The band is in virtual form only, but we'll see what unfolds.
Speaking of virtual, I am very grateful for these trusty tools:
Alesis QS-8 Master Controller/Synthesizer,
novation ReMOTE 61 SL Controller,
Logic Studio,
BIAS Peak Pro,
Sonar Producer,
Wavelab Essential,
VSampler 3.5,
Maz Sound Tools-Piano Lifeforms, Acoustic Concert Grand,
Smart Loops Drum Library,
Forward in Outback Sample Library,
and various other sampler libraries and soft-synths.
Influences
Steve Halpern, Patrick O'Hearn, Mark Isham, Paul Winter, Laurie Anderson, Brian Eno, Palestrina, Beethoven, Brahms, Ravel, Bartok, Part, Pauline Oliveros, Joni Mitchell, Loreena McKennett, Enya, Keith Jarrett, Miles Davis, Weather Report, the Beatles
Sounds Like
various elements of Steve Halpern, Patrick O'Hearn, Weather Report, Vangelis, Liz Story, Enya, and hmmm...perhaps it's best to just listen for yourself!
Composer, pianist, producer, Kathy Raimey (aka Kathy M. Gleim in RL, and, Leanna Luftig in SL) has been making music since childhood with compositions spanning a variety of formats and styles including works for solo piano, video soundtrack, choral music, electroacoustic music, an odd assortment of unclassifiable work, and singer/songwriter material.
At the age of 13, she began playing as a church organist, and has worked as a music educator and musician in various locations including Cincinnati, Ohio; Vienna, Austria; Atlanta, Georgia; and Raleigh, NC.
Holding degrees in Piano Performance from the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and Furman University, in addition to further study in Vienna, Austria, Kathy's main teachers included; Maria Regina Seidlhofer, David Bar-Illan, Jeanne Kirstein, Ruby Morgan, and John Noel Roberts. Additionally, she studied with chamber ensemble coach, Lee Fizer, of the LaSalle Quartet, and jazz pianist, Ted Howe.
Primarily, Kathy was most influenced by her mother and first teacher, Lee Gleim, an accomplished vocalist, pianist, teacher, and lover of life. As well, she was inspired by John David Mardis, her high school band director at Norcross High School, outside of Atlanta, Georgia.
As Director of Music at Midtown Spiritual Community in Atlanta from July 2001 to April 2004, Kathy attracted a loyal following of listeners with her live improvisations of contemplative music for meditation.
Kathy Raimey's 2007 CD release, "It Is Always Now", chosen as an Editor's Pick in the New Age: Progressive Alternative category at CD Baby has received great reviews from New Age Reporter's Bill Binkelman and RJ Lannan.
"Delightfully different...Raimey expertly merges her electronica/ambient side with her softly melancholic New Age side... solidly recommended." - Bill Binkelman.
"Kathy Raimey offers not just a solo piano album, but a recording filled with ambient tracks that include electronica, voices and ethnic instruments. Put it all together and you get a sound that is out of the ordinary, inspiring and very entertaining. "It is Always Now" has music that is quietly beautiful, soulful and always emotional." - RJ Lannan.
Complete reviews may be read at www.kathyraimey.com, www.newagereporter.com, or, www.myspace.com/kathyraimey
"It Is Always Now" ranked at number 47 in "New Age Reporter's" Top 100 Airplay for 2008. It charted for six months, peaking at number 11 in April.
Additionally, it hit the number 1 spot at Music Choice' "Soundscapes" TV in June and August, and ranked in its top ten for six months.
Kathy's 2001 EP, "Flowers of Fire", a suite of five meditative piano improvisations, received critical acclaim and continues to receive airplay in 2008. It is used in massage therapy sessions, yoga classes, meditation rooms, and, just for the sheer relaxation it evokes.
Currently based in Raleigh, NC, Kathy works as a composer, producer, musician, and educator.
Credits include promo/commercial cues at “the CW” TV network, and, Music Choice, "Soundscapes" Cable TV channel.
Kathy Raimey’s CDs may be purchased at www.cdbaby.com/all/kathyraimey.
Digital downloads are available at iTunes, Napster, and similar sites.
For more details please visit www.kathyraimey.com.
U said.. Generated via G-Force - a Mac application that responds visually to sound...
Wow... that is something! Especially for you while you're playing the music.. making new music.. and seeing how that looks up on the screen as well.. right? Either way, it must be a lot of fun!!
I'm looking forward to getting the CD - It IS Always Now in the mail soon. :o)
Oh yes, it could become quite addictive. SO addictive in fact, that I've been doing it for three years solid... When are you and I getting together for a show? :)
great stuff leanna! welcome to the SL music community! you can see what great support you will get there . . and also get used to talking into thin air with no monitor LOL
Wonderful to meet you... thanks for your message....Very relaxing music here... wishing you lots of success in 2009 .. I just love hooking up with other pianists :)
