Music
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“Six Songs” the aptly titled debut release by Orange Democracy, is in fact, exactly that: a 6-song CD but it really is far, far more. With an experimental, if not avant garde, approach to compositions and arrangements that, by turns, incorporate influences ranging from jazz, to classical, to choral music and more. This NY-based quartet’s album is a virtual tapestry of its component parts. Classically trained pianist Cyrus von Hochstetter’s nimble and inventive chording sets the pace with tuneful and complex jazz/easy listening pieces, upon which the evocative sax of Samir Zarif, and the jazz phrasing of guitarist Ted Boasso, add unpredictable but tasteful embellishment. Carla Jablonski, a seasoned and multi-dimensional vocalist, adds a second voice in spots, maintaining the same standards of musical exploration in harmonies that add yet another, almost grounding aspect to the richly diverse set of songs. “Bitter Rain,” with its melancholy sax and worthy harmonies, is a particular highlight, but the subversive “High Heels To Hell” and melancholy “In Remembrance” is no less compelling. The excellent CD, “Six Songs” entails proficient musicality and collectively displays a uniquely sophisticated mix of modernistic songs.
-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team - radioindy.com
Discography
EP "Six Songs" 2008
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Bio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0de5gYC-qVg
Orange Democracy is a New York based band consisting of some of the most prominent and talented young musicians in today’s jazz and classical music field. The project was brought to life by pianist Cyrus von Hochstetter who joined with guitarist Ted Boasso and singer Carla Jablonski. Together they created songs where heartfelt expression and diversity is of foremost importance. Their unique style blends elements of jazz, traditional and experimental songwriting, folk, soul and classical music. The band is dedicated to pushing the envelope and create live shows that pull listeners into the music. Using a not too common combination of acoustic instruments, the resulting songs are smart, engaging, slightly experimental, yet always simple, melodic and extremely catchy.
Cyrus von Hochstetter was born in Zurich, Switzerland and started playing classical piano at the age of 6. After discovering jazz as a teenager, he soon played in several local bands and led his jazz piano trio. After winning an award at the Young Lions Swiss Jazz Festival, he was able to perform at the world-renowned Montreux Jazz Festival in 2004 and was then asked to give a second performance the next year. Cyrus moved to New York City in 2004 where he attends Manhattan School of Music in jazz piano. Cyrus has performed as a featured performer in several venues such as the Bimhuis in Amsterdam, Moods Jazz Club in Zurich and has performed on a regular basis at The Garage, NYC.
Ted Boasso was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana . He began to take a serious interest in jazz guitar while attending the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts. After Hurricane Katrina, Ted relocated to NYC to finish his senior year of high school at LaGuardia Arts and is currently studying at Manhattan School of Music in jazz guitar. Ted has performed at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, The Schloss Velden A Capella Hotel in Velden, Austria, and a variety of NYC venues such as Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola, Fat Cat, Fat Baby and The Zipper Factory.
Carla Jablonski, a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, moved to New York in 2002 pursuing music and theatre. She performed at Avery Fisher Hall in Lincoln Center and with African jazz artist Hugh Masekela and Paul Simon at Carnegie Hall. At 16 Carla began to write her own music and taught herself to play the guitar. Carla started performing at smaller venues in Manhattan and began actively pursuing her love of jazz. Currently she is completing her last year at Manhattan School of Music where she studies classical voice and opera. Intent on never limiting herself musically, Carla is active both in the classical world as well as the jazz and experimental realms and plans to keep it that way as long as she can.
Samir Zarif is an extraordinary tenor saxophonist hailing originally from Houston, Texas. Samir made his debut as a jazz artist in New Orleans and moved to New York City shortly thereafter. Samir's discography ranges from Jill Scott's "Beautifully Human: Words and Sounds, Vol.2" to his debut as a Fresh Sounds recording artist on his CD entitled "The Paislies." He performed and recorded with musicians and groups like Jason Marsalis, Roland Guerin, Nick Payton, the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Irvin Mayfield, Aaron Neville, Jill Scott and James Westfall.
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