Gary Girouard

Artist Information

Biography

It is said "you don't find your passion, your passion finds you" - and for Gary Girouard that passion has always been the piano. His first piano was a blue 'junkyard' upright that he convinced his parents to buy for $50 (actually, they never thought he'd stick with it!). But Gary never lost the passion for black and white keys...

Girouard's musical career began after living and backpacking through Europe - writing music on a battery-operated keyboard. When he returned to the US, he landed a job at a Boston piano store - where he developed his style "after-hours" on a fleet of Steinway pianos while playing local bars and clubs. It was here he began writing the material for his "naked piano" project...

The Naked Piano is a tribute like no other - exposing the timeless qualities of the piano. Girouard comments; "People lead increasingly stressful lives. The Naked Piano is a simple response - high-lighting a beautiful instrument in its most pure and natural form." Paul Breeden, the Editor of Boston Live, hails The Naked Piano as "a masterpiece...a testament to the gracious sounds of a fluid live recording" and Wilton Syckes, President of the Piano Travelers Association heralds The Naked Piano as "the most expressive, relaxing piano music I have ever experienced".

Giving a nod to past experiences and worthy causes, Girouard donates a portion of all album sales to charities including the Team Bryce Charity (http://www.brycefund.org) - and the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp (http://www.holeinthewallgang.org) - two organizations that benefit seriously ill and disadvantaged children.

Girouard just completed his 4th album titled "The Naked Piano Light & Dark" - inspired by people everywhere struggling to find hope and light in difficult times.

Instrumentation

Gary Girouard - Composer, Pianist, Producer
The Naked Piano - itself

Discography

The Naked Piano
The Naked Piano, Volume II
The Naked Piano, Christmas
The Naked Piano Light & Dark

Official Website

http://www.nakedpiano.com

Links

• Facebook

Audio

• Viva - Naked Piano Volume I
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• Renaissance
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• Esposa
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Lyrics

• Naked Piano Album Notes
• Naked Piano Vol. II Album Notes

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• A Masterpiece! - ***** [+ Show ]
  

  Gary Giouard has shown us a masterpiece! Using no edits or effects, a Steinway "D" and recorded at w...Gary Giouard has shown us a masterpiece! Using no edits or effects, a Steinway "D" and recorded at world famous Steinert Hall, "Naked Piano" is a testament to the gracious sounds of a fluid live recording... "so pure it leaves an eternal candle burning in the souls of all classical lovers"

• A Great Debut! ***** [+ Show ]
  

  “The Naked Piano” is Gary Girouard’s debut album, and it’s a winner! As the title suggests, the 9’ S...“The Naked Piano” is Gary Girouard’s debut album, and it’s a winner! As the title suggests, the 9’ Steinway grand piano is recorded live and the music is without edits, effects, or embellishments. Girouard describes his music as “’classic piano’ - sort of like taking the coat and tie off ‘classical’ and blending it with pop. It is certainly targeted at an adult audience seeking an escape from hectic lifestyles.” Girouard’s classical training is apparent, as are various pop and smooth jazz influences. The tone of the CD is fairly consistent, making it an easy backdrop for other activities, but the music is varied and interesting enough to keep an active listener involved all the way through. Inspiration for the music came from universal themes such as love, peace, family, hope, nature, and spirit, and the themes are both deeply personal and easy to relate to. My favorite track is “Renaissance,” an improvisation done during the recording sessions that is meant to capture the mysterious mood of the abandoned performance hall. Slightly bluesy and very bittersweet with a fluid rubato rhythm, there seems to be a lot of questions being asked with no clear-cut answers. I really like this piece a lot - not only is the piano naked, but so are the pianist’s emotions. “Florence” is a very beautiful piece that was inspired by the year Girouard spent living in Italy. Gently flowing, like the Arno River that surrounds the city, this piece is very relaxed, but has the feeling of moving forward. “Trilogy” was composed two months before the 9/11 tragedy, and is based on the simple melody of a wind chime. The uncluttered and peaceful nature of the piece reflect an innocent serenity. “Black Goose” is a bit jazzier, and is named for a “hip” Boston restaurant. Cool and casual, it tells a leisurely story - good stuff! “Opus” was composed in 1990 as a surprise for the composer’s mother. Dark, and a bit more classical than the other eight pieces, “Opus” displays Girouard’s playing chops more than some of the other works, although he certainly isn’t grandstanding! At just over eight minutes, the piece has a chance to meander and go where it wants, developing various themes and musical thoughts as it evolves. “The Naked Piano” is an excellent CD and a very promising debut from Gary Girouard. Sound samples and other info are available from www.nakedpiano.net. Recommended!

• Expressive - and relaxing! - ***** [+ Show ]
  

  The Naked Piano is the most expressive, relaxing piano music I have ever experienced. As one with a ...The Naked Piano is the most expressive, relaxing piano music I have ever experienced. As one with a lifetime love of music, I could listen to these compositions for a lifetime.

• Inspiring, Relaxing and Enhancing - ***** [+ Show ]
  

  The music in this cd is amazingly beautiful. The compositions along with the interpretation and the ...The music in this cd is amazingly beautiful. The compositions along with the interpretation and the excellent sound of the piano are awesome. The perfect Music for the heart, body and soul. This is an ideal gift to oneself or to someone you care about to relax, enjoy and enhance one's journey to the truthfull inner self.

Setlist

Viva, Sorella, Renaissance, Florence, Trilogy, Esposa, Black Goose, San Gimignano, Opus - BREAK - The Thinker, Gabriel, Prairie, The Ring, Sanctuary, Paragon Americana, Siena, Mountain Mist, Blue, Driftwood, after the rain, Heritage, Strolling --- performance time 1 HR 15 Min

Basic Requirements

Calendar