Bertrand Laurence
Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
Music
Press
"The man sure has his way with the Boogie!"
-Ruth Brown, NPR's "Blues Stage"
"...Laurence is truly a diverse and unusual entertainer...a gifted artist worthy of much recognition.
-Metronome
"...Boston French Blues guitar wizard...imaginative melodic and rhythmic sense...'
-Elijah Wald, The Boston Globe
" Laurence rings back to life the late Big Bill Broonzy in a elegant and humorous way."
-Patrick Verbeck, Guitar Magazine (France)
'I really like his pickin'. He plays the hell out of that guitar!"
-Thom Bresh
"La Vie En Bleu" 's soulful sounds are like a humid Southern afternoon with a coo Parisian attitude".
- Nicole Bishop, The Tab.
"La Vie En Bleu" ...an unexpected gem...unquestionable tone and phrasing whether using six-or twelve-string acoustic (or) Dobro slide..."
-Michael Caito, The Providence Phoenix
"...exquisite...unjaded, at times very funny and charming yet skilful and intelligent..."
-Joel Simches, The Noise.
"...street tough...with seductive smoothness..."
-Scott Alarik, the Boston Globe
"Sorry I missed your set!"
-Paul Geremia
- From Various Critics
Discography
"Lafayette" (2011 expected)
"6&12 String Guitar Music" (2009)
"La Vie en Bleu" (2002)
"Mechanical Snake Blues" (1999)
"The Jellyrollers live!: Blues with a Filling" (2003)
Photos
Bio
Currently working on my 5 th CD, I have been nominated for Best Instrumentalist and best Blues Act 2010.
My fans are very diversified and have somehow always included children even without trying. My positive, playful improvisational attitude as well as maybe a somewhat short attention span are to be thanked for that. This chemistry leads to a flowing variety. You have the blues guitar guys on one side, the sensitive Folk listener on the other, those who just want to be entertained by fast and flashy guitar fireworks or enjoying a good, funny life story. Creating a unique moment, in concert with that particular audience lead often to trash the set list and improvise just to see in how much trouble I can get out of. People know and feel it right away, they want you to succeed and the energy of the moment is raised. This is what I coach in my community theater, how to truly be in concert: How do light up and audience? Turn yourself on!!!
I was always fascinated by the power of acoustic blues and folk . My dad's Blues and Woodstock LP's taught me that acoustic players can be as powerful as electric ones like Jimi Hendrix. It has to do with intent and articulation, more than volume. I aim to convey that electrifying communication through very thoughtfully crafted, pure, beautiful acoustic tone. -All folks do respond to the human touch (no pick), fluidity, conversation- like phrasing , weather at the Montreal Jazz, Boston Blues, Lafayette International Festivals, or Boston Folk festivals. Once all these elements are in place, we all are truly in concert. The stage is where I feel happiest, it shows and it is contagious.
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