Music
Press
Debut recording for Gary Johnston and Denise Lear is in vein of superb GRP acts, David Benoit, Dave Grusin, Chick Corea, and the melodic, lyrical records of Keith Jarrett and Bill Evans- this is truly a world class jazz recording. A lovely smattering of sax and trumpet provided by Jason Hayward and Patrick Boyle respectively. A rippling fullness of sound. - Fred's Records
Like Norah Jones (without the vocals!) - Kevin Kelly
As tasty a treat I've heard in a long time!
- G. Whiffen
Best Jazz Album 2003 by MusicNL - MusicNL
Discography
"In A Heartbeat" 2003
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Bio
"I'm looking for a bass player with whom I can develop a relationship."
So began the first telephone conversation between pianist Gary Johnston and bassist Denise Lear back in 1993. Understanding the importance of this musical relationship was not lost on either musician with such historic examples as pianist Oscar Peterson and bassist Ray Brown, Keith Jarrett and Gary Peacock, as well as Carla Bley and Steve Swallow. But neither Gary nor Denise could foresee what was to follow.
They began performing as a duo and soon formed various groups with singers and instrumentalists, provided music for the theatre, concert hall and club venues and performed on TV and radio both locally and nationally. Eventually their relationship blossomed not only musically but also romantically and on July 20, 1996 they were married.
Since then they have continued to pursue both musical and romantic interests together and the result has been the CD In A Heartbeat released May 2003. Along with Jason Hayward on saxophones, Patrick Boyle on trumpet and Richard Spurrell on drums, the duo presents original instrumental material composed by Gary and performed in a smooth jazz, adult contemporary format.
Most recently they have performed with Toronto jazz singer Larra Skye and Newfoundland jazz icon Mary Barry.
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