About Band

BAND MEMBERS

Here are your conductors to a fun-filled electric musical ride!

Representing the L in LH Express Megan Laurence (vocals) has long been known as the band's secret weapon with her spell binding vocal delivery. Today she's officially stepped into the spotlight on the "Painting Stars" album as co-lead singer, and she's on fire.

Megan Laurence
Vocals

Representing the H in LH Express Lucas Haneman is the primary song writing force behind the LH Express musical ride. He is well known for his one of a kind guitar sound, soulful voice and deeply captivating stage presence. His musical passion is truly something rare.

Lucas Haneman
Vocals/ Guitar

Martin Newman (bass/vocals) has been an active member of the Ottawa music scene for over 20 years. In addition to being a fantastic musician, he also builds his own basses, pedals and amps. He's laid back and funky, always serving the music with grace.

Martin Newman
Bass/ Vocals

Hailing from Ukraine, Valera Negovora is a musical force of nature behind the drum kit. He has performed all around the world, and was a member of the Odessa Philharmonic Symphonic Orchestra in Ukraine, before moving to Canada in 2016.

Val Nehovora
Drums

WHO WE ARE

With a Sapphire video award in 2020, a top 5 Album on the “Roots Music Report: Top 50 Canada Album Chart” in 2019, 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).

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