Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Fun and games with Larry
LARRY Maconaghy's musical lineage is quite impressive. His father was an accomplished jazz musician who played with some of the top musicians of the day, including Dizzy Gillespie, Billie Holliday and Coleman Hawkins. Larry's own training began at the age of two, and, by the age of six, he was already performing for church organisations. His early training in the classics and jazz soon led to the music of Gerswin, Cole Porter, and the standards and showtunes of that rich musical era in America. But Larry was very much a product of his own times, and brought virtuosity to bear on the music of his day. He plays sets of Billy Joel, Elton John, The Beatles, R&B and Motown.
Larry has performed not only in jazz clubs, casinos and other venues in his native United States, but has held the position of accompanist for Opera Barga, in Florence. If you go along to Frogs Piano Bar at Downhill House Hotel, Ballina - where Larry is resident entertainer for January - expect some interactive fun with Larry. The musician likes to play games with his audience, like 'Stump The Piano Player', or 'Name The TV Show', as he plays the theme songs from popular television programmes.
- Northern Peoples Co Mayl Ireland
The following are some comments from Holland America employment evaluations. The full documents are scanned and available, as well as guest comments, upon request.
“Great personality, very sociable with passengers. Does a fantastic job of creating a warm and fun atmosphere in the piano bar. Larry is an invaluable asset for the music department because of his great flexibility and willingness to cover for other musicians when needed.” Jeremy Gordon (music director)
“Larry has only been here a short time but has done well. He is anxious to please the guests who come into the Piano Bar with requests. Larry is a very good pianist and has a very engaging personality. He is a team player and willing to go the extra mile. Thank you Larry” Dottie Kuasa (cruise director)
“Tremendously accommodating, musically and otherwise. Larry is a valuable asset to have on board from a manager’s standpoint. Always conscious of his audience and receptive to their requests”. Jeremy Gordon (music director)
“Larry is very popular with many passengers because of his gregarious personality and expansive repertoire. Always willing to fill in when needed. A gem to have in the music department”. Dane Butcher (cruise director)
- Holland America
Discography
It's My Turn Now 1999
My Tears and My Tequila 2005
The Songs I love 2006
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Lawrence has been entertaining since he can remember. Born into a musical family in Philadelphia, he naturally followed his gift. I was genetically predisposed to be a musician After earning a degree in Music performance from the University of the Arts, he hit the road, with some lengthy stops in Los Angeles (Dantes), Las Vegas (New York, New York), Reno (Fitzgeralds Hotel), Lake Tahoe (Harveys Casino), Hilton Head Island (Beachfront Hyatt Hotel), and of course, many more
.and then off to Europe where he worked a full season, plus the summer with Opera Barga, in Florence Italy as an accompanist. From there he returned to Los Angeles, where he spent several years as a studio musician, and dueling piano performer, but then hit the road again, only this time, the road was an ocean. He has spent the last several years, cruising the world, playing piano bars on a number of Holland America ships, as well as being a sought after solo pianist in New York, performing often on Embassy Row, as he has become a favorite at embassy functions, where his diverse repertoire and sense of humor have proven great assets. He has recently come off successful extended engagements in both Ireland and Denmark, receiving high praise from both audience and press alike.
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