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Christine Spero

Our latest show is "Spero Plays Nyro", a celebration of the music of Laura Nyro with a new CD in January 2015. Steve Katz of the Blues Project and Blood, Sweat and Tears will occasionally be joining the show. We continue to bring our original nujazz, Latin, pop music to fans.

The group brings their own kind of power to the music of Laura Nyro. Laura was a Grammy winning quintessential singer/songwriter/pianist. Her groundbreaking music crossed the genres of folk, rock and jazz and she was one of the most covered artists in the 1960's and 1970's (Eli's Coming, Stoned Soul Picnic, Wedding Bell Blues, Sweet Blindness). Her tragically premature passing in 1997 shocked her fans. Finally, in 2012 she was inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame.

Christine has loved Laura's music from a young age when she was given "Eli and the Thirteenth Confession" by a radio DJ friend. She was inspired by Laura's music to be bold in writing, singing and piano playing. Her CDs are listened to around the world.

Even before Christine Spero began recording with her dynamic quartet, she was earning numerous accolades for her melodic, emotionally powerful and soulful songwriting and was Winner of the USA Songwriting Competition/Jazz category for her song, "He Wasn't Always That Way". She was also a finalist with "Caribbean Nights," a festive tropical celebration that typifies the joyful exotica that drives her second recording, "My Spanish Dream", a rich Brazilian/Latin/world fusion offering that dances blithely between pop and jazz.

Each one of Christine's pieces is a unique vehicle for creative improvisation. Add to that her evocative, soulful singing and you've got a smooth runway for the piano, saxophone, bass, drums and percussion to take off!

She recorded her first songs with Neil Sedaka and Don Kirschner on the RCA label as a teen, then moved from New York to San Francisco to further study music and botany. There, she was a member of Bob Braye's Peace and Rhythm Unit. Her eclectic and personal style of composing was influenced by many classical, pop and jazz musicians. She has performed with her own quartets and sextets over the years and now lives in the Catskill Mountains of New York, where she continues to write, record, and perform with her band.

Saxophonist, percussionist and producer Elliot Spero founded his own ensembles in San Francisco & N.Y.. He engineered and produced Christine's CD's, "We Call It Music" and produced "My Spanish Dream" with Scott Petito (Michael Franks, James Taylor). He is the owner of a recording studio in New York and does multiple duties on soprano and tenor saxes as well as percussion.

The group has shared the stage with Kevin Eubanks, Dr. John, Rickie Lee Jones, Steve Katz / Blood, Sweat and Tears,The Woody Herman Orchestra, Kim Waters, Walter Beasley, Melanie, Ray Vega, Bobby Mattos.

Christine has been written about in USA Today, Billboard, Jazz Times, JAZZIZ, Keyboard and Recording Magazines, Time Out New York, Village Voice, Woodstock Times and ASCAP Playback.

From " My Spanish Dream" and " We Call It Music"

Christine's song, "I'd Come Home Anywhere" is #8 on the Australian Indie Chart!

"..exciting Latin jazz grooves producing an intoxicating and vibrant sound." (Ed Blanco- ejazznews)

" ...transports you to a loftier place." (Chronogram, New York)

"Yet as compelling and poetic as her writing is, her joyful live vocal performances and rich piano chordings and improvisations really bring the music to memorable life." (allmusicguide)

"Their musicianship was outstanding and their diverse musical styles really had the crowd excited." (Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz)

"...top notch..." (Woodstock Times)

"Christine has an amazing voice and an awesome band!" (Smoothjazz.com)

Christine and her group performed live on NPR WAMC 9

Christine is the Winner of the USA Songwriting Competition/Jazz Category and is a pianist,singer-songwriter whose N.Y. group performs her vibrant, multi-faceted vocal and instrumental material that fuses styles and rhythms of Brazilian/Latin with pop and jazz.

Christine and her group performed live on NPR WAMC 90.3 FM, Albany on Performance Place "Music of Our Time" to promote their new CD, "My Spanish Dream", a rich Brazilian/Latin/World fusion offering that dances blithely between jazz and pop. Diverse and daring, it highlights Spero’s love for lush vocal harmonies, something she’s been enthralled with her entire career.

