Larry S.

Larry began his musical career even before he entered kindergarten, singing and playing the piano in church. From this early beginning, Larry added the saxophone, clarinet, flute, guitar, and bass, and, while in college, expanded his musical expertise to include all of the instruments of the symphony. Larry has been a featured concert pianist with the Grande Ronde Symphony and has conducted the Seattle Opera Chorus in his arrangement of The Star Spangled Banner. He has toured from coast to coast, performing in nightclubs and concert venues, wherever the muse has taken him. One of the highlights of his career to date is a show he produced and performed at the Marriott Hotel in New York City. This show was a compilation of musical theater, including selections from 'Fiddler On The Roof', 'West Side Story' and 'The Phantom of The Opera'. His love of the theatre earned him the Outstanding Actor of the Year award from his alma mater, Eastern Oregon University. Larry has been a scholar most of his life, earning recognition as a Phi Beta Kappa, a Who's Who in American Universities and Colleges, and graduating at the top of his class to pursue a career in educating children. Larry taught in the public school system for several years. As a triple major in piano, reeds, and voice, he brought his formidable talent to the forefront, sharing his musical expertise with younger players. His students have been featured on Bill Moyers 'Meeting of the Minds,' a television special that illustrated the healing capability of music. In the fall of 2023, two of Larry's students earned 'Outstanding Soloist' at the Bellevue Jazz Festival. Larry has had students enrolled in the Manhattan School of Music, New York University, and the Berklee School of Music on full scholarship, and other students attending Vanderbilt, M.I.T., and many of the major universities throughout the United States. After more than 20 years, his students still stay in contact, sharing their hopes, dreams, and success in performing, creating, and recording. Recently, Larry traveled to Reno, Nevada, to give a master piano class to promising piano students. This was a great trip, and Larry has been invited for a return engagement. Larry has recorded multiple albums as well. 'A Little Tenderness', was realized and created by Larry to enhance evenings of candlelight and romance. Here's a great review from Larry CD;'A Little Tenderness': "Larry is a phenomenal artist! His vocal expertise brings chills to the back of your neck, when you hear his guitar, the plaintive distortion of Carlos Santana; the jazz statement of George Benson; we are only beginning! As the sax begins, we hear echoes of Stan Getz; the clarinet of Pete Fountain; the piano of Tommy Flannagan, and the bass lines of a synthesizer Larry has realized to round out the arrangement! Just listen to the seduction of the voice! Larry does it all! Larry did the arrangements, the recording, the jacket, the liner notes, and the photography! All of the music you will hear was created by Larry in the studio. Larry performed every note! Please enjoy the passion Larry has for music,and share that with your friends. The second track on this recording is 'Black Samba', a passionate tour de force of musical composition and expertise, showcasing a virtuoso performance that would be at home in any concert venue." Larry has released another CD~ 'Mean Mother Trucker', a collection of original country tunes illustrating his tremendous versatility and variety. In 2012, Larry returned to his roots, gospel music. Larry has released two gospel CDs: 'Sail On'. a recording of original vocal gospel songs; and 'Old Gospel Piano', a collection of old gospel hymns performed tenderly on the piano. In 2017, Larry composed music for the West Coast premiere of 'The Twelve Days of Christmas', at the Renton Civic theater, written by Robert Cabell, in December 2017. The premiere was a great success. Larry's recordings are available on many streaming channels.