On the upcoming release, Nothing's Forever (Not Even Goodbye): Aaron Beaumont: vocals, piano, Hammond B3 organ, celeste, wurlitzer, trumpet, bass guitar, double bass, percussion, and of course, reindeer bells (I got a feva') Mike Odmark: glockenspiel, percussion, guitar Dan Burns: drums Aaron Roche: trumpet, trombone Justin Saunders: cello
The live ensemble includes a tasty potpourri of the follow peerless talents: Veikko Lepisto: double bass Jillinda Palmer: celeste Albania Mania: horns, accordion, and other assorted, gorgeous gypsy noises Megan Goldstein: flute, clarinet, and sax Nicholas Zork: guitar Ivan Colon: guitar Eliza Rickman: toy piano Daryl Anderson: drums and percussion K.C. Hohensee: drums and percussion Josh Doyle: drums and percussion
Influences
The Beatles, Tom Waits, Jon Brion, Elliott Smith, Bob Dylan, George Gershwin, Scriabin, Ravel, Debussy, Rachmaninov, Chopin, Cummings, Collins, Rilke, Lorca, Neruda, Issa, Borges, um, -a, and to some extent, pretty much everything else I've ever heard. Like birds. And leaves. And waterfalls. And other happy sounds.
Aaron Beaumont completed degrees in Economics, Spanish, and Literature before concluding that, at least for the moment, what the world really needed was neither: A) a well-read bilingual economist, nor B) an economically savvy Spanish novelist, but rather C) yet another singer-songwriter. His lush, melodic piano music, however, is anything but typical singer-songwriter fare. This is thanks largely to Aaron's rich and eclectic musical upbringing, which ranged from performing piano concertos with an orchestra to playing trumpet in a jazz quartet to touring the U.S. and Europe as the bassist in a rock band. And that was just the first 20 years. Based on the results of his recent stint as a songwriter, the next 20 look just as promising.
Aaron released his freshman project, "Nothing's Forever, Not Even Goodbye" with Milan Records on October 21, 2008. A synthesis of early 20th century piano-roll influences and melodic lines reminiscent of the Beatles, along with nods to Tom Waits and Elliott Smith in works like "Julia" and "The Park Bench Song," this superb 10-track release represents a piano-centered aesthetic that is at once daring and refreshing. Look for it on Amazon and iTunes, and at your local retailer.
Since the release of his album, Aaron has received regular spins on, officially, the best radio program on the best radio station on the planet: 89.9 KCRW's The Lab with DJ Jason Kramer. Listen here!
"Maybe, just maybe, a new Elton John might be just what the doctor ordered, someone who can bring a new life to the ancient music-hall/pop piano-man tradition, with clear-headed songs of genuinely witty lyrical oomph and, most of all, a historically informed musical depth -- all delivered with style, grace, wit and elan, of course. Your candidate for such a new contender might very well be one Aaron Beaumont, a young L.A.-based singer-songwriter who's just put out this very choice platter on Milan Records called Nothing's Forever, Not Even Goodbye. Beaumont's love of the melodic flair of the '20s and '30s will take him far; his stuff simply never sounds trite, at least not in the earnest passion of his emotional palette -- and he's got that in spades. It might have something to do with his training as a classical pianist, or his experience playing trumpet in jazz bands, or being a bassist in hard-rock bands, sure, but ultimately it's a matter of talent + taste + a keen intelligence." John Payne, L.A. Weekly
"Maybe, as Aaron Beaumont suggests in the title of his recently reissued debut album, nothing is forever – no, not even goodbye – but some things do come awfully close, and on that list, tastefully ragtime-drenched piano playing and the smooth croon of a natural pop vocalist must rank awfully high. That’s good news for Beaumont, whose Nothing’s Forever (Not Even Goodbye) is filled with impeccably crafted, pleasantly retro songs that rescue piano pop from the arch snarkiness of late-period practitioners like Ben Folds – while avoiding the occasionally nauseating heights of seriousness attained by, say, Jack’s Mannequin... In lesser hands, Beaumont’s extremely retro vibe would be nothing but a flimsy gimmick, but he’s clearly a songwriter who understands the difference between the strongly nostalgic and the simply timeless." Jeff Giles, Eat Sleep Drink Music
"Optimistic, heartfelt and slightly quirky, Beaumont stands out in the sea of singer-songwriters who descend upon dark bars in Manhattan... Equipped with moving, personal lyrics, a humble attitude and an image reminiscent of a 1920’s nickelodeon actor, Aaron Beaumont appears to have a very bright future ahead of him." Kristen Salen, New York Cool
"I'm absolutely blown away by this man's music right now. The man who's name sounds just too perfectly fitting with his music to be true, creates piano-based soul-tinged songs that ooze with a revivalism of older composing values while yet staying timeless." The Lemur Blog
"With flurries of Wurlitzer, glockenspiel, and reindeer bells layering Aaron Beaumont's tunes, the singer/songwriter seems to have popped out of a music box. In fact, Beaumont recently relocated from Nashville, bringing with him a folky aesthetic chock full of charm and whimsy." Jane McCarthy, Flavorpill
"A clear appreciator of words, life and emotional intelligence, Aaron couples the insight that one might expect from someone many decades older with the optimism that is associated with someone early on their path. As a lover of both music and words, I felt alternately engaged and overwhelmed by a desire to drink every lyric and note throughout the show." Bre Goldsmith, L.A. Acoustic
"People seem to like me because I am polite and I am rarely late. I like to eat ice cream and I really enjoy a nice pair of slacks. Years later, a doctor will tell me that I have an I.Q. of 48." Brick Tamland
hey aaron! it's been a while since we've talked. how is everything going for you? are things coming together for your new stuff? it looks like you are staying busy. i've been doing a lot of writing lately, looking at recording probably towards the end of the summer. hope all is well!
i am on fb, in fact, we're already friends there... should i be dissapointed that you don't remember? anyway, i'm excited about your new songs. load them up soon!
so, how are you and those songs that no one on the planet has heard? are they still the ones that you prefer? any chance i'll be listening to them soon? beso.
i feel you should perform in the state of oklahoma. you should sign up for the norman music festival or d-fest in tulsa. both are great music events, and i think both would give you the opportunity to be appreciated down here.
Like your new profile picture. Have a Merry Christmas back in snowy Rockford. I hope you break your 4 days without leaving the house record. All the best, Love ya, Ron
Hey Aaron. How are you? I just wanted to let you know that I've posted some new material on my page. Please drop in and check it out. Hope your musical endeavors are bringing you success.