The Christine Spero Group was one of the headliners at The Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz in July 2006 and will be returning in the summer of 2008. They performed with Blood, Sweat and Tears and The Charlie Daniels Band at Harborfest in Oswego, New York in July 2007. They have opened for such notables as: Kim Waters, Walter Beasley, Ray Vega, The Woody Herman Orchestra, Bobby Matos, Clark Terry, Mike Phillips (from Prince), pop icon of the 60's and 70's-Melanie, and Andrea Brachfield. Christine has performed on Time Warner Cable's "Poughkeepsie LIVE!" and has been written about in USA Today, Billboard, Jazz Times, Keyboard and Recording Magazines, ASCAP Playback.

The December issue of Recording Magazine featured Christine in their Artist Profile. She is the Winner of the USA Songwriting Competition in the Jazz category for her song, "He Wasn't Always That Way" and Finalist with "Caribbean Nights". Her piece "Therapy" has been published by Wild Whirled Music for use in film and television. The group was a semi-finalist in the Discmakers Northeast 2006 Independent Music World Series.

Christine is the Swedish/American granddaughter of classical pianists. She recorded her first songs on RCA as a teen, then moved from New York to San Francisco to further study music and botany. She was a member of Bob Braye's Peace and Rhythm Unit. Her eclectic and personal style of composing was influenced by many classical and jazz musicians. She has performed with her own quartets and sextets over the years and now lives in the Catskill Mountains of New York, where she continues to write, record, and perform with her band.

Saxophonist, percussionist and producer Elliot Spero founded his own ensembles in San Francisco and opened for Bobby McFarrin in the Bay Area. He engineered and produced Christine's CD's, "We Call It Music" and "My Spanish Dream" and owns a recording studio in New York.

Currently our rhythm section is: Cuban drummer T. Xiques-(Savoy Brown, Mike Maineri, Larry Coryell, Jewel,Garth Hudson, Robbie Dupree) and bassist, Charlie Kniceley who has played with Ron Carter, Joe Beck, Jack DeJohnette, Warren Berhardt and bassist, Scott Petito (James and Livingston Taylor, Michael Franks, Stevie Wonder).

Awards

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The Christine Spero Group: Spero Plays Nyro

Read "Spero Plays Nyro" reviewed by Edward Blanco

by Edward Blanco
May 8, 2015

Pianist and singer Christine Spero and her group perform the music of singer and songwriter Laura Nyro on Spero Plays Nyro, a stellar tribute to one of the most iconic composers of the 20th century best known for the way she cross-bred the jazz, R&B, Pop and blues genres. Spero and band reprise some of Nyro's most familiar compositions recorded by such groups as Blood, Sweat & Tears, The Fifth Dimension, Three Dog Night and even, Maynard Ferguson. Perhaps a ...

Award / Grant

Christine Spero Wins 2004 USA Songwriting Competition

Source: All About Jazz
March 1, 2005

Subject: Press Release “USA Songwriting Competition" Winner Christine Spero From : “USA Songwriting Competition" Sent : February 10, 2005 Subject : Press Release CHRISTINE SPERO WINS 2004 USA SONGWRITING COMPETITION (Fort Lauderdale, FL) - Christine Spero, a Jazz singer-songwriter from East Jewett,NY won the first prize of the Jazz category of the 2004 USA Songwriting Competition with her song, “He Wasn't Always That Way" from her CD, “We Call It Music". This will be released on a compilation CD of ...
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CD Review From Laura Nyro's brother.

Christine is keeping Laura's flame burning strong!

“Laura’s music is in fine hands with Christine Spero who is a terrific musician. She can play and sing Laura’s songs like few others. She knows this music inside out, and rises to the challenge on each song singing with expressiveness and power. At times her voice sounds like she could be Laura’s twin sister! It's such challenging music to sing, and she does it so beautifully. I don't think I've ever heard anyone who's voice naturally sounds as much like Laura's as Christine's does (although it is certainly distinguished in it's own way). I also thoroughly enjoyed Christine's original song, "Laura and John". The arrangements are true to Laura’s originals but with some sweet creative touches as well. The band members are all pros and Christine can really play that piano! Laura’s fans should really enjoy this recording. Christine is a very talented woman, and I'm so glad she did such a beautiful job with my sister's music." Jan Nigro - Brother of Laura Nyro

CD Review From Laura Nyro's brother.

