Album Notes

"Gates of Joy is a song to life, which only music can express. This album is my internal daily diary expressed through the simple language of music via improvised melodies and rhythm.  These are like the first steps in freedom." - Gintautas Abarius (1959-2010)

Lithuanian-born Gintas Abarius was a child prodigy - a classically-trained, professional pianist whose many career accomplishments include the founding of the Lithuanian / Russian jazz scene, voted best jazz pianist in Lithuania, grand prix winner at the international music contest in Moscow in 1987 and the composition of several of Lithuanian's national anthems still actively performed during national holidays and celebrations.

In 1990, Gintas surprised many when he became one of the first professional musicians in Lithuania to accept Jesus Christ as his Savior. The Christian churches welcomed him with open arms and he was free to use his musical talent to teach, preach and lead worship in different churches throughout the world, including Latvia, Belarus, Ukraine, Armenia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Poland, Germany, England, Israel and the United States.

Gintas fully understood that the final purpose of his music is to glorify God and restore the human soul and that is what he intended with his albums, including "Gates of Joy". Gintas' music has been compared to jazz artists like Keith Jarrett and Joe Zawinul / Weather Report. Tracks like "Blues for Angela" contain beautiful understated, sensitive melodies reminiscent of Vince Guaraldi or Ramsey Lewis. His approach to music is similar to the Beatles' - European harmony with an understanding of Chuck Berry, Fats Domino and other rhythm and blues artists.

Before he passed away from throat cancer in August 2010, Gintas resided in the USA with his family and was doing the work of a musical missionary. He also taught young musicians, held international conferences, seminars, mastery classes, and composed and recorded new projects including his jazz group, Baltic Avenue.

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