Artists

Alfa is a singer/songwriter who can be found playing guitar, a ukulele, a violin, or tinkering with the ivories. Since the age of 15, she has released 5 CD’s of original music in the folk-pop genre, and has been heard on E!’s Keeping Up with the Kardashians and MTV’s Friendzone.

Her latest album, “World Go Blue” reached the CMJ Top 200 National Airplay Radio charts (#123), and the Top 100 College Radio Charts (#65). In September 2013, Alfa toured the Philippines, playing 7 shows and 3 radio shows in 6 days, including headlining at SM Mall of Asia with Ukulele Philippines, being featured by the Philippines Department of Tourism at Manila’s SMX Convention Center, and performing on-air with Magic 89.9?s popular radio show, Boys Night Out.

In 2012, Music Connection Magazine placed Alfa in their “Top 25 Music Critiques,” comparing her style to songwriters Ingrid Michaelson and Sara Bareilles.

Instrument : MP11

Pianist and composer Anne Lovett has been described as one of the greatest artists of her generation, with a crystalline and beautiful tonal clarity and huge sonic power (an unusual combination), plus absolute virtuosity and a rare musical intelligence, expressiveness and ability to communicate.

Lovett has a highly distinguished background as a classical performer in her native France. She is unique in combining this virtuosity with composing her own works. This background means that she is exceptionally well placed to seek out fresh, innovative, energetic works which are also highly lyrical.

Anne has already recorded three albums since graduating from the Royal Academy of Music, including one with the unusual trademark of introducing her own piano compositions; which received rave reviews upon its release. Other recordings include chamber music collaborations for the label Champs Hill, solo contemporary classical works and another innovative partnership with BRIT Award winner, producer James Sanger.

Anne’s comment about Shigeru Kawai:

"Ever since playing a Shigeru Kawai while in Los Angeles, I have been fascinated with the quality of these pianos. They offer an incredible dynamic range, as well as a quality of tone rarely matched."

Ashley says about Kawai:

"The Shigeru Kawai EX Concert Grand is the Crown Jewel amongst Kawai's pianos and is a model representing world class craftsmanship. It offers boundless possibilities for expression and delivers a deeply powerful and engaging creative experience."

British pianist Ashley Fripp has recently performed throughout the UK, Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, China, Japan, Australia and the USA, at such prestigious halls as the Carnegie Hall (New York), Royal Festival, Barbican and Wigmore Halls (London) and the Audimax Hall (Regensburg).

He has won prizes at more than a dozen national and international competitions, including the coveted Gold Medal from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Diploma of Outstanding Merit at the 8th Hamamatsu International Piano Competition, 1st Prize at the Brant International Piano Competition and the Award for Keyboard at the Royal Over-Seas League Competition. He has also made appearances on BBC television and radio.

He is a First Class Honours graduate of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama where he is currently pursuing postgraduate studies with Ronan O’Hora. Future plans include performances throughout the UK, France and Germany. His CD recording of both Chopin Piano Concertos will be released by Spektral Records in Spring 2013.

For the past 13 years Barry has been performing solo theatre organ concerts at major venues from New York to Los Angeles. He has concertized throughout England, Scotland, Wales, New Zealand and Australia (which included Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, and Adelaide). Barry was selected as the only American representative to perform a concert for the 1996 Theatre Organ Society of Australia National Convention, held in Sydney. In 1999, he was the recipient of the American Theatre Organ Society "Organist Of The Year" award.

Barry is a graduate of The University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music (Piano Performance, 1996), where he studied with Richard Morris, and Southern Ohio College (Broadcasting, 1992).

Barry has released two commercial compact disc recordings of his solo artistry on the acclaimed Ronald Wehmeier Studio Pipe Organ (in Cincinnati), which have each received critical and popular praise—"For The Very First Time" (1995) and "A Barry Baker Concert" (1999). The latter title features selections recorded live in concert. Since 1989, Barry has been Artist-In-Residence at the Wehmeier Studio, where he has performed a series of well-attended solo concerts. He has also appeared on other commercial recording releases.

