Emm Gryner is driven. Always searching, exploring and discovering, her songs
stem from the darkest depths and seek to solve the unexplainable.
With a keen ear for melody, and a lyrical twist that brings calm delivery to
songs with an unyielding and unpredictable undertow, Gryner delivers her third
album in as many years.
Anchored by the deep resonance of her bass-playing and buoyed by her
grace on piano, as well as guitar and keyboard, this recording may have begun
as a musical lab test and ended up a success.
an experiment
"Science Fair - from the onset - was always intended to be an experiment - to record with no expectations - and to see if I could complete it almost all on my own and be happy with the outcome. I've been inspired by all sorts of music this past 12 months, records by people like Nick Drake, Mercury Rev, Sonic Youth, Beck, Mazzy Star, Transistor Sound and Lighting Co., Creeper Lagoon and Ron Sexsmith have all driven me to create like mad this year."
Emm had plenty of experience to draw from for inspiration. Eighteen months of solid touring with such acts as Bernard Butler, The Cardigans, Ron Sexsmith, Lilith Fair, Big Wreck, The Philosopher Kings, Tom Cochrane, Alanis Morrisette, Rufus Wainwright, Chantal Kreviazuk and Spirit of the West, won acclaim and friends for the gifted native of Forest, Ontario.
In addition to her accomplished and emotional stage appearances, Emm also furthered her Do-It-Yourself ethic, by continuing to release material on her own Dead Daisy Records, as well as touring solo, handling both roadie and tour-manager roles.
"There is too much ego and pretense in this business."
"Someone said to me that it was weird when I would turn up at a show opening for the Cardigans, loading my own gear, making my own arrangements. To me it was natural, if I needed help I would get it, yet by keeping the costs down, I was able to stay on the road for longer. There is too much ego and pretense in this business. I don't think it matters who drives up in the biggest bus, it is who does the best show that counts!"
The same principle drove Emm to record 10 songs this April, once again without any outside involvement. Drawing on her 2 years in music engineering school, the songs were recorded, engineered and produced by Emm in a rented cottage on Lake Huron, in the bedroom of her Toronto apartment, in the music department of an Ontario University and in her brother's living room in West Hollywood.
Emm Gryner's productivity makes for a prolific song output. Her desire to reveal her private side results in the release of Science Fair a collection of 8-track recordings, free of studio embellishments, sustained by the passion and intensity of the writer. raw, personal side captured
"I am truly thrilled to release this record because it is not a studio album, but a collection of home recordings and there is something to be said for that raw, personal side that is captured so immediately in the early stages of writing and recording."
Science Fair captures the artist in her own world, and without a hint of restriction. Songs like "Julia" and "Stardeep" are delicate and never fragile, showcasing piano and vocal. Elsewhere, drums, guitars, cello and harpsichord infuse life into Emm's haunting compositions.
The musical range is matched by the emotional shifts in tunes that celebrate
and regret, often at the same time.
Emm's Latest 2 CDS
In 2001, Emm began working with producer Wally Gagel (Folk Implosion, Eels, The Rolling Stones) for her newest album Asianblue (due out July 2002 on Dead Daisy Records/Outside Music). On Asianblue, Emm combines the pop sensibility of the 80's music she was raised on, and the more stripped-down approach to recording she has come to favour to create an album of emotional highs and lows, a record of her adventures of the last 2 years. The album also features her own production, as well as that of long-time childhood friend Daniel Burns and Sheryl Crow/Oasis keyboard guru, Mike Rowe. From the biting but catchy Beautiful Things to the lamenting Green Goodnight, Asianblue is Emm Gryner at her best, at one turn belting out a pop anthem you won't easily forget and at the next, digging into the depths of the human soul and experience.
"Girl Versions" a collection of cover songs by Nick Cave, Fugazi, Def Leppard, Blur, Ozzy Osbourne and The Clash. Appears on the live album "Bowie at The Beeb" and on the hit single "Astounded" by Bran Van 3000, singing alongside Curtis Mayfield. Begins work on a new album of original material and is featured on the new Rob Zombie album, "The Sinister Urge". Continues a string of headlining club shows in the US, and invites her fans to preview new material at exclusive intimate Demo Listening Parties in their very own homes.
Girl Versions Waiting Room 
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Dead Relatives
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EUDORA is Emily Hofstetter. A native new yorker, emily grew up
listening to Blood,Sweat, and Tears, Janis Joplin, Neil Diamond,
Shirley Bassey, The Byrds, Johnny Cash, Laura Nyro, and Led
Zeppelin.
A.M. radio in the backseat of her Mama's Black 1970
Monte Carlo was the perfect pop music education for this aspiring
songwriter.
At the age of 11 years old Emily went out and bought a copy of a gibson ES335 as big as she was. Her candy apple red ventura still lives on to this day. Supporting herself as a chef in lower manhattan, Emily followed in the footsteps of Jeff Buckley as the lead singer for Gary Lucas' GOD'S AND MONSTERS. Gary Lucas, former guitar master from Captain Beefheart's Magic Band, declared Emily as one of the finest singers he's ever worked with at a Knitting Factory show. In 1997 Emily formed EUDORA as a way to get her own songs out there and gathered together a group of musicians that have sinced shaped what is now known as the classic EUDORA sound - Roots Rock Americana with frequent hat tipping to country, soul, and pop legends. Emily considers the present EUDORA line-up to be the best yet and with two records finished ("Marathon Girl" and "to be cont. (acoustic demo)" ) and another to begin recording in the fall of 1999, ("Million Dollar Bill") EUDORA will no doubt soon be a household name heard all over the air waves on radio stations with impeccable taste.
