Loire (Lori Cotler)

Loire, (born Lori Cotler) is a Jewish American Rhythm Vocalist, composer, recording artist and educator known for her outstanding Konnakol and Scat singing abilities. Born in New York City and raised in Roslyn Estates, New York, she began studying piano at age six and began writing songs at 11.

Education

Loire attended a gifted magnet school for the performing arts called Long Island High School for the Arts and was chosen as honorary speaker and performer at the graduation ceremony. She went on to earn a Bachelor's degree of Music from Berklee College of Music in Boston, followed by a Master's Degree in Music Therapy from New York University.

During her teens her Jazz mentor Dave Burns introduced Loire to scat singing, which similar to Konnakol, demanding the vocal reproduction of complex and often up-tempo instrumental material. Other important teachers include, Piano and Harpsichord virtuoso Barbara Kupferberg and Jazz Vocalists Bob Stoloff, Mili Bermajo, and Dominique Eade.

She contributes much of her rhythmic approach and Konnakol studies to her collaboration (2002–present) with composer and four-time Grammy winner Glen Velez.[1] She has also studied Konnakol with Ghatam and Konnakol master Subash Chandran. She has also studied briefly with the Mrdangam master Vinod (VR) Venkataram.

She is regularly invited to conduct master classes and workshops at The Juilliard School[2] and other prestigious conservatories and universities around the World.[3]

Artist Collaborations

Music Therapy

Loire was a Professor of Music Therapy at The New School (2001–2007).[8] From 1996-2002, she worked extensively in clinics and hospitals around New York City with populations as Adult Psychiatry, Foster Children/At-Risk Teens, Autism and Brain Injuries. Her Music Therapy expertise has greatly influenced her approach to the voice. Loire continues to lend her talents to supporting Music Therapy charities and has been actively collaborating with Sounding Joy Music Therapy, Inc.[9]

Current Projects

Loire is currently starring in THE NEWS: a reality opera by avant-pop composer JacobTV.[10] Her 2013 performances with the Netherlands Wind Ensemble received rave reviews in De Volkskrant[11] and NRC Handelsblad.[12] She maintains an active touring schedule with Glen Velez TA KA DI MI project and is also a core member of MEDIEVAL MANTRA[13] with Nina Stern and Glen Velez. Loire frequently collaborates with composer and multimedia artist Milica Paranosic.

Rhythm Vocalist

"Rhythm Vocalist" is a term Loire coined to describe her signature performance style. It primarily involves her usage of Vocal improvisation, scat singing and konnakol as a performance role in musical settings. She bases her method of performing in rhythmic inter-connectivity, making an effort to connect with the rhythmic pulse of the music she performs in on a personal level. She cites her mentor and husband Glen Velez and his "Glen Velez hand dance method" as an influence in her rhythmic techniques.

Discography

Featured Soloist

Dance Scores

Commercials

Film

External links

  1. http://www.rhythmvocalist.com the website of Loire (Lori Cotler)
  2. http://www.glenvelez.com
  3. http://www.jacobtv.net
  4. http://www.subashchandranmusic.com
  5. http://www.kepajunkera.com
  6. http://www.miicaparanosic.com
  7. http://www.levyland.com
  8. http://www.celloman.com
  9. http://www.lewsoloff.com
  10. "A Morning of Music ~ Kani Ka 'Oli" Concert & Champagne Brunch
  11. Tamburi Mundi - International Frame Drum Festival - Lori Cotler
  12. VELEZ / COTLER - KEVIN SEDDIKI (english)

References

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 11/30/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.