Gwen Laster
I Hear You Smiling
© 2000 Gwen Laster (634479262128)
CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.
Contemporary jazzy violin and vocal music with sultry funky rhythms and groovin beats.
tracks
- 1 Rasputin's Runnin'
- 2 Passing Moments
- 3 Jacmel
- 4 I Hear You Smiling
- 5 Send Love to the Equation
- 6 Before the Summer
- 7 Arisin'
- 8 Sarabande
- 9 Before the Summer (Reprise)
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Surrounded and inspired by her mother's love for Rhythm and Blues, the Motown sound and Jazz, Gwen was motivated by the vision of her high school orchestra teacher Anderson White. Andy's organic approach of pointing and shouting "Stand up, take a Solo" created the breeding ground for her interest in Improvisation, Composition, Recording as a Solo Artist and educating the Classically trained String Player in Jazz and Global Music as a Teaching Artist.
Gwen's formal training began in the public schools of Detroit and continued to the University of Michigan School of Music where she earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Performance and Education. Her upbringing in Urban and Classical music was developed in NYC's eclectic environment where she emerged herself in playing Broadway shows, Jazz clubs, Traditional and Non Traditional Chamber Ensembles and Teaching Improvisation to String Players.
Wanting an individual voice and sound as an improvising violinist, she recorded two projects "Sneak Preview"(EP) and "I Hear You Smiling" that feature her original compositions and arrangements. The track "Send Love to the Equation" from the "Smiling" CD was selected for a very successful radio airplay campaign on AC Radio throughout the mid west. Gwen promotes her music as a performer in venues around NY and the U.S. and as a composer through licensing various tracks for television, advertising and film. She will also be publishing her first educational method book; "Music for the Creative String Player". It will be published in 09'.
Gwen's collaborative work on recordings, performances and tours include artists' Alicia Keys, Anthony Braxton, Angie Stone, Beres Hammond, Hubert Laws, Rhianna, Leroy Jenkins, Emeline Michele, Joe Giardullo, Joss Stone, Aretha Franklin, Shaggy and others. Her chamber and orchestral experience include Sphinx Symphony, Anthony Braxton Ninetet, Lake George Opera, Harlem Symphony Orchestra, Joe Giardullo Ensemble, Brooklyn Philharmonic, Sugar Hill Classical Band, Hudson Valley Philharmonic and others. Gwen has toured in Japan, Cuba, Haiti, Barbados, Anguilla, Jamaica, Canada, the Dominican Republic and the U.S.
Her next solo recording is inspired by her interest in Environmental Sustainability and elements of her yoga practice emphasizing compassion, nonviolence and meditation. It will be released in 09'.
reviews
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i hear you smiling
author: mark rochthis ia a groove fest!! it moves body and mind and spirit, thanks for making it gwen, just buy it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love it!
author: ElektraGwen's music and performance are sooo mellow and flawless. AWESOME! It's very enchanting and danceable at the same time. Great for any mood; very soulful and smooth. The sound quality is excellent. Bravo!
everything went according to plan
author: christopher dozier- author: Dorie Pride
Gwen is simply a musician's musician! This CD is cool, hip, melodically poetic and slick! The title track I Hear You Smilin is off the hook! Before The Summer and Arisin' are too phat for words! Miles would say "Yeah..." The whole CD is a MUST BUY! Gwen Laster's shines so brightly she can't miss!She is here for the long run!