Josh Nelson, Pianist
Lillian Sengpiehl & Kathleen Grace, Vocalists
The PROGRAM
Pianist/Composer Josh Nelson alongside singer/songwriter Kathleen Grace and classical soprano Lillian Sengpiehl present their collaboration, Après un Rêve. Friends and musical kindred spirits for many years, Grace, Nelson, and Sengpiehl have toured the world over as solo artists. Here they have joined forces to explore their love of duo and trio performances across the many genres and performance styles. The group will delve into works from the great American songbook, original music, classical art songs and compositions from songwriting greats like Randy Newman and James Taylor. As they push and pull at traditional musical boundaries, Après un Rêve celebrates the freedom and the joy of collaborative music, no matter the genre.
The ARTISTS
Josh Nelson (Pianist) – Born and raised in Southern California, pianist-composer-bandleader Josh Nelson toured with legendary vocalist Natalie Cole for many years, and today he continues to elevate the world of jazz to new heights. He taught jazz for four years at Soka University and more recently at Cal State University Northridge. In 2006, Nelson was a semi-finalist in the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition. His debut album as a leader, 2004’s Anticipation, garnered attention while his 2007 follow up, Let it Go, was hailed by Jazz Times, All About Jazz and Jazz Review as a fully-realized breakthrough album. Nelson’s next album, 2009’s I Hear a Rhapsody, had him re-imagining Jerry Goldsmith’s “Theme From Chinatown,” Jimmy Van Heusen’s “Here’s That Rainy Day” and Elliott Smith’s “Everything Means Nothing To Me” while contributing seven affecting originals. With 2011’s sci-fi influenced Discoveries, Nelson introduced his Discovery Project, an immersive multi-media presentation combining video, performance art, light and art installations with his original music.
Lillian Sengpiehl (Vocalist) – Acclaimed for the “richness and beauty of her voice” as well as her “fine musicianship and truth-telling”, Lillian Sengpiehl is unparalleled in the breadth and versatility of her artistry. Her abilities as both a singer and a lyrical interpreter of song have allowed her to perform numerous new and traditional works within Opera, Concert, and Musical Theatre stages throughout America and Europe. Sengpiehl’s vocal finesse and open-minded approach lends her to a variety of different styles and genres of music. Although born in Kansas, she now resides in Los Angeles and enjoys an active career as a singer, recording artist, and educator. She was the winner of the Classical Competition at Carnegie Hall, the recipient of the Brigit Niilson Scholarship, and a finalist in the Metropolitan Opera Competition.Kathleen Grace (Vocalist) – Kathleen has appeared on stages as varied as her music, including The Montreux Jazz Festival, The Kennedy Center for the Arts and the South by Southwest music festival. She appears throughout Jim James’ (of My Morning Jacket) solo release Uniform Distortion. She has also performed with Portugal the Man on the Billboard American Music Awards and most recently, the Coahchella Music Festival. Kathleen is also a member of the female powerhouse trio Dear Lemon Trees with fellow songwriters Jamie Drake and Leslie Stevens. Kathleen is a faculty member in the Contemporary Music Division of the Flora L. Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Her newest project with renowned jazz pianist and songwriter Larry Goldings has been in the studio. Their personal and intimate album, is set for release later next year.
