It’s weird. I can never quite decide whether I like writing to music, or if I need silence for proper cultivation of inspiration. Either way, I’ve always enjoyed unique music. By that I mean music that often combines various traditional or common styles into something new. Fusion of some sort. Whether it’s jazz/techno, afro/celtic/synth, or classical Christmas hymns fused with rock’and’roll, I enjoy these mixed styles because they often bring a fresh energy to the musical genres.
So imagine my delight when I’m walking through the 34th street subway station and, lo and behold, there is a man playing a violin along with a rock beat. Not only that, but it’s an electric violin, juiced up and skipping out of the speakers with an infectious energy. I don’t often stop and listen to subway performers, but this guy caught my attention like none other, especially since his setup seemed a bit more professional than most who sit around underground. I got his name and liked him enough to research him when I got home, in the hopes of finding some more music of his.
His name is Lorenzo LaRoc, and apparently he’s been classically trained in the violin since the age of eight. Now he combines that with styles like jazz, rock, and Latin music. Sounds like my kind of one-man band.
Here’s an info article I found on him if you’re interested in more. For me, I’m gonna try to get some more of his music to listen to while I write.
See (and hear) Lorenzo LaRoc playing in the subways. And here you can listen in on a few short samples of other songs. Let me know what you think.
I see that smile.
Way cool! I love the Latin music (it’s so spicy and rich and full of life). Thanks for the link 🙂
Gladly. I’ll also mention that he had gathered one of the largest crowds I’ve ever seen for a subway performer. Anyone reading this in NYC? Maybe you’ll bump into him too.
The only music you don’t like is the sound of two younger sisters singing in the car during long road trips…