"This Solo Concert video is a must. If you're not familiar with her work, what a great introduction this would be. Now, whenever I hear one of the songs that are on the video, I think about the details that Laurie has shared, and the song becomes even more meaningful than without the explanation."
~Brad Biondo
If you enjoy solo piano music, you'll love this live recording! The Solo Piano Concert Video brings Laurie Z.'s piano performance and artistry right into your living room as Laurie Z. takes you on a personal journey of her life as a composer and performer.
Recorded at The Torrance Cultural Arts Center, Laurie's solo piano concert was part of the "Works in Progress" program sponsored by the City of Torrance, California. Laurie's performance was part of the "American Mosaic Series" of artists "reflecting the diversity of the U.S., exemplifying the strength, diversity and uniqueness of our nation."
Laurie Z.'s improvisational skills and descriptions behind the songs make this a standout video for your collection. Laurie's earlier works plus selections from "Roots: The Solo Piano Album" are featured in her first solo piano concert.
The performance's highlight is the opportunity to see the songs "For the Love of a Child" and "The Mysterious Painter" from the album "Roots" being composed during the show. Along with the audience, you can experience the creation of those songs captured live in this video.
****************
Few artists can mix classical, modern jazz and contemporary instrumental styles as gracefully as keyboardist and composer Laurie Z.® Laurie's music has been heard over the airwaves on hundreds of radio stations around the world. It's no wonder she has been called "absolutely amazing" by prominent music critics.
Her titles include Window To The World, Life Between The Lines, Roots: The Solo Piano Album, and Heart of the Holidays. Roots was considered for eight Grammy nominations, and Life Between The Lines was named "Album of the Year" by Scott Brodie of CHRW 94.7 FM, Canada the year of its release. November, 2001, marked the release of Laurie Z.'s fourth album, Heart of the Holidays. This album breaks new artistic ground with creative new interpretations of holiday standards and two new compositions by Laurie Z. Gaining in popularity every year since it's release, and destined to become a classic is Clement Moore's "The Night Before Christmas" narrated by special guest, actor Jack Palance, with a musical arrangement by Laurie playing in the background. The music of Laurie Z.® was also used on "The Heart's Journey" album, released in 2003. Combined with noted clinical hypnotherapist and instructor Ron Stubbs' narration, Laurie's music creates a soothing relaxation experience. "The Heart's Journey" received 7 Grammy nomination considerations.
Laurie toured the United States for the Alesis Corporation throughout the year 2000. In addition to her national touring, Laurie Z.® performed at major clubs in Los Angeles, including The Troubadour, The Roxy, The Strand, and Concerts By The Sea, and opened for such respected instrumentalists as Herbie Hancock, Leo Kottke and Tim Weisberg. Laurie and her band performed extensively at some of the largest events in Southern California, and her concerts were consistently chosen as the "top pick" by the Los Angeles Times.
Laurie was known for in-concert improvisational composition, and was featured in her solo piano performances at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center and for Yamaha Corporation at the acclaimed Monterey Jazz Festival. The sheet music companion volume to her third album entitled Roots: The Solo Piano Songbook is now available with an audio CD insert. The songbook contains exact transcriptions of the songs on the Roots album, and was created upon the requests of music students, teachers and fans.
Dolby Labs confirmed the audiophile quality of her recordings by licensing them for their Dolby Surround Sound unit used by movie theaters and studios nationwide. Laurie was featured in Keyboard Magazine's cover article on "Independent Success Stories," and her seminars for independent musicians attracted standing-room only crowds. Laurie's music has been licensed for use by many television, video and theatrical productions.
Laurie, a classically trained musician, studying since the age of 4, performing live since the age of 5, and composing since the age of 16, extended her education and experience well beyond the bounds of classical music, with influences as diverse as Mozart, Beethoven, Elton John, Bruce Hornsby, and Alan Parsons. Laurie created memorable melodies in her compositions.
Read more...