Gary Johnston - Piano;
Denise Lear - Double Bass;
often joined by such musical luminaries as Curtis Andrews and Scott Mansfield on drums; Patrick Boyle on Trumpet; Jason Hayward and Greg Bruce on Saxophones
Influences
Keith Jarrett, Dave Young, Jeff Johnston, Jim Brickman,James Taylor, Don Grolnick, Carole King, Dr. Music, Dave Grusin, David Foster, Bruce Hornsby, Elton John, Beatles, Leon Russell, Billy Preston, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel
Sounds Like
David Benoit, Jim Brickman, Keith Jarrett, George Winston, Liz Story, Piltch and Davis, Davis and Piltch, Donald Fagan, Steve Amirault
"I'm looking for a bass player with whom I can develop a relationship."
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So began the first telephone conversation between pianist Gary Johnston and bassist Denise Lear back in 1993. Understanding the importance of this musical relationship was not lost on either musician with such historic examples as pianist Oscar Peterson and bassist Ray Brown, Keith Jarrett and Gary Peacock, as well as Carla Bley and Steve Swallow. But neither Gary nor Denise could foresee what was to follow.
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They began performing as a duo and soon formed various groups with singers and instrumentalists, provided music for the theatre, concert hall and club venues and performed on TV and radio both locally and nationally.
Eventually their relationship blossomed not only musically but also romantically and on July 20, 1996 they were married.
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Since then they have continued to pursue both musical and romantic interests together and the result has been the CD In A Heartbeat released May 2003. Along with Jason Hayward on saxophones, Patrick Boyle on trumpet and Richard Spurrell on drums, the duo presents original instrumental material composed by Gary and performed in a smooth jazz, adult contemporary format.
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Most recently they have performed with Toronto jazz singer Larra Skye and Newfoundland jazz icon Mary Barry.
With the release of my debut album, Just a Lonely Heart, less than a month away, I just wanted to say thanks. Your support helped make it possible. Be sure to pick up your own copy on December 1st. Until then stop by my page 'cause I've posted a few of the songs for you a little early. Thanks again!! -Topher
Hello Johnston and Lear, All past hurts teach us and mold us in becoming better people which give us the tools to create successful relationships, Have a successful week! XX~ A BROKEN HEART
We have all had are hearts broken at least once in our lives. There has been that one person that we have loved with all our heart and has not returned that love
Then, as time goes by, you get the answers to your questions. You begin to realize that it all happened for a reason Once you reach this point, the pain of never having him starts to minimize. It becomes a learning experience You learn to recognize the qualities you do want in a person. You learn that you will love again and even stronger.
When two people love each other mutually and give to each other freely that love grows and matures All past hurts teach us and mold us in becoming better people which give us the tools to create successful relationships. If you are experiencing a broken heart just remember even though you have been hurt and disappointed love will come again just HOPE! Jen Crespo
HELLO JOHNSON AND LEAR! HAVE A BEAUTIFUL REST OF THE WEEK AND A WONDERFUL WEEKEND! HUGSSS...
I've learned that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone that can be loved. The rest is up to them. Have a beautiful rest of the week and a wonderful weekend!
Hi Denise and Gary,
Thanks for saying hello! I have been enjoying your CD. I'll be back in St. John's in late April, so I hope to see you while I'm there!
Mike
sweet stuff, thanks for the add!
I've only been to Newfoundland once - in Gander airport - as a stopover on a flight from Russia, back in the USSR days. I'd love to go back and visit one day, and hopefully hear you live. (maybe even a double bill?)
