Laurence Elder 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, rock, blues and pop, along with his "triple threat" talents as a singer-songwriter-pianist, set his music apart as a vital new original sound. Already a signed artist on ESC Records in Europe and in Japan on the P-Vine label, Laurence has recorded with Grammy winners Paquito D’Rivera and Peter Erskine, who both appear as guests on his critically acclaimed debut album, “Surrounded.â€
The album has won raves from JAZZIZ Magazine, Modern Drummer Magazine,
The Miami Herald, Randy Brecker, Al Dimeola, and Kenny Werner, to name a few. Recent and upcoming performances include Washington DC’s Blues Alley, New York City’s Blue Note and The Cutting Room, the Arturo Sandoval Jazz Club, and a concert opening for Al Dimeola, who has Laurence on his short list of favorite musicians.
Laurence’s background as a seasoned jazz pianist includes music degrees from the University of Miami and Shenandoah Conservatory, but on “Surrounded†his evolution as a singer-songwriter is more than apparent as he blurs the lines between genres. “Like Sting, Paul Simon, and Stevie Wonder, Laurence has the ability to go beyond jazz’s traditional boundaries,†says JAZZIZ Magazine owner and chief editor Michael Fagien, a big fan of the album.
While working on a second album, Laurence continues to share his music with the world. When not on tour, he divides his time between New York City and Charlottesville, Virginia, where NBC recently featured him as "Charlottesville's Piano Man." His band consists of some of the industry's most sought after musicians, whose collective touring and recording credits include Arturo Sandoval, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Tito Puente, and Ruben Blades, among many others.
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The following are a few quotes from luminaries in the music world who have fallen in love with this project:
"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/chief editor - JAZZIZ MAGAZINE
"...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
"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
"**** FOUR STARS**** "
- MODERN DRUMMER - SEP 2005 ISSUE
"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
