The pianist, singer and composer Clara Ponty's diverse musical background is the source of inspiration for the development of her unique musical body of work. Born in Paris and raised in Los Angeles, Clara was immersed in many musical genres thanks, in large part to her father, world-renowned jazz violinist and composer Jean -Luc Ponty. She began studying violin and piano when she was five, wrote her first piece when she was eight and won her first piano competition at age 11.
The classically-trained pianist (Interlochen Arts Academy, Maryland Conservatory and USC) abandoned competitive performing in her early twenties to focus on writing. Clara's career was officially launched with her 1997 self -titled debut recording for Universal Records. It featured the artist performing original works for solo piano. It was followed in 1999 by "The Embrace" (Universal Records) on which Clara Ponty communicated her depth as a composer, pianist and vocalist with ten new original works. Both recordings met with critical acclaim (People”, "Forbes magazines", Time Out) and revealed her as a soulful artist that creates unique, delicate and emotionally intense compositions.
Her third album entitled “Mirror of Truth” (J.L.P. Productions Inc), co-produced by her father, was released in 2004. This third album fully showed Clara's tremendous power as both composer and pianist and displayed very strong classical elements as well as Jazz and improvisational qualities.
A new vocal album of twelve original works will be released in 2009. This new album is co-produced by Stuart Bruce (Frankie goes to Hollywood, Yes, Loreena Mc Kennit, Maxime Le Forestier, Nusrat Fateh Ali Kahn, Sheila Chandra) and Clara Ponty and is the first to feature Clara mainly as a singer. Guest violinists Jean-Luc Ponty and Nigel Kennedy also appear on a few tracks. Clara is performing songs that cover a wide range of subjects including her own spiritual path, her view on our modern life, and personal life experiences.
Today, Clara Ponty is that rare artist, whose enticing voice and virtuoso level playing fuses her classical heritage with jazz and pop rhythms into a seamless stream of captivating sounds.
Speaking about her life as an artist she says, “music for me has always been a much more exact communication than mere words because it allows me to explore a dimension of the soul that I cannot express in ordinary language. Creating music gives me the courage to realize emotions that I might not be able to draw out otherwise, and I can tap into worlds that can transform me and contribute to my evolution as a human being".
Hi Clara! Thanks indeed for your music & virtual friendship. On Christmas, I sincerely wish you love, peace, harmony, much music of course, a unity of your family, faith (whatever means this for you…In my case, I trust in Jesus, my God, and I’m celebrating his birthday). All the best for you on the New Year 2010!!! Cristián
I love your new music....are you doing the vocals?....I am out of town and miss my family SO much....I was so Blue and I was listening to Joni Mitchell...and it made my loneliness so much bigger ( not Joni's fault) , but I found my way to your page and Sunshine really lifted my spirits -as your music always does....you are a true blessing...your music brings peace and healing...thanks so much!......Bn1
yes the soul must have more than one dimension... in romance, within the first few moments of music, there is a complete theme... just brilliant composition, that opens up all the parallels...
De ce charme,
je rêve
d'un autre monde
ou sans armes
et durant une courte trêve
je regarderai ce monde
de mon" Ascension".
Masquant une douleur
pour votre simple bonheur
en ce jour anniversaire
a quoi bon faire
la guerre.
Jouons de nos passions
pour apaiser cette colère
et levons nos verres
pour se pardonner ,demain
d'être simplement humain
Thank you kindly for graciously accepting my request just a few minutes ago and for generously gifting me with your friendship, dear ~ it is both sincerely a pleasure and truly a privilege for me to share a wonderful connection with you now. . .
I love your music ~ it is a soothing balm for my spirit. . .you are a profoundly gifted musician and soul, Clara ~ please know once again that I deeply appreciate you allowing me the honor of humbly occupying a small place within your lovely circle here. . .
Stay inspired and creative, and be well and happy, my new and talented friend. . .
Merci pour votre amitié!!!Compliments pour votre musique!!!Très jolies compos!!!Ravi de faire partie de votre univers virtuel!!!Au plaisir dans la vraie vie!!!Amitiés!!!Daniel DD
Your new music on your page is wonderful! The vocals are so complimentary to the chords and melodies you are creating.....very sweet....very touching.........Bn1
wwouaouh, c'est beau quand tu chantes aussi. C'est la première fois que je t'entends chanter... ca tient vraiment la route! Sinon ch'uis pas là le 23, en tournée jousqu'au 3 Mars. Mais je reste joignable sur mon portable et par mail aussi. Jusqu'à quand es-tu à Paris? Bises-Loran
Clara quelle surprise!! J'adore Taking turns. Déjà écouté 3 fois en boucle. Voilà maintenant nous sommes maintenant virtual friends. Je t'embrasse fort. A bientôt dans la vie réelle j'espère.
Bonjour Clara, C'est une joie de te retrouver ici depuis ta performance sur les collines de Nice avec Antoine et Olivier. Un grand plaisir de découvrir tes nouvelles compositions très poétiques et sur un nouveau souffle... Good Luck et beaucoup d'amour pour une petite fée aux doigts d'or.
