Larry Edoff

Larry Edoff is an introspective and dynamic musician whose dedication to music has brought him originality and success as an accomplished bandleader, singer/songwriter, composer, and pianist. Larry has performed with great artists such as Tony Bennett, The Count Basie Orchestra, Vinny Valentino, Matt Garrison, John Benitez, Jarrod Cagwin, Adam Rogers, Jeff Andrews, Bill Moring, Steve Wilson, Richard Bona and many others.

He studied voice, piano and composition at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, and he later studied orchestration with the world-renowned composer, John Corigliano. He received his Masters degree in Music Education/Composition.

Larry's interest in World Music and rhythms brought him to Ghana, West Africa to study percussion among the Ewe people. He continued to expand his rhythmic vocabulary by studying in Havana, Cuba and Bahia, Brazil. In the summer of 2001, his band BAO toured extensively throughout Greece. While there, he performed at a 12th century fortress on the island of Corfu.

Larry placed as a finalist in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and as a semi-finalist in Rolling Stone Magazine's Songwriting Contest for emerging artists. "Love" by Larry Edoff is the official song for LoveProjects and part of the UNESCO endorsed project, New Songs for Peace.

In 2004, Larry's CD "In Subtle Tones" was selected as one of the Top 25 Demos of 2004 by Music Connection Magazine.

ARTIST'S STATEMENT:

In a world where our passions are seldom nurtured, I want my music to ignite the senses and enlighten the human spirit. Diversity is essential to me. I have traveled all over the world to study the rhythmic structures of specific cultures. I have found immense spirit in the musical pulse of Cuba, Brazil, Africa, Morocco, and several other cultures. Layering World Music, Jazz, Classical, and other elements into my songwriting results in a densely textured blend of acoustic instrumentation partnered with poetic
imagery.

Every song I compose is completely different - each has its own colors and vibe. I approach composition and songwriting from the core of my being, from instinct, from what I see and experience around me. My goal is to arouse vibrant landscapes in the mind and to enlighten the listener's musical intellect. To do this, I journey into each moment of a song to find
exactly the right word, note, phrasing, or rhythmic pattern to convey its essence. But I also believe that spontaneity is essential in both the composing and recording process. For my recordings and performances, I seek out musicians who are highly talented and allow their spirit to emerge in their playing. I encourage improvisation during the recording process so that the music is always fresh and inspired. Ideally, I want listeners to be fully ALIVE in the music and to say "there is nothing else I should be doing at this moment but to feel and listen."


INFLUENCES: Rock, Jazz, Ethnic/World Music, Classical

My songwriting is influenced by all music, but World Music and Jazz ignites my imagination. The odd time signatures, spontaneity, and improvisational qualities of these styles create a dynamic environment
that is both highly structured and freeing at the same time. In addition, Jazz and World Music trains musicians to truly listen to each other while playing and to constantly break with tradition and explore new musical territories.

AUDIENCE: Educated; 19-45 yr old

Educated audiences from college age through mid-forties seem to connect the most with my songwriting; though I have also found that people of
all ages appreciate my music, from children who enjoy the energized chorus of "Don't Go Silent" to more mature listeners in their fifties who appreciate the diverse instrumentation and lyrics.

People have expressed to me that they connect with my music on a cellular level - that the music and lyrics resonate deep within their being and that they return to a song over and over again because the music itself breathes in a way that is both refreshing and timeless.

"Larry Edoff is a thoughtful well-spoken artist with a fine talent for writing memorable songs. His music has enduring value. It grows on you and becomes part of you." -Don Slepian, http://ArtMusicCoffeehouse.com International Webcast Show

"If you like Sting, Coldplay, Radiohead and Peter Gabriel ... you're going to love the music of Larry Edoff"

Larry Edoff's Official Website:
http://www.larryedoff.com/