Edgar Gabriel’s StringFusion, an exciting new jazz ensemble from Chicago has many wonderful instrumentals on its latest CD “Not Radio Material”, however, there is a vocal gem, “Would You Be My Valentine” sung by the sultry vocalist Mauree’. This groove tune written by Edgar to his wife Melissa for Valentine’s Day is about two people taking a chance on love and asks the question: "Would You Be My Valentine, not just today but all the time"?
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Edgar Gabriel's StringFusion® is an exciting new jazz fusion ensemble from Chicago. With former Cirque du Soleil violinist Edgar Gabriel at the helm, this group fuses elements of rock, classical and world music into its intelligent entertaining character.
While StringFusion performs the music of Jean-Luc Ponty, Frank Zappa, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Cirque du Soleil, King Crimson and much more, they are also very competent and creative composers. Their new CD entitled “Not Radio Material” is an LP of 11 original works in the styles of: Funk, R&B, Latin Jazz, Post Bop Jazz, Blues, Fiddle, Gypsy and World Beat.
While this CD may sound a little eclectic, it works; Edgar is of the opinion that there are only two types of music: good and bad. StringFusion was created by Edgar Gabriel to perform and record great new material and classics which he, his bandmates and the audience wants to hear.
All of the members of Stringfusion are seasoned professionals well adept at playing many types of music. Often they are “guns for hire” in studio sessions or live shows. Edgar has performed and /or recorded with: Cheap Trick, Plant and Page, Andrea Bocelli, Ray Charles, Elvis Costello, Burt Bacharach, Daniel Barenboim and many more legends in music.
Edgar is supported by Maurice Houston –bass/vocals, Stevie Doyle -guitar, Kevin O'Connell -keyboards, Inderjeet Sidhu -drums/tabla, Sarah Alexander -cello and Michael Levin -saxophone/Flute/ Clarinet, David Rush -drums/percussion and Scott Mason –double bass. You can read their individual bios at: www.stringfusion.com
Guests artists on “Not Radio Material” are: vocalist Mauree’ who lends her wonderful voice to “Would You Be My Valentine”, and backup vocals on “Train Blues”. Virtuoso mandolinist Ashley Lewis is featured on Edgar’s Gypsy swing tune “ Renaissance Man” written for Edgar’s good friend jazz violinist, Johnny Frigo, who recently passed away July 4, 2007 at the age of 90.
The opening track of the CD, a funk tune entitled “Fat Chance on a Friday Afternoon”, was written by Winston Damon (aka Stone) of the Band, Ulele. (ulele.com). Stone is longtime friend of Edgar and Maurice. This tune sat dormant in Edgar’s file cabinet for almost 20 years until they decided to resurrect it.
While Edgar did not set out to create a dance band, many of their songs are very danceable such as “Mobile”, a hip dance mix with elements of Latin, Jazz and World music.
Edgar Gabriel's StringFusion is designed to bring people together through music by performing music of varied cultures and eras. It is also to bring the violin back to its rightful place as an important instrument for all types of music. Furthermore, StringFusion has been created to entertain, enlighten and hopefully inspire audiences throughout the world.
StringFusion® is a Registered service mark of Edgar Gabriel Inc.