I invite you to take a step inside my mind. Take a step back to places in my life re-enacted through melody. My music, my art and my words express the many different joys and sorrows that come with life. It is my hope that my life's experiences can touch and maybe even inspire you through music in the same way that music has touched and inspired my own life. I invite you to get to know me, and all the Shades of Gray that define who I am.
Colleen began singing at the tender age of 4. She soon started playing the piano by ear and started taking basic lessons at the age of 6. Flute, clarinet, saxophone and guitar followed with multiple "first-chair" placements and talent awards. Her songwriting began at the age of 11 with a song about her two dogs, "Frankie and Yogi".
Her performances have ranged from orchestra and chorus performances to solo acoustic/piano where her talent shines through. She has the ability to captivate an audience through her lyrics, unforgetable melodies and impressive piano skills.
Currently working on preproduction for her 1st CD, "Shades of Gray", Colleen is quickly becoming adept at the art of producing and arranging in a home studio, as is evident in the preproduction recordings available for listening.
As a writer of both vocal and instrumental pieces, some recent reviews state:
"One of the most honest, and beautiful pieces of music I've heard in a very very long time." Review of "Say A Prayer"
"Your harmonies seem to reach to the sky and wrap around clouds." Review of "Hold On To Love"
"Without lyrics, you sing through the song. Amazing." Review of "The Capture of Pegasus"
"My goal as an artist is to make a connection with the audience. To touch people on an individual level. I believe that music is a universal language that can cross the divide of language, race and religion. Music can make this connection without using words, which is truly powerful.
I hope to one day be able to bring back the language of music to our children. To me, helping others through the arts is what being an artist should be all about."
Colleen
Getting gigs lined up currently. Playing showcases, open mic nights and acoustic type coffee house circuit in San Diego. I love connecting with the audience.
My biggest influences are not really evident in my musical style, but they are always there in my mind when I write and perform. Vocally, my biggest influence and inspiration, hands down, is Ray Alder from Fates Warning. No one else like him on this earth. His phrasing, his tone, his everything! He is an amazing writer and performer who has an unbelievable mastery of vocal phrasing. Musically, Jim Matheos (also from Fates Warning), Tori Amos, Dream Theater, John Sykes, Elton John, to name a few.
To much to list here... :)
