Asheville’s small-scale symphony, otherwise known as the Galen Kipar Project, has been busy wrapping up a new album featuring the convention-defying music that has become the band’s trademark. Effortlessly crafting a fusion of folk, classical, jazz, and blues, this band-on-the-rise is on a mission to bring new sounds to your ears and big ideas to your mind. The results so far have been hailed as “complex yet accessible,” “cohesive and poignant,” “experimental folk masterpieces.” “With the care and meticulousness of a gourmet chef,” the Galen Kipar Project cooks up melodies and
arrangements that defy expectations.
Recently the Galen Kipar Project huddled in the studio once again to record its latest work. With a highly anticipated release scheduled for spring 2010, it will be the band’s fourth album in five years. Featuring eight songs, the album promises to satisfy the musical longings of loyal fans as well as the uninitiated. The new release was recorded in Asheville, NC at Echo Mountain Studios - Donna and the Buffalo, Avett Brothers, Band of Horses (echomountian.net) and was engineered by John Ashley. Mastered in NYC by Richard Morris Mastering - Iron and Wine, Nora Jones, Wiyos, Felise Brothers (richardmorrismastering.com). The album will showcase musicians and instrumentation such as, Jeremy Young – Drums, Jon Morrow – 8 string guitar-bass, Camellia Delk – viola/ violin/ vocals, Vincent Corda – Flute, Aaron Balance – lap steel guitar/ dobro, Aaron Price – piano/ B3 organ and Galen Kipar – classical and steel guitars/ harmonicas and vocals.
Featured in WNC Magazine as one of the top bands you need to hear this year (July 2009) Read ArticleFeatured in Verge Magazine (Augusta, Ga - July issue 2009) GKP plays Kennedy Center in Washington, DC Watch a DVD of the August 8, 2009 performance by clicking here and going to the Kennedy Center archive page for this event. Look for the Play the Performance link at the bottom of the archive page.Featured in Washington Examiner (August 7, 2009 issue)
"the care and meticulousness of a gourmet chef. the melodies and arrangements defy expectations, the lyrics take surprising turns and the adventure is a delight, every step of the way" "This album is great" -Noel Hurst, Flagpole, - Athens, Ga
Masters of Melody: Asheville’s Galen Kipar Project, sometimes grand in scope and melodically adventurous at every turn, conjures all sorts of descriptive terms. is based in the acoustic roots and classical music sounds, but seeks to create a new experience for the listener by fluidly combining those elements in an expanded, melodically rich sonic vernacular. David Brewer, High Country Press, - Blowing Rock NC
“Small-scale symphony: the GKP brings big ideas into simple songs. Paper Sailer (08’) seems to be a metaphor for anything brave and fragile on that boundless sea of possibility. the simple combination of dobro, classical guitar, viola and male/female vocal harmonies - is remarkably effective, giving the recording a simple, almost elegant feel. David Cole, Mountain Xpress
"Strange, slightly other-worldly acoustic music sung in a sweet, slightly distracted voice. I think of it as a sort of American Primi.tive, with hits of Sandy Bull in the guitars, Brett Dennen in the voice, Donna the Buffalo in the rustic simplicity, and something altogether new in the wonderful orchestrations. I have heard this CD about four times all the way through since it hit my car's CD player two days ago. One of the songs. made me cry the first time I heard it. In the words of Tina Fey, when I hear the sounds of this nearby world, "I want to go to there."
David Gans - Host of Greatful Dead Hour, musician, writer. Oakland, CA
Galen Kipar has been busy creating music over the past years, which is one of the qualities that has helped make him a fixture on the Asheville music scene since his move to the city. He’s releasing his third album, in as many years, this month with a CD release show at the Grey Eagle on Thursday.
Jaime Mckee, Citizen Times
“Playfully pushing the edge, could be an accurate take on The Galen Kipar Project’s music as a whole. It is smart, daring, and unashamed to own up to its classical and jazz roots.”
Kim Clark, Asheville Magazine
“.this brilliant young artist. Never settling for conventional melodic or lyrical choices, everything about Galen Kipar’s music says that he is most certainly a thinker. With string quartet, tuba, the sounds of playing children, classical guitars and church bells artfully woven through the complex-yet accessible-tunes, the songs on Why it’s Needed (07’) .”
Kim Clark, Asheville Magazine
Voted 16 in WNCW 88.7 Southeast Regional Top 100 of 2008
Voted 28 in WNCW 88.7 Southeast Regional Top 100 of 2006
IMWS (Independent Music World Series) Southeast Semifinalist 2006
“A prodigal son returns, with talented backing band.Kipar has constructed an impressive musical resume and willingness to create something new to the world.”
Andy Stokes, Metro Spirit
Bill Berg plays Galen Kipar.“Changes is full of interesting lyrics and melodies, very unique writing. I still have some of those melodies in my head. The personality of the tunes grows on you and I really enjoy the soaring vocals.they glide over the tracks.” Bill Berg, Musician (Bob Dylan’s “Blood on the tracks” album) 2005
He narrates the tour in a crisp clear tenor, accented by uncommon chiming guitar style that melodically mixes bluegrass style picking, sultry blues slide work and percussive strumming.” Steven Uhles, Augusta Chronicle
For Biographies, go to www.galenkipar.com
