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The Lance Hayward Singers
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 The Lance Hayward Singers annual holiday concert held at Christ & St. Stephen's Church |
Download MP3s of The Lance Hayward Singers
Current group member roster
The Lance Hayward Singers began singing in 1984 under the direction of jazz pianist Lance Hayward . In his early years growing up in Bermuda, Lance developed a career as a jazz pianist as well as an arranger for American Air Force bands. He became the most sought-after pianist on the island, and was frequently called to play for visiting singers such as Carmen McRae, Joe Williams, Sarah Vaughan and even Marvin Gaye. He also formed an all-male chorus, the Mu--En Chorale, which became his vehicle for a prolific amount of interesting choral arrangements.
Fifteen years after moving to New York and working steadily as a solo jazz pianist, Lance formed The Lance Hayward Singers (the name was chosen by the group, not by the Director!), and was the group's sole arranger. The energy, vitality and beauty of the musical writing has kept the group together even since Lance's death in 1991, at which time the ensemble decided to continue singing under the direction of Claudia Marx. The repertoire performed by the group has continued to grow and evolve over the years. New members have joined while other members continue to sing with the group after twenty years!
The chorus has been very fortunate to find extraordinary pianist Yuka Aikawa. Her ability to play beautifully in many different musical styles is akin to Lance's similar unusual talent, and a very rare thing indeed. She can be heard on several albums on the King Record label, along with her very gifted bassist husband, Atsundo Aikawa.
Clarence "Tootsie" Bean is a drummer of enormous experience and talent. Also a native Bermudian, Tootsie was a dear friend and working colleague of Lance Hayward for more than 45 years.
Lance, who was blind from infancy, created a chorus which was a true reflection of himself - eclectic, with members ranging in age from early 20s to early 80s, white, black, Latino, Asian, sighted and non-sighted. As former Mayor David Dinkins said, "The Lance Hayward Singers reflect the rich mosaic which is New York."
Links:
Vocal Area Network: New York's home for vocal ensemble music
New York Acappella Scene
JazzSingers.com - Leading the way for Jazz Singers
Town Crier Recordings - Recording Label
Yuka's Dream - Official site of Yuka Aikawa
If you would like your site listed, please contact webmaster@lancehayward.com.
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