While Brad doesn’t recall asking to take piano lessons, at the age of 8 he found himself doing just that. While he had wonderful teachers, as an overly-imaginative child Brad found the rigidity of piano lessons frustrating. However, with his parents’ promise of “you’ll thank us later” he stuck with it into his mid-teens.

Around the age of 15 Brad finally discovered music. He stumbled across artists like David Lanz, Kurt Bestor, and despite the quizzical looks from friends, Yanni. “These artists helped me realize the connection between emotions and music."

Brad released what he considers his first official album of solo piano music – “Road Home," which was recorded at Piano Haven studios in Kenmore, Washington. In August of 2011, Brad was added as a new artist to Whisperings, Solo Piano Radio. Brad’s personal songwriting approach is to strive to find a way to emotionally connect with his listener, rather than technically impress.

A gifted solo pianist and composer, Christine's music is a unique blend of contemporary/new age with a classical influence. Her latest CD, "Souvenirs" has been awarded Best Piano Album of the Year 2014 by Whisperings Solo Piano Radio. Previous albums have received numerous nominations and accolades, and her music can be heard worldwide, featured on Pandora, iTunes, Spotify, Muzak, cable and satelite channels.

Christine discovered her love for the piano at an early age. School years were spent accompanying vocal groups and taking piano lessons. While earning a business degree at the University of Colorado, she was inspired by the new age genre of solo piano, but never studied music or composition. Years later, Christine rediscovered her passion for the piano, immersing herself in her music after the loss of her mother in 1990. She began composing, using the piano to voice her emotions, releasing heartfelt compositions that captured listeners.

" I am always deeply impressed by the grace, emotion and beauty that Christine brings to her music. Sometimes joyful, sometimes melancholy, often reflective, and always beautiful, Christine delivers some of the best of what the solo piano genre has to offer .A mixture of passion, exceptional playing chops and an abundance of grace consistently puts her music in a category of its own. The pieces express a wide range of emotions and experiences with depth, sincerity and an elegant touch."– Kathy Parsons, MainlyPiano.com.

"In the genre of music (contemporary solo piano) where there is so much similarity between artists, Christine Brown stands out. Her neo-classical twists are ear catching and pleasantly reminiscent of a time in the not too distant past when piano music was such that to truly appreciate it, you needed to absorb it slowly like a fine wine. And of her album, The Wishing Well, I must say it's sublime."

– David Nevue, Founder and Director, Whisperings Solo Piano Radio.

”Christine Brown is the real deal....her music is vibrant, colorful and full of life. Skilled at the art of blending chords and note progressions into beautiful aural tapestries, her music is at once a welcome retreat from the mundane and ordinary. Her emotions come through her music... and through her music, she is able to reach out and touch the hearts of millions of appreciative piano music fans." – Richard Waterman, Founder RealPianoMusic.com

America's Piano Player, Big Clayton, plays music that brings joy to your soul, a smile to your face, and a dance to your feet. From his pounding Boogie Woogie to his graceful contemporary masterpieces, his music covers all age groups. Big Clayton is a successful entertainer, composer, and producer. He has made appearances on National TV, Radio, and Print alike.

Clayton is a self taught prodigy that shows his love of all styles of music in his playing. His roots started with Gospel music where he first started playing then quickly expanded into other genres. With influence of Liberace to Ray Charles to Pinetop Perkins, Big Clayton has successfully created a style of his own. Big Clayton is currently the band director and keyboardist for a national TV program, performs nightly in Branson, Missouri, tours nationally, and is a in-demand studio player.

His music has been placed in movies and he has written songs for Television. His latest boogie woogie album received high praise in Living Blues Magazine and is quickly being received as one of the top pianist. "Big Clayton is the best Blues pianist today!" said DK Blues Magazine. Jo Ann Castle, from the Lawrence Welk Show, said "You play with Soul".

Dan Burnett is one of the UK’s best blues and soul piano vocalists. It’s in his blood.

The son of professional guitarist Laurie Burnett, Dan was spoon-fed blues, soul, funk and rock music from an early age.

