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'It is an
extraordinary tightrope to be walking - that of creating music for
the world that manages to remain both unique and deeply rooted in
integrity, rather than commercial gain; yet that is exactly what
Elizabeth Geyer (formerly Elizabeth Carthew) has been doing since
writing her first song just a few short years ago.
Describing songwriting for the first time as 'finally coming
home,' it was nonetheless a remarkable journey in getting there,
for prior to it she led not just one but two successful careers,
starting out as a commercial trumpetplayer following a degree in
jazz performance at Adelaide University. For many years Elizabeth
performed and recorded, often in the solo chair, at jazz festivals
around Australia, touring the USA and performing at Monterey Jazz
Festival in America, also supporting a legion of artists on various
occasions including James Morrison, Marcia Hines, Harry Secombe,
Bobby Shew, Gene Pitney and USA's Barbara Morrison.
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But in 2000, Elizabeth's
direction changed when a debut album of jazz standards led
to her quiet emergence as an artist and singer in her own
right. Media reviews, community and ABC radio support followed,
jazz icon Don Burrows declaring it 'very, very special...
a uniqueness you want to cling to... the best record I have
heard in a long time.'
Elizabeth continued performing extensively, as a jazz singer
now in addition to trumpetplayer, including a three year stint
as feature vocalist and trumpet soloist with John Morrison's
Swing City, performing at the opening of Sydney Olympic Games
2000 (with James Morrison), guesting in the Don Burrows Quintet,
and as feature vocalist for the 'Legends in Jazz' Concert
in the Domain and for the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
"It was an amazing opportunity,
playing and singing jazz standards for a living, travelling
and working with so many talented artists, but for some reason
I knew there was still something else out there .. writing
my first song felt so 'right' it was actually terrifying.
I knew I had stumbled upon an enormous professional uproot
and an uncertain future, but the passion and peace that surrounded
it were so strong I deeply trusted it."
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It was a massive leap of faith that soon paid off however, with
album 'The Dream' - a collaboration with multi-award winning songwriter/instrumentalist
Tony King. The Dream was recognised for it's timelessness and unique,
fragile beauty; the first true expression to highlight truly just
how unique and brave she is as an artist, yet surprisingly accessible.
Instead of the expected pattern of sales falling after the initial
buzz, 'The Dream' has instead quietly continued to work in reverse,
warranting a re-release and relaunch of both albums for 2008.
'I want to sing and create music that sometimes caresses and
other times challenges but always bypasses the outside to the place
inside each of us where we are basically vulnerable, hopeful children.
Music can transport us instantly, for example, to those heady vulnerable
feelings of 'first love' in a way no words can.'
In 2005 and 2006 Elizabeth led a national
tour with her band comprising some of the finest musicians
in the country, Jonathan Zwartz (bass), Bill Risby (piano)
and Hamish Stuart (drums). This was bolstered with ongoing
community and national ABC radio airplay, winning a fan in
ABC's James Valentine and a Top 5 placing in the Australian
Songwriting Contest with the song 'You Carry Me Home.'
As someone who believes that the greatest
danger for an artist - particularly a songwriter - is to get
too comfortable, Elizabeth recently returned from a lengthy
stay in America and Europe, inspired by adventure, music opportunities,
and fuel for songwriting. She performed more than thirty times
at venues including Galli's Bar, Karma Coffee House, USA Hostel
Hollywood and Highland Grounds in Los Angeles, Cafe Tirebouchon
in Paris, and New York venues including Yippie Museum, Googies
Lounge over The Living Room, Helen's, Cucina Stagionale with
residencies and return performances at Caffe Vivaldi and legendary
songwriter venue The Bitter End.
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Elizabeth is currently promoting her new album
'On Patrol With The Jazz Police' before travelling
again. It may have taken a great journey before ' finally coming
home' but this is a brave and talented artist who feels like she
has only just begun to explore the potential of creating music for
the world to heal, challenge, uplift and reassure us that we are
not alone.
David Philip
2008
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