Speaking thru the voice and keys…
“With the integration of voice, words and possibly the hippest harmony to be featured in a so-called “commercial” album in a long time (reminding me of what I used to LOVE about pop music), Laurence Elder emerges as a force, not just a piano player.” This quote from Grammy-nominated Kenny Werner, who wrote the liner notes for “Surrounded,” demonstrates well the impact that Laurence Elder’s debut album is having on its listeners.
This critically acclaimed album is scheduled to soon be released in Europe by ESC Records, and features a world class line up of personnel, including multiple Grammy winner Paquito D’Rivera and drumming legend Peter Erskine. It was also recently chosen to be in the April 2006 issue of JAZZIZ Magazine and the accompanying “JAZZIZ on disc” CD sampler, as well as receiving a four-star review in the September 2005 issue of Modern Drummer Magazine.
Laurence has swiftly established a strong musical presence in the wake of his sold-out CD release concert at the Van Dyke Cafe, in Miami Beach. His fresh, inspired blend of jazz, pop, blues and rock, along with his “triple threat” talents as a singer-songwriter-pianist, truly set his music apart as an important new original sound. Along with recent performances including the Van Dyke Cafe, JAZZIZ Bistro, and the brand new Arturo Sandoval Jazz Club, he also opened a concert at the Carefree Theatre for Al Dimeola, who has Laurence on his short list of favorite musicians.
Elder’s foundation as a seasoned jazz pianist has served him well as he has evolved into a singer-songwriter, and can be traced back to his New York City roots, where by his early teens he was sitting in at local blues clubs. His interest in music grew steadily, and he enrolled in Shenandoah Conservatory at age 21, earning his undergraduate degree in Jazz studies. During this time he became a fixture on the Washington DC jazz scene – a well known bandleader and coveted sideman – before eventually moving south to pursue his Masters degree in jazz piano from the University of Miami’s prestigious performing arts program.
Since completing his Masters at UM, Laurence has devoted his musical energy to his current project, where he teams up on the album “Surrounded,” with drummer and co-producer Carlomagno Araya (Ruben Blades, Nestor Torres), and utilizes his own gifts as a singer, songwriter, pianist, arranger, and producer. His band consists of some of the industry’s most sought after musicians, whose collective performing credits include Tito Puente, Ruben Blades, Chayenne, Juan Luis Guerra, and Nestor Torres, among many others.
CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR LAURENCE ELDER AND “SURROUNDED”
“Some of the greatest pop artists made their mark with an oblique but real connection to jazz. From Donald Fagen (Steely Dan) to Bruce Hornsby and Sting… Joni Mitchell to Norah Jones, there was that special something that each had; an education, an appreciation and a constant striving for the nuances that made them artists and not just musicians, connecting with listeners in an indescribable way. Add Laurence Elder to that list.”
– Michael Fagien, JAZZIZ Magazine
**** FOUR STARS****
– Modern Drummer – September 2005 Issue
“A phenomenal album, with excellent production and outstanding material. A record of this quality should be out there. Laurence’s playing and compositions are excellent – his understanding and passion for the music shine through. He is an excellent musician, and this is a near perfect album. It is rare to hear a record of such quality, where every note is perfectly placed and sounds perfectly natural, in this day and age of processed music. This record is a hit waiting to happen, and should be on the radio and in every record collection.”
– Grammy winner Al DiMeola
“…really extraordinary work..great CDs like this should really sell millions and become trend setters. The music world needs more artists like you!”
-Grammy winner Randy Brecker
“I don’t think I’ve ever been more surprised at hearing a complete reinvention of an artist into a new and completely dynamic entity. Laurence Elder has unearthed a talent, sound and direction that says this is where his true power lies. With the integration of voice, words and possibly the hippest harmony to be featured in a so-called “commercial” album in a long time (reminding me of what I used to LOVE about pop music), Laurence Elder emerges as a force, not just a piano player.”
– Grammy nominated Kenny Werner
“Laurence Elder is a new voice in music that commands a first and second hearing; after which, you’ll be coming back for more. I really like his album, and am pleased to have played on it as well.”
– Grammy winner Peter Erskine
Words and picture from the official website.
Discography
Surrounded
ESC Records 2007
Tracks: Surrounded By You, Manhattan, The Ocean, Going Home, Wrong, The Fall, So Easy, Sing My Name, Mind Has A Mind, Wonder & Rocket Man (Bonus Track).
Musicians on the Surrounded album: Laurence Elder, Carlomagno Araya, Javier Carrion, Dan Warner, Ramses Araya, Jamie Ousley, Paquito D´Rivera, Nicky Orta, Leo Quintero, Gaby Vivas, Peter Erskine, Andrew Synewic, Beth Cohen Lisa Richards & Golder O´Neill.
Surrounded
LE Records 2005
Tracks: Surrounded By You, Manhattan, The Ocean, Going Home, Wrong, The Fall, So Easy, Sing My Name, Mind Has A Mind, Wonder & Rocket Man (Bonus Track).
Musicians on the Surrounded album: Laurence Elder, Carlomagno Araya, Javier Carrion, Dan Warner, Ramses Araya, Jamie Ousley, Paquito D´Rivera, Nicky Orta, Leo Quintero, Gaby Vivas, Peter Erskine, Andrew Synewic, Beth Cohen Lisa Richards & Golder O´Neill.