Drew Glackin, known for his work with The Silos and Mr. Right, handles all things bass as well as the occasional mandolin and lap steel sparkle, Tommy "Schecky" Davis conjures Albert Lee on his best days as the new master of the Telecaster delivering the most subtle, tasteful, and genius riffs that will echo long after the song has left you, Julia Kent draws a bow across the strings of her cello and all is right with the world - classically trained and prepped for the American Gothic, emphasis on the Gothic - Julia brings a dark element to Country music that hasn't been seen since Johnny killed a man just to watch him die - The newest member to join EUDORA, drummer Leighton Hanniff has proven that hard hitters usually equal home runs. Leighton's in the pocket beats lift EUDORA to a new level of totally accessible country/rock/pop that is just slightly left of center.
As always, Emily strums along singing about the life that only she
can know. Lucky for all of us. Sometimes funny, often
heartbreaking, Emily's songs invoke an almost embarrassingly
personal view of the world. She invites you in for a microscopic
peek at her world and then asks you not to go there all in the same
breath. Giving with one hand and taking back with the other
EUDORA will leave you wanting more.
Marathon Girl
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British composer/lyricist/pianist
Margaret Lafferty now residing in
America has brought her unique
musical perspective together with
her British background and has
composed symphonic treasures.
Currently, in conjunction with
Windsor House Studios she has
produced and released “Emerald
Dance Theme with Variations and
Ocean”. A CD that captures the
essence of compassion enriched
with Gaelic harmonic melodies
with enchanting vocals and ocean
ambience.
Margaret is known and highly respected internationally, an advocate for women, children and animals in crisis has now fused these two areas of her life by creating harmonic melodies that are soothing an inspiration for creativity and compassion.
REVIEWS:
Margaret was recently interviewed by Los Angeles KXLU-FM program director Elvin “Nobody” who said,
“Margaret’s music uses ambience and soft vocals to evoke positive moods and vibrations. A break from
all the cynicism and negativity prevalent in today’s music.”
“Emerald Dance Theme with Variations and Ocean” is wonderfully simplistic and relaxing. When
listening to the ambience of the ocean with bachian chords. Progressions, one is transported to a
meditative state. I recentlyaired “Emerald Dance” for a MediaOne documentary of historic sites I filmed
and produced in conjunction with Living Arts Venice, CA,Bobi Jackson Musician/Filmmaker.
As I listen to “Emerald Dance Theme with Variations and Ocean” I am transported to a faraway places
within side of myself. It lulls and guides me towards that wellspring of peace. Creativity and inspiration
that I so often forget. A personal and truly enriching experience.
Ruth Tremato Photographer.
Margaret Lafferty “Emerald Dance Theme with Variations and Ocean” for those not familiar with a more
classical style. She has one basic recurring theme with different variations. Obviously classically
trained, Margaret puts a lot of passion into her music. All the pieces have an underlying ocean ambience
that makes it relaxing. The most intriguing piece was passage home (The 15 second sample anyway) had
more of a Gaelic style with vocals. Nice slow, relaxing layered synth work helps add a rich fullness to the
sound. I think you could get even a fuller sound if you would add some counter melody, instead of having
all instruments playing the main theme or a harmony of the theme.. Being a classical composer I’m sure
you know what I mean . I would like to hear the full pieces to hear how the melody develops. A lot of new
composers just keep repeating the same phrases over and over and layer more and more sound, but the
songs never develop beyond that, but that’s a style thing and there are some very beautiful pieces written
in that style.
mailto:renegardreview@prodigy.net
I am a Graphic artist and spend many stressful hours creating projects on my computer and I have found
since listening to composer Margaret Lafferty's“Emerald Dance Theme with Variations and Ocean”
while I am working helps to eliminate a lot of stress. Pam Apostolou Aha Production, Los Angeles
As a fashion designer/teacher I have to deal with assiduous situations on A daily basis with deadlines and
travel I was having difficulty sleeping since I started playing Margaret’s harmonic melodies with
beautiful vocals“Emerald Dance Theme with Variations and Ocean” I no longer have a problem relaxing
or sleeping. Michal Smalley Designer
There are some very real strings attached to a listening to “Emerald Dance Theme with Variations and
Ocean”. The strings I speak of are those of one’s heart, which comes into the listener’s awareness while
being caressed by the lofty, divinely haunting sounds, composed and performed by Margaret Lafferty. I
recommend total immersion in the soothing bath of these harmonious and captivating pieces for anyone
who can recognize the benefit of upliftment through music. Clearly Ms. Lafferty’s purpose is to
upliftment and that she accomplishes hands down through this most exhilarating collection of her
inspired work’s.
David Humphrey Gemologist/Designer.
Emerald Dance Theme With Variations And Ocean
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