Composer and jazz pianist Myra Melford ’81.
Chicago native and acclaimed musician Myra Melford ’81 discovered her passion for jazz as an undergraduate at Evergreen. According to her web site, she “saw early on that aesthetic expression could both be built from and be a structure for profound emotions.”
A recent article in “Jazz Times” notes: “Upon graduating from Evergreen she studied with Art Lande and Gary Peacock at Seattle’s Cornish College of the Arts, and,..after honing a vocabulary of extended piano techniques, she methodically began to develop a highly personal compositional vision informed by Caribbean rhythms, classical Indian traditions, Sufi mysticism, architecture and Henry Threadgill’s cellular approach to building tunes.”
We could go on here, pasting in quote, excerpts and accolades (“Melford’s intrepid virtuosity is consistently breathtaking…”) but suggest you go directly to her web site and become acquainted with this accomplished Greener.
Wow, I thought I was accomplished, but this woman’s Bio has me reeling. Congratulations, Myra Melford. You go, Girl! (:o)
Beyond my 11 nationally charted hit singles as The Fleetwoods, first group in the world to have multiple #1 Records top The Billboard Hot 100 in a single year, 1959, “Come Softly To Me” (which I co-wrote) and “Mr. Blue” (both heard on the sound tracks of a dozen feature films), I’m most proud of my recent accomplishments: writing, performing, recording, publishing and producing the autobiographical solo CD, Gretchen’s SWEET SIXTEEN (SUITE 16), a Billboard Critics’ Pick for 10 Best Albums of the Year. Hear Sound Clips at http://www.GoldCupMusic.com – and Enjoy! (A jazz album is next – recording begins 2014).
Gretchen Christopher (TESC ’82)
http://www.GretchenChristopher.com
http://www.TheFleetwoods.com
http://www.GoldCupMusic.com