M U S I C C O .
Orcas Island, Washington
JOHN LIGER
SINGER / PIANIST
Probably the most conspicuous element in my musical styling is a very srong tendency to "depart from the script." I love to improvise, and, having grown up with an early exposure to jazz, both instrumental and vocal, my interests and enjoyment of music are usually influenced by what the melody line and chords suggest as interesting variations.
To me, music has always been a form of communication limited by the imagination and skills of the musician and only rarely by the listener. The "language" possiblities are usually subtle, but enormous. This is, I admit, a paradox I imperfectly understand, so it is for me a continuum of change, challenge, and imprecision, but which is certainly no more so than emotional attachment, which is its driving, unpredictable force.
My musical background (which began at age 3) includes singing solo and with choirs, quartets, and big bands. I play piano, harmonica, and trombone. My mother was (and still is, at age 87), a very talented pianist/organist with an uncanny ability to hear a song once -- and play it. Or to read a score, simultaneously transcribing it into any other key. My dad sang professionally on radio and was also in demand for most of his adult life for his rich baritone voice and wide familiarity with popular music. My mom's sister was an extraordinary violinist and vocalist. So, my exposure to music was early, varied, and of a very high standard. All of my four children are blessed with exceptional voices and instrumental skills so I guess heredity has been an important element in my love and performance of music.
Currently, I sing with Those Guys from Orcas and Music from the Heart. I have begun this year to accompany myself as "Nice - n - Easy Music Co.," doing most of the standards that time has proven their popularity and staying power. My "book" of vocals is somewhere around 850 tunes.
For specifics, booking dates, fee schedule, etc. Call
360-376-4784.
or email stardust@rockisland.com