|
|
LYANNAJ: To win over, to unite in solidarity, to connect. A word deeply rooted in Creole tradition and culture, Lyannaj speaks directly to the heart: C'est 'un rappel aux sources' - an invitation to return to the Source, to your roots. Through the frontiers of our minds and beyond the borders of our lands, Lyannaj is a place where everyone can feel at home. With a core message of self-awareness, self-esteem, tolerance and personal growth - it is an offering to celebrate the Unity and Diversity of Life. "Music is a language that is understood by the whole Humanity...it has the power to gather people in Love"...Glawdys.
Born in the Caribbean, on the island of Guadeloupe, Glawdys N’Dee was the youngest of five children and the only girl. In this environment, she showed herself to be different in yet another way. It was in the church hat she spent all her formative years the home where her exceptional gift for music was discovered.
At the age of fourteen, Glawdys auditioned for a showcase sponsored by Daniel Forestal, legendary Creole singer, and Andre Conduant, world renowned jazz guitarist. From 60 contestants, 10 children were selected as finalists. Glawdys was one of them. Training with Forestal, she was introduced to a new sound to her young ears: Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Ella and all the greats.
After graduating from high school, Glawdys moved to Paris. While working her way through school as the Conservatory of Music, Glawdys supplemented her classical music studies with private vocal coaching. Joining the gospel music group Difference, directed by Jocelyne Lacaille, she walked onto a Parisian stage for the first time in her life. She was quickly elevated from background singer to the role of soloist, and performed at many events, including the jazz festival de la Defense and the blues fest at Le Creusot.
In spite of the rapid ascent and success of the group in France, Glawdys’ desire for a deeper understanding of music caused her to abandon all that she had achieved and flew to America to search for more. While performing in Chicago, she met a great pianist, Calvin Koco Brunson, whose musical influence has grown stronger as they became friends.
Her background is a cultural mélange: reared on Creole Rhythms of the Caribbean, paying homage to her ancestral African roots; yet, steeped in European and American traditions, empowered by the spirit of the Gospel.
Like the waters that nourish all peoples, Glawdys filters the language of humanity, rhythm and music, creating a sound that is uniquely Glawdys.
It is in the Caribbean, on the island of Guadeloupe that singer-songwriter and founder of The Lyannaj Ensemble of Chicago, Glawdys N’Dee, began her musical and cultural odyssey that would ultimately evolve into a vision. Considered by many one of the premiere world Caribbean jazz groups on the Chicago scene, in her debut album, Lyannaj, Glawdys seamlessly incorporates traditional, modern, sacred and secular, while never abandoning the spirit and roots of the Caribbean. Lyannaj is a word deeply rooted in Creole tradition and culture and speaks directly to the heart. Sung in three primary languages (English, French and Creole) Lyannaj was recorded in Chicago, IL and includes world-renowned guest artists, including acclaimed Cuban bass player Victor Miranda; Nicaraguan pianist, Darwin Alejandro Noguera; Guadeloupian great percussionist Frantz Flereau; as well as Chicago’s renowned pianist, Calvin “Koco” Brunson; virtuoso guitarist Herb Walker; and the legendary Bass and Cellist, Larry Gray.
Glawdys’ musical voice – while physically located in Chicago -- embraces diverse musical genres with the intent to explore and develop new cross-cultural visions. And, while her musical identity has emerged from encountering many cultures, Glawdys’ Creole roots have always been present in her music. Her Vision is the result of the culmination of years of musical study, personal growth, and global awareness. Glawdys’ music filters the language of humanity, rhythm and music, creating a sound that is timeless, innovative and uniquely her own. Echoing the title of its debut album Lyannaj, the music of Glawdys N’Dee is truly a “Celebration of Life, Diversity and People.”
The impressive Lyannaj heralds a Chicago artist of unusual depth and world-class promise. - Neil Tesser - Chicago Jazz Music Examiner (2/8/10)
|
|
|