As a youngster, Dan’s dad had guitar tuition from his good friend, the legendary Mick Ronson and was in bands with Mick ‘Woody’ Woodmansey and Trevor Bolder after they were members of David Bowie’s ‘Spiders from Mars’. Dan plays throughout the UK, Europe and the USA as a solo performer and with The Dan Burnett Band and has shared stages with top names including: Aynsley Lister, Paul Jones, Debbie Davies (USA), Todd Sharpville, Gerry McAvoy’s Band of Friends, Nine Below Zero, and Mick Ralphs.

In February 2015 Dan released an E.P. with his band, which has received national and international acclaim, and amazing reviews. Since the E.P. release, Dan has had a successful promotional trip to New York, and had one of his songs featured on BBC Radio 2.

Dan is delighted to have established a relationship with Kawai pianos.

On the MP10:

“The MP-10 has the best action of any stage piano I’ve played. With it’s fantastic piano and EP sounds and great build quality, it’s clearly an instrument made by a company who know about real pianos!”

Born and raised in the New York City area, David Arnay moved to Los Angeles in 1987, where he’s been working steadily as a player, teacher, composer and producer. He serves on the Jazz Studies Faculty at the University of Southern California, and at Pasadena City College.

David's collaborations with woodwind artist Bennie Maupin (Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock) and guitarist Phil Upchurch (George Benson, Quincy Jones) featured appearances at prominent festivals and concert venues. He was pianist for Upchurch’s acclaimed album “Tell The Truth” (Evidence).

Following the release of his debut CD Daddy's Groove (Band Together), The David Arnay Group performed at premier Los Angeles venues, including Playboy Jazz/Pasadena Summerfest, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), and Catalina's Bar and Grill. His trio album Blues... And Then Some (Studio N) received extensive radio play.

David Korevaar's mastery of the piano is joined with a large and varied repertoire, and enhanced by his work with living composers and his own experience writing music. He successfully balances an active performing career as a soloist and chamber musician with teaching at the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he is Assistant Professor of Piano.

Pianist/composer David Witham has toured and recorded with artists such as George Benson, Lee Ritenour, Michael and Randy Brecker, Patti Austin, Jose Feliciano, Eddie Harris, Charles McPherson, and Joao Bosco, to name only a few.

Witham began musical studies at age 7 with Louise Knudsen, and later continued with Alan Broadbent and Jaki Byard. He graduated from the New England Conservatory of Music in 1980, winning awards for excellence in both jazz and contemporary classical music. After touring the world with various pop artists in the ‘80s, Witham became Musical Director for George Benson in 1989.

In 2007 he released a solo CD "Spinning the Circle" on Cryptogramophone,showing his versatility with jazz, world beat, and jamband influenced originals. Featured on this album are Wilco guitarist Nels Cline, pedal steel master Greg Leisz and drummer Scott Amendola. In addition to a long standing association with the Jeff Gauthier Goatette, Witham also records, composes, and performs with the Ernie Watts Quartet, Jay Anderson, Luis Conte, and his own groups.

David is also involved in the Los Angeles recording scene, playing and composing for film, television, and album projects, including Jim Carrey’s “The Mask”, documentaries for PBS, and educational videos. More recently, he was the associate conductor for the show WICKED, and the assistant conductor for the musical version of LION KING, at the historic Pantages Theater in Hollywood.

Dieter Falks success story in the music industry is second to none. He is the triple "Keyboarder of the Year" (Musikmagazin) and was nominated as "most successful producer" for the prestigious "ECHO" award five times. Over 50 platinum and gold records and over 20 million sold records underline his impressive career.

With "Pur", Pe Werner, Marshall & Alexander, Monrose or "The Priests" he landed several national number-one and top-ten hits. Dieter Falk also worked with Amy Grant, Sandy Reed, Roger Chapman, Guildo Horn, Steve Lukather (Toto) and Paul Young. In 2006 and 2007 he sat on the jury of the Pro7 casting show "Popstars" and has since worked as a music expert for various TV stations.

Instrument: Shigeru Kawai grand pianos, VPC1