Larry Roland put together another CD, "...just sayin'...and playin'!", this time incorporating the sounds of the piano by a most talented and colorful pianist who goes by the name of Kiyoko Layne.

 

As a poet, Larry sees and understands himself to be an individual who is reporting on life through his own personal lenses. He believes that the sounds of the Piano with the Bass outline, frame, and direct the emotional torrent, thus moving the poetry forward with the use of free improvisational soundscapes, original compositions, and familiar jazz standards.

 

As a Bassist, Larry Roland has developed a style of his own which includes a multiplicity of ostinato baselines that serve to support and embellish melodies, soundscapes, and the overall direction.

 

Extensive touring during the 90's up to the pandemic with Raphe Malik, Nick Goumas, Adrienne Hawkins, Bassline motion, Charles Gayle, We Free Strings, NY Jazz Free Quartet, the NY Jazz Poetry Choir, Larry's Urge 4tet, and his Urban Folk Projects, have been instrumental in his development as a Bassist and Reciter, and Producer.

 

Kiyoko Layne is originally from Kyoto, Japan. Her parents started her on the piano at the age of five.

Although she developed a strong classical repertoire early in her development, she ultimately decided that she wanted to pursue jazz studies, and later in her early twenties, traveled to the U.S. and enrolled in Berklee College of music in Boston, and after two and a half years graduated with honors.

 

As of this date, Kiyoko has been on the NY scene for the last 15 years. When she first arrived, she landed a position as the musical librarian for the Duke Ellington Orchestra.. As a newcomer to NYC, she made her piano and voice debuts with her late husband and bassist, Alex Layne.  

They performed in his ensemble at Minton's, St. Nick's Pub, Cleopatra's Needle, Patrick's Place, and various other clubs and restaurants in and around NYC.

 

Just Sayin'.....and Playin' has a healthy message that we hope you'll all enjoy!

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Thank you very much,

 

Larry (ogijaz) Roland.

 

Kiyoko Layne.