A., Nashville, Omaha, and New York City (just to name a few).
The LH Express have opened for artists such as The Dave Matthews Band, Legendary bluesman Robert Cray, Australian bassist Tal Wilkenfeld of Jeff Beck fame, The Down Childs Blues Band, and The John Butler Trio. As a solo artist Lucas Haneman has performed alongside or shared the bill with musicians in a range of styles including the late great Jeff Healy, former Allman Brothers guitarist Jack Pearson, blues legend James Cotton, jazz trombonist Curtis Fuller, saxophonist David Newman, Canadian jazz legend Guido Basso, Canadian finger style guitarist Don Ross, Sloan, and singer songwriters Terry Kelly and David Usher. Along with Megan Laurence he had the honour of recording with legendary producer Rob Fraboni (who has produced artists including Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, The Band, and many more).
Quotes
Rainey Wetnight of Blues Blast Magazine (2019)
“What the Express offers is so good it’s scary….”
Rory Stanbridge of FATEA Records UK (2017)
“Lucas has been described by one sound engineer as "the greatest guitarist I have heard." Think Eric Clapton in his youth and at his best and you will understand this statement. Simple blues riffs or driving soaring guitar solos are all accomplished with equal skill by Lucas. His lyrics are never less than insightful and inspirational. This is best portrayed in the true blues track "Blind Man's Blues" where Luke muses autobiographically about his life as a visually impaired musician.”
Midwest Record - Entertainment Reviews, News, and Views (2019)
"Blasting through Canada like a zephyr with a mission, they know how to spread the party and keep it going all night long. Coming out of the box with a bunch of high level recognition, when they bring the party to your block, be sure to get on board."
John Kereiff of Music Reviews by the Rock Doctor (2019)
"I like Haneman's acoustic work on Ms. McGrim, and in other places he leans back and roars. Lots of different feels across these tunes, something for every mood. It's a record that doesn't want you to sit down and rest, at least not for very long ... Catch the Westbound is one of those albums that will have you saying "This is my favorite song... no, This one is. Wait; no, it's definitely THIS track", and I love that. The LH Express is a band that is acutely aware of their strengths, and this disc really puts you through the wringer-nicely done.”
Lynn Saxburg (Ottawa Citizen) - January 25, 2016
“Music fans around Ottawa have been aware of Haneman’s prodigious ability for years, mostly from his work as a sideman with other artists, or his jazz-guitar gigs. The Express marks the birth of Haneman as the singer-songwriter-guitarist and frontman of his own band.”
Ottawa guitar legend Roddy Ellias. Ottawa Citizen. May 18, 2011
“What continued to amaze me… was and is, Lucas’s depth — his depth as a musician and his depth as a person. … I guess when you think about it, one reflects the other.”
The Live Show
The LH Express has opened for or performed with artists such as Jerome Godboo, John Kadlecik, and The John Butler Trio. They have performed at legendary venues and festivals such as:
- The Black Sheep Inn (Wakefield, QC)
- The Upstairs Jazz Club (Montreal, QC)
- The Mansion (Kingston, ON)
- The Limestone Blues Festival (Kingston, ON)
- Irene's Pub (Ottawa, ON)
- The Branch (Kemptville, ON)
- The Rainbow (Ottawa, ON)
- The International Blues Challenge (Memphis, TN)
- Greenfields Pub (Ottawa, ON)
- Wet Willies (Memphis, TN)
- The Ottawa Jazz Festival (Ottawa, ON)
- The Flying Saucer (Memphis, TN.)