Christine is keeping Laura's flame burning strong!

Live Review from Steve Katz of Blood, Sweat and Tears and the Blues Project "Christine Spero and I shared a bill at the new Towne Crier in Beacon NY. I knew that Christine was doing a tribute to my old friend Laura Nyro, but I wasn’t prepared for just how amazing Christine’s performance turned out to be. She was able to channel Laura with all the feeling and intelligence that the music warranted, but, at the same time, made Laura’s music her own. A delightful evening all around - one that I hope will be repeated often."

Review of Show @ the Caffe Lena in Saratoga, NY. Posted by Don Wilcock

"Christine Spero blew away any elitest music critic prejudices I may have had about a singer/songwriter devoting an entire evening's performance to covers of another artist. Christine Spero took the works of one of her early mentors, Laura Nyro, and recreated them in her own image. And what an image it was. This woman has a lover's touch on piano, a jazz master's vocabulary and a vocal splendor perfectly matched by a band that is nothing short of breathtaking."

Don Wilcock Freelance Writer Senior Editor - The Audiophile Voice Magazine Contributing writer - The Saratogian, Troy Record, Albany Times Union, Nippertown - The American Blues Scene

SOUND ADVICE: The Christine Spero Group pays homage to Laura Nyro in new album

By David Malachowski, Daily Freeman Posted: 04/30/15, 2:42 PM EDT | ARTIST: The Christine Spero Group ALBUM: “Spero Plays Nyro” Local light Christine Spero is a spectacular singer and pianist who lives in Hunter, and in this collection, “Spero Plays Nyro,” tackles a difficult subject — retelling the timeless songs of Laura Nyro — and she does it in an extraordinary way, and with verve. They say don’t do a cover unless you can do it better, and in this case, she comes close, and often equals the original. The iconic cuts are done with respect and grace, and classics like “Stoned Soul Picnic” and “And When I Die” are given powerful readings. And revisiting Nyro’s riveting “Eli’s Coming” will make you rethink the much more emotionally tamer “Three Dog Night” take from 1969. But it’s the deeper tracks, like the sultry “Billy’s Blues,” the haunting “You Don’t Love Me When I Cry” and “Emmie,” that really showcase Spero’s soaring voice, and way with a song. The secret weapon here is saxophonist Elliot Spero, who also co-produced with brilliant bassist Scott Petito, aided an abetted by ace drummer Peter O’Brien. Though the mission was daunting, Spero succeeds with her gorgeous, expressive voice, and the smarts to keep world-class musicians nearby. Fans of both Nyro and Spero will adore this record, a reminder of how well written songs used to be. Visit http://www.christinesperogroup.com/ David Malachowski is a guitarist, producer and freelance journalist.

Rave Radio Reviews are starting to come in from around the World!:

"The Christine Spero Group has brought some great new original music to Latin/World music. Many thanks for the opportunity to play and review this album. Helen Jarroe Cairns FM89.1 Australia

"My Spanish Dream is just that. This is a rich Brazilian/latin/World fusion that makes the "A" list from the very first track. Christine Spero has exceptional writing skills and a voice to match. Gloriously groovy arrangements full of wonderful textures, imagination, and musicality. Spero's song "He Wasn't Always That Way" won the jazz category of the USA songwriting Competition in 2004; and "Caribbean Nights", one my favourites on this album, was a finalist in 2002. Spero is brilliantly supported by Elliot Spero's sax & percussion with Mike Woinoski on bass and drummer Jody Sumber. Produced by Elliot Spero this second album clearly announces a new talent. Already headlining Festivals and performing with Blood Sweat & Tears and Charlie Daniels in 2007, The Christine Spero Trio is set to go far. So let "The Festival" begin!! Helen Simons The JazzXpress Caravan 94.1FM Jazz Radio Gold Coast Queensland Australia

"Dynamic vocals. Christine's writing abilities are very evident throughout this musical project. What a musical festival!" Leon Reyes KVMR 89.5 FM Nevada City/Sacramento Ca Host: Leon's Jazz In A Box

"Fantastic Album. Great stuff for our Radio Station." Alex Pijnen/BRTO Radio-The Netherlands

"We really love this stunning cooking sophisticated Jazz. Christine's style is powerful, evocative and very subtle. The choice of material backed up with a cooking band is marvelous and gels together into a big sound tinged with a wonderful Latin Groove that has you wanting more and our audiences most certainly will love your sound. This is a CD made to be heard, in fact, demands to be heard for it's infectious groove has one wanting to dance and party. It certainly struck us as one extraordinary CD and one that will be very well received by our astute audience." Peter Merrett- Music manager for PBS FM 106-7 Melbourne, Australia (one of the country's leading music stations.) Our station has over 400,000 listeners per week and over 6 million hits per month on our web site.

"A wonderful recording and I have no hesitation in adding it to my current play list." Dick Hughes-Jazz Action Productions/Sydney, Australia

"The charactor of the music style presented gives this CD a unique feel, with an individual personality presented inside it's contents. Great work!" Graham J Barclay/Soundwave FM-New Zealand

Skopje, Macedonia- Excellent material! I am interested to present more in the future. Vasja Ivanovski Jazz Spaces

" A truly wonderful CD that I'm looking forward to reviewing!" Serge Kozlovsky-Minsk/Belarus

"Fresh and relaxing singing with a latin touch."-Pascal Dorban Radio ARA, Luxembourg

"I like the cd very much. It is so very interesting and of great quality and very advisable for lovers of good music." JOSEP PALMADA RED HOT BLUES RADIO VILAFANT SPAIN

"Great work on this disc full of wonderful song's and music. One to be proud of. " George Young country club productions pty ltd

" What a great sound you have, we have played several of your tracks to date and plan to schedule more in future programs. Keep up the good work and please keep us up to date with your progress". Michael Criddle OzRadio (President Radio Triple H-FM)

"My Spanish Dream" is one of six featured jazz albums in Japan on: www.garagebandjapan.com

Ison TV/Radio in NewCastle, Australia(www.isonliveradio.com) has been playing our last CD, "We Call It Music" for more than a year.

Pianist and vocalist Christine Spero launches her new release of exciting Latin jazz grooves that blend Brazilian and pop rhythms producing an intoxicating and vibrant sound guaranteed to shake the shoulders and move the hips. “My Spanish Dream,” delivers nine original songs with catchy melodies and rich harmonies that will have you hitting the re-play button often.

Hailing from Tannersville, New York, Christine Spero has for years performed with her quartet and has one previous recording to her credit (“We Call It Music” 2002). On this recording she is joined by her core group consisting of Elliot Spero (tenor, soprano sax and percussions), Mike Woinoski (bass) and Jody Sumber (drums). Others appearing on the recording include Rich DeCrosta (trumpet) on “Therapy,” husband Buck Spero (bass) and Curtis Watts (drums) on “Therapy”,“The Festival” and “I Remember.”

Starting off with the title track, Spero sets the tone with her lush vocals and piano chops on this airy and spacious number. The second cut, “Don’t Say No,” says yes all the way with a terrific percussive beat and appreciable scatting from the singer.

The music only gets better with the incredible Latin rhythms of “Caribbean Nights,” unquestionably the best composition here. Spero’s vocals on this one is upstaged by her sizzling piano performance that continues to play over and over in one’s brain sort of like when you have a tune you just cannot get out of your head.

The tune “Just So You Know,” is maybe the sole pop flavored number here. The Brazilian flavored “The Festival,” rivals “Caribbean Nights,” as one of the best scores here featuring perhaps the finest vocals and a nice run on the synthesizer from Christine.

Elliot Spero takes center stage on the only instrumental piece “Raiisha,” with an excellent journey on the sax. Except for a verse of wordless vocals, “Therapy,” is largely another instrumental piece featuring an augmented cast. The album ends with another bossa-shaded number in “I Remember,” showcasing Elliot’s torrid sax solo and climaxing one heck of a session.

— Edward Blanco- Ejazznews

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