Results for "Duo Laroo/Byrd"

Warren Byrd

Born: January 24, 1965

Pianist / vocalist / composer Warren Byrd is a Hartford native with an international touring schedule after many fruitful years playing Jazz throughout Connecticut, Southern New England, and New York.

Early Years: He’s youngest in a family of music lovers. Showing talent early on, he was encouraged to perform, singing in the Gospel choir at age 4. Also, he was nurtured to love big band jazz early. Would pursue a Theatre career starting at age 14 and had amassed extensive performing credits throughout his teen years. He began composing music at about age 11. Grew into a passion for bebop jazz, especially the music of Charlie Parker, Oscar Peterson. Studied Jazz Piano and Music Theory notably with Thomassina Neely, Music Director of Warburton Community Church and R. Leslie Childs Music Teacher at South Catholic High School. Several consecutive summers in the Hartford Stage Company Summer Youth Theatre exposed him to fine musicianship in the aegis of John Johnson, Ed DeGroat, and Stephen Barnicle leading to a curiosity for 20th century classical music, especially Stravinsky. By high school graduation 1983, he’d earn a full scholarship for Classical Voice at Hartt College of Music. He would soon leave to forge his own studies of Composition, Theory, and Jazz Piano.

Duo Laroo-Byrd

About Duo Laroo/Byrd 

Experience the harmonious fusion of world-renowned trumpeter Saskia Laroo and international pianist/vocalist Warren Byrd. Together, they craft a musical tapestry that spans the spectrum of occasions, from grand gala-fests to intimate gatherings. 

Duo Laroo/Byrd's repertoire is as diverse as it is enchanting. Whether delivering captivating dance classics, interpreting the American songbook, igniting the stage with hot afro-Latin grooves, or sharing their own catchy and soulful originals, this dynamic duo effortlessly adapts to suit your musical desires. They can provide a soothing backdrop, set the stage for a lively party, or become the centerpiece of a grand showcase. 

Saskia Laroo

Born: July 31, 1959

Saskia Laroo (1959) was hailed by American public and press at large as “Lady Miles of Europe”. She is one of the few women trumpet stylists and a delight on the music scene for almost four decades.

Born July 31, 1959 in Amsterdam, it began for her on trumpet at age 8, never dreaming herself becoming a professional musician.

That all changed when Saskia, turned 18, after briefly majoring in Mathematics at University of Amsterdam switched her focus to a career in music. She worked extensively in various groups from this point, primarily on upright bass, though eventually, on both bass and trumpet. Saskia Laroo combines today’s music by uncontrived romps into new styles, eagerly limned as “nu jazz” or “swingin’ body-music”–a vivacious blend of hip-hop, jazz, salsa, funk reggae, and world, that a select few others would dare venture.