- The Ottawa Bluesfest (Ottawa, ON)
- Blues City Café (Memphis, TN)
- and many more
Videos
"Hot Minute" (Official Video)
"Ms. McGrim" (Award Winning Video)
"Cold, Cold Front" (Live for The National Art Centre)
"Wicked Ride (Live for The National Art Centre)"
"That’s The Truth" (Live for The National Art Centre)
Live Reel from Music For The City Omaha 2022
Memphis Montage set to “Blind Man's Blues”
"The Verdict" NAC Live Stream 2021
Articles And Press
CityNews, April 10, 2022
Local band the Lucas Haneman Express holding concert fundraiser on Sunday for Ukraine relief
Ottawa Citizen, April 1, 2022
Ukraine: Voices from Ottawa — 'Music is the biggest healer of all'
BluesBlast Magazine, August 6, 2019
Lucas Haneman Express – Catch the Westbound | Album Review
BluesBlast Magazine, May 29, 2017
Lucas Haneman Express – Tearing Up The Rails | Album Review
Artsfile, April 3, 2017
Lucas Haneman talks about the back story to the blues
Ottawa Citizen, December 1, 2016
Blues guitarist Lucas Haneman brings the Memphis sound back to Ottawa
Apartment 613, July 9, 2016
Bluesfest Local Highlights: Lucas Haneman & the Lucas Haneman Express
Ottawa Citizen, January 26, 2016
Lucas Haneman: Happiness is Playing Guitar
Album Purchase
Welcome Aboard is available for purchase at the following websites:
Other Links
Official Website
ReverbNation
SoundCloud
Facebook
Twitter
Equipment Requirements
Technical Rider
LH Express Technical Rider
The LH Express is a 4 piece band featuring:
Lucas Haneman – (lead vocals/electric guitar)
*1 SM 58 or equivalent vocal mic with boom stand, 1 SM57 or equivalent guitar amp mic, AC power for amp and pedal board. 1 DI if acoustic guitar will be performed at the show, 1 Fender amplifier of appropriate wattage (Deluxe Reverb or hotrod deluxe style amp is ideal for small venues), (a Super Reverb or Deville is ideal for larger festival stages). If Fender amps are not possible, an equivalent Vox electric guitar amp will work, if amps are provided at venue or festival*
Megan Laurence – (co-lead vocals)
*1 SM 58 or equivalent vocal mic with boom or straight stand*
Martin Newman – (bass/backing vocals)
*1 SM 58 or equivalent vocal mic with boom stand, 1 DI for bass amp, 1 extra DI if electric and upright basses are both used, AC power for bass amp and pedal board. 1 50/100 Watt bass amp if provided at venue or festival*
Val Nehovora – (drums):
*drum mics and overhead mics for 5 piece drum kit + symbols and hi hat. If drum set is provided, please supply 1 drum stool, 2 rack toms, 1 floor tom, 1 snare, 1 bass drum with bass drum pedal, 1 hi hat stand, 2 crash symbol stands, and 1 ride symbol stand. A rug for the drum kit is also ideal. *
Under normal club/bar/restaurant venue gigging circumstances the band will supply 1 guitar amp, 1 bass amp, all guitars and basses, all pedals, and all drums to be used in the performance. *the band will not supply PA system unless absolutely required by venue* (please contact for additional pricing).
In typical festival circumstances the band will provide all guitars and basses, all pedals, and all drums to be used in the performance, but expects festival to provide backline amplifiers and drums minus breakables.
Frontline: The band expects indoor venues to have a functional 100+ watt PA system with 2 way speakers, 1 monitor and monitor mix per band member. Soundman to be provided by venue.
Virtual Stage Set Up
The band's setup is very simple. Lucas Haneman centre stage, Martin Newman stage left (the hi hat side of the drum set), Megan Laurence stage right, and Val Nehovora centre stage behind Lucas and slightly to the left or right if possible to make it easier for the audience to see him.
Lucas Haneman guitar amp slightly behind and stage right from Lucas, and Martin Newman's bass amp directly behind Martin. Martin, Megan and Lucas's monitors/mic stands directly in front of them, and Val's monitor on the hi hat side of the drum set.
If the venue is unable to provide any of the equipment above please contact Lucas Haneman to coordinate alternate arrangements: