CD Reviews:
The Naked Piano (2004)
Bio:
Last Name Pronunciation: Je-rard.
Music Style: Neoclassical, with strong ‘Pop’ influences. If Norah Jones
and Josh Groban had a piano-playing baby, it would sound like Gary.
Girouard’s music fuses elements of classical, jazz, and new age into a highly
melodic ‘intellectual pop’ - often compared to the music of Jim Brickman,
David Benoit and George Winston.
Short Bio: It is said "you don't find your passion, your passion
finds you" - and for Gary Girouard that passion has always been the piano.
His first piano was a blue 'junkyard' upright that his parents bought for $50 -
and from that moment on, Gary's life has always revolved around black and
white keys.
Girouard’s musical career began after living and backpacking through Europe
- writing music on a battery-operated keyboard. When he returned to the US,
he landed a job at a Boston piano store - developing his style "after-hours"
on a fleet of Steinway pianos.
Girouard began honing his writing skills in bars and clubs around Boston - focusing first on the ‘feel’ of a composition
- as Girouard describes it: "a memorable, timeless melody that resonates with listeners and an expression
that can be felt".
The Naked Piano series evolved from this sentiment to capture timeless themes and to allow people an escape from
an otherwise hectic lifestyle—with the intention to provide a method for introspection, analysis and understanding.
Girouard comments; "People lead increasingly stressful lives. The Naked Piano is a simple response - highlighting
a beautiful instrument in its most pure and natural form. Whether it's cooking, dining or driving
in your car, there are times when we all could use some refreshing piano music."
Paul Breeden, the editor of Boston Live, hails The Naked Piano as "a masterpiece...a testament to the gracious
sounds of a fluid live recording" and Wilton Syckes, President of the Piano Travelers Association heralds The Naked
Piano as "the most expressive, relaxing piano music I have ever experienced". The Naked Piano has
been featured on such prominent media as CNET, FCTV (Cape Cod), WMVY Radio and Whisperings (solo piano radio)
Giving a nod to past experiences and worthy causes, Girouard donates a portion of all album sales to charities including
the Team Bryce Charity (www.brycefund.org) - and The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp
(www.holeinthewallgang.org) - two organizations that benefit seriously ill and disadvantaged children.
Gary Girouard fact sheet
Discography:
The Naked Piano—2004
The Naked Piano, Vol. II—2006
The Naked Piano, Christmas—2007
Booking Information:
Galileo Music
PO Box 633
Falmouth, MA 02541
888-GALILEO (425-4536)
Contact:
Phone: 508.457.6771
Fax: 508.457.6772
Email: garyg@garygirouard.com
Gary’s CD’s Available at:
www.nakedpiano.com and www.garygirouard.com
www.cdbaby.com/garyg and www.amazon.com
Super D’s-affiliate retail stores (over 2400)
Digital Downloads:
iTunes Zune
Sony Connect Snocap
Digitaldownloads.com Verizon Wireless
Rhapsody Musicnow
Napster MusicMatch
AudioLunchbox Muze
iSound eMusic
Gary on MySpace:
Visit Gary’s web site at www.garygirouard.com
