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Louise Alexandra (fka Van Aarsen)

Louise Van Aarsen, a Dutch-born, Boston-based jazz vocalist, has arrived on the scene with a whole album of fresh original songs and a unique voice.. JAMES GAVIN Music Biographer and author of "Stormy Weather: the Life of Lena Horne"

About Me

LOUISE VAN AARSEN,has had a passion for music, vocal jazz in particular, since her teenage years. She'd hear and see the Jazz Greats every summer at North sea Jazz Festival, then hosted in her home town of The Hague. She moved to Boston with a Ph.D. in cancer biology to further cancer therapies. In parallel, she has continually pursued opportunities to perform in venues featuring jazz and musical theatre, both in the Netherlands and the U.S.

Over the past few years, she started writing her own melodies and lyrics; poignant stories and memorable compositions with a unique ‘jazz standard-esque’ flavor. In a wonderful co-production with her mentor and Boston's Celebrated Lady of Jazz, Rebecca Parris, this work has culminated in 14 original songs that were recently recorded with some of Boston’s finest jazz musicians. Louise's songs tell moving stories, ranging from the heartbreaking account of her mother's loss of memory by Alzheimers captured in a beautiful tango-style melody (”Remember”), to the inspiring jazz waltz ”Someone” that breathes the joyful hope for a significant love, or the fusion-funky tune “Lately” that reflects on the fleeting of time. In between the tender jazz ballad written for “Estelle”, the title song ”Destiny” which tells the story of the love that founded her family, and the danceable latin pop tune “Miss You Till I See You”, she even paired up with (the heritage of) Franz Liszt to weave his immortal ”Liebestraum” melody into a hauntingly touching ode to lost parents, in the classically inclined “Dream of Love”. And that covers only half of the story!

All of Louise's songs are clearly and utterly personal yet universal in their appeal. The person that you meet face-to-face, is the same on stage or in the tender and passionate lyrics of her first album, and destined to touch your heart.

THE “DESTINY” BAND's incredible lineup includes: Pianists Doug Hammer, Russ Hoffmann, and Paul McWilliams, together with Claudio Ragazzi (guitar), Oscar Stagnaro (bass), Mike Turk (harmonica), Arnie Krakowsky (tenor sax), Jim Lattini (drums), and Mike Ringquist (percussion). A number of songs feature a string section (beautifully arranged by Claudio Ragazzi), featuring Eugene Friesen and members of his Berklee World Strings, who add exquisite icing to the delicious musical cake. Last but not least, Rebecca Parris also lends her grand voice to a few of these special new songs.

ARRANGEMENTS: Louise Van Aarsen Doug Hammer Rebecca Parris Ton Scheer Russ Hoffmann Claudio Ragazzi (strings)

Instrumentation

Louise Van Aarsen - Lead and Harmony Vocals Rebecca Parris - Vocals and Background Vocals Ted Davis - Vocal on “Forever” Claudio Ragazzi - guitars Oscar Stagnaro - Electric Bass Peter Kontrimas - Acoustic bass Paul McWilliams - Piano Doug Hammer - Piano Russ Hoffmann - Piano and Fender Rhodes James Lattini - Drums Mike Turk - Harmonica Arnie Krakowsky - Sax Mike Ringquist - Percussion Eugene Friesen - Cello Maria Kowalski - Violin Echae Kang - Violin Rika Ikeda - Violin Drew Ricciardi - Viola

Discography- “Destiny”, released May 8 2012. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Peter Kontrimas, PBS Studios, Westwood, MA - Released May 2012

Reviews

Ken Franckling (Jazz Journalist , Jazz Blogger at Jazz Notes and freelance contributor to JazzTimes, Hothouse, and Jazziz) writes: ”This jazz newcomer is a breath of fresh air....most intriguing is her lack of interest (bravo!) in covering the rather boring standard fare that become a trap for so many developing singers. In actuality, she was a prolific songwriter who evolved into a singer as well. Van Aarsen wrote, or in a couple of instances co-wrote, the music and/or the lyrics for all 14 tunes here. The concept was to present something very personal in meaning – and she has done that exquisitely. Each is a take on a different aspect of love and relationships. Rebecca Parris produced this session, which is another solid ring of endorsement for Van Aarsen”

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