Album Notes

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'.