Music
Press
"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, owner and chief editor - Jazziz Magazine
"Surrounded" is an unexpectedly polished pop piano album with vivid lyrics that has drawn comparisons to early Elton John."
- Brett O'Bourke
- The Miami Herald
"He can take a relaxed crowd seeking background music and bring them to their feet with his palpable energy and passionately avant-garde sound.
Aficionados will continue their quiet club discourse when Elder's tinkling piano intro- ballad- like and reminiscent of early Elton John - resonates sleepily across a sea of cocktail tables.
Then, like a hypnotist snapping his fingers, the piece shakes awake into licks of cool jazz, entirely original yet somehow familiar. Elder's vivid vocals - a deft blend of Lou Rawls and Michael McDonald with a twist of raspy eloquence - command full attention.
Sixty seconds into his debut album is enough time to understand why jazz fans revere him."
-John Sullivan
- Florida Travel and Life Magazine-Jan/Feb 07 issue
"As both a musician and songwriter, Elder switches effortlessly between pop, rock, soul and jazz. He sometimes has an air of Steely Dan, sometimes Sting, frequently Bruce Hornsby at his peak, and each of his ten original compositions is easily worthy of comparison with great models. Someone who can provide such thrilling reflections on the way of life and cover Elton John's "Rocket Man" so splendidly for the last track is on his way to the very top." - NY Journal- Germany
"...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
- Grammy Winner Randy Brecker
"A phenomenal album, with excellent production and outstanding material. Laurence's playing and compositions are excellent - his understanding and passion for the music shine through. 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
- Grammy Winner Al DiMeola
"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
- Grammy nominated Kenny Werner
**** FOUR STARS****
- Modern Drummer - September 2005 Issue
- Modern Drummer Magazine
"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
- Grammy winner Peter Erskine
"It's been a while since I have been so impressed by a contemporary release, especially by someone I haven't heard before. On this album I found all that has been missing in music these days. Great sound and melodies plus excellent musicianship. Whenever I listen to this CD, I'm always happy, even when listening to the sad ballads... thank you Laurence. It is through people such as yourself that I get my everyday energy and spirit for life. God bless!"
- Maciek Pysz, listener review; CDBABY.COM/Laurenceelder
- CD BABY
Discography
Laurence Elder's Debut Album "Surrounded"
Tracks that have had airplay are:
"Surrounded By You"
"So Easy"
"The Ocean"
"Wonder"
"Manhattan"
Photos
Bio
"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 was recently released in Europe on ESC Records, and is scheduled for its Japan release with P-Vine Records. It 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 was recently featured in the arts and entertainment section of The Miami Herald, and 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 a vital new original sound.
Recent performances include the Van Dyke Cafe, JAZZIZ Bistro, and the brand new Arturo Sandoval Jazz Club, as well as The Deering Estate, where over 2000 fans attended his Valentine's Day Concert. He also opened a concert at the Carefree Theatre for Al Dimeola, who has Laurence on his short list of favorite musicians.
Laurence’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, Paquito D'Rivera, Ruben Blades, Chayenne, Juan Luis Guerra, and Nestor Torres, among many others.
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