Gary Stuart
After almost 10 years, Gary Stuart returns with the re-release of IN PURSUIT OF THE HUMAN SOUL. Previously in fall 1997, the CD was released on a limited basis in Hawaii. In 1999, he was nominated for a Hawaii Music Award in the World Category. Now with the ability and fervor to record again, Stuart is back in his pursuit.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
Gary Stuart is, for the most part, a self-taught musician and composer. As a child he experimented with the elements of music on an old organ at his home, and during high school he played the bassoon in the band. Later during college, his growing fascination with the piano prompted him to take three years of piano instruction. It was during this period he became frustrated with the traditional methods of learning to play the piano, especially sight-reading.
This frustration at sight-reading classical piano music forced Stuart and his teacher to deviate from the planned material. To practice, he would play harmonies and chord patterns that seemed to stimulate his imagination, envisioning a picture, scene or other mental image. His artistic advancements and writing style superceded his inefficiency at sight-reading. With the encouragement of his instructor, Stuart continued to develop his writing style, which was influenced by many contemporary music composers such as David Foster, Dave Grusin, John Williams and Yanni.
"When I saw movies, that's (theme and background music) what I noticed. The union between picture and sound was sometimes so powerful, I felt I was living in the story. That's what makes the movie experience," says Stuart. "But the real magic comes when you hear the same music without the picture. Listening to the music, you imagine yourself as a character or observer in the movie, experiencing emotions or engaging in some action presented within a scene."
IN PURSUIT OF THE HUMAN SOUL, based upon a poem of the same title, was nominated for a 1999 Hawaii Music Award. It is Stuart's adaptation of living scenes and experiences into music. His style is contemporary new age, fused by elements of jazz, rock, new age and classical, and the music demonstrates a collage of dominant rhythms, dynamic arrangements, rich harmonies and unmistakable melodies. It is co-produced by Pierre Grill of Rendez-vous Recording.
The album, both dramatic and uplifting, allows the listener to explore the spirit of life. Gary Stuart, armed with his musical art, is IN PURSUIT OF THE HUMAN SOUL. From the sound of it, he is not far behind.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
Haven't played live in a long time.
Your musical influences
My writing style has been influenced by many contemporary music composers such as David Foster, Dave Grusin, John Williams and Yanni. You will find elements of jazz, rock, new age and classical in the music.
What equipment do you use?
Yamaha Pianos and Roland midi equipment.
