New York City based flautist, composer, and songwriting producer Claudia Hayden and her band, The Claudia Hayden Project, continue to move audiences to standing ovations at venues throughout the U.S. Possessing a sound that ranges from funky and sassy to sublimely smooth, the sheer power of the music is evident in the new release of her debut Jazz CD, “Abstract.”

True to her Louisiana roots, Ms. Hayden, a publisher member of ASCAP, has developed a velvety yet energetic style with a hypnotic tone nearing vocal quality. “Abstract” showcases soul stirring original songs written by Ms. Hayden, and The Hayden Project delivers fiery licks generating from Jazz, World Music, and Funk.

Led by Ms. Hayden, musicians on the CD include Wess “Warm Daddy” Anderson,
Marc Cary, Darrell Lavigne, Andre Hayward, Terreon Gully, Tarus Mateen, Donald Edwards, Roland Guerin, Abraham Burton, George Fontenette, Jonathan Lefcoski, Klaus Mueller, Shai Bachar, IIya Lishinsky, Avi Rothbard, Michael Jacobsen, Kevin Jones, Michael Foster, and Patricia Lacey.

Ms. Hayden notes, “The music shared with our audiences is personal and spontaneous. My songs may appear mellow, but they have an undercurrent of hard emotion that gives them an earthy edge-an edge that makes them recognizably true to life.”

Ms. Hayden studied with renowned avant-garde jazz clarinetist Alvin Batiste and flautist Kent Jordan while performing with artists including Joe Sample, Marc Cary,
and Roy Hargrove.

In addition to the debut of “Abstract, “ Ms. Hayden has written and produced music for a new CD,"The Spirit Speaks”, an eclectic collection of Native American Flute/Meditative music to be released this year.

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• Started playing flute and piano at age 8

• Studied music with renowed avant-garde jazz clarinetist Alvin Batiste,
and flautist Kent Jordan

• BA in Television Broadcasting: Minor Music / Masters in Communications

• Claudia's creative energies extend to writing and composing for television,
she has composed original music for HBO, The Discovery Channel, Court TV,
Dora the Explorer, Vh1, BET...

• Influences & Inspirations: Mom, Dad, Sister, Brothers, Hubert Laws, Sarah Vaughan, Jean Pierre Rampal,Chaka Khan, Kenny Loggins, EWF, Johnny Guitar Watson, Steely Dan, Djavan, Prince, Faith Evans (so many...the list goes on)

• “Abstract” genre: Jazz/Funk/World

Claudia Hayden is an incredible and brilliant musician, who is equally talented in nearly every aspect of musicality from production to performance.  

Pianist & Keyboardist| Marc Cary

Claudia Hayden's refreshing debut 'Abstract' is seeped in the tradition of classic Jazz-Funk, while retaining a contemporary flair that sets her leagues apart from her peers.

WCLK 91.9 FM| Jamal Ahmad 

A great little soulful jazz set from flautist Claudia Hayden – with roots in the late 70s jazz funk, but with a soaring, unique spirit and equally distributed smoothed out soul grooves – a gem from Claudia and her excellent accompanying musicians! The arrangements vary from track to track and style to style, generally with Claudia's flute at the center – including alto flute and Native American flute, along with keyboards, bass and subtle programming – but she leaves plenty of space for the group to shine throughout. Nice drums & percussion, trombone, trumpet and sax. From soul jazz, to jazz funk and earthier global touches, it all works very well together and with a unified creative flow. Titles include "The Journey", "So Claudia", "Harlembound", "Jaguars On The Prowl", "No More War", "Havana Moods", "Dreamwalker", "Thoughts of You" and more.

Dusty Groove| America

"Like a breath of fresh air, this is one of those rare albums that restores your faith in the jazz arena. Innovative and original, flautist and composer Claudia Hayden has made an album that can seemlessly cross the genre boundaries with engaging ease.
You need to hear this!

soulandjazz.com| Brian Hurst

Flautist Claudia Hayden has recorded a real gem with 'Abstract'. Based on Jazz Funk grooves, the set has both a contemporary and old school feel at the same time. 'Playdate@621' is a funky slice of Fusion. 'Dreamweaver' is another mystical groove with Hayden's flute on point. In addition to flute playing, Hayden is the composer, arranger and producer.

Soul Brother Records| London

“Versatile jazz/soul Flautist Claudia Hayden brings a great taste of retro jazz/funk
complete with an amazing scat solo and some lovely clavinet playing”

JAZZ FM - UK | " So Claudia" (2011 Rework)