The Galen Kipar Project has been an ever-evolving musical experience that has gathered a tapestry of musicians and instruments over the past 10 years. Each musician has brought something special to the sound, keeping things fresh, spontaneous, and energized.
The Galen Kipar Project began as the efforts of one young Galen, inspired by the music of Paul Simon, Dylan, Cat Stevens, and Joni Mitchell. Through these influences he gained the ambition to teach himself how to sing, play guitar and harmonica simultaneously allowing him to begin the exploration of composition and the art of creating music. The GKP has grown to embrace the passion and energy of each musician involved in the project. The GKP has been a journey of self-discovery, music, and friendship, as each member taps the creativity within their spirit to create the music of their soul. As they continuously challenge themselves to create a profound musical experience for their listeners and for each other, their music has gained the strength of genuine maturity.
The music of the Galen Kipar Project was born out of a passion for the exploration of sound and composition. Within the woven eclectic sounds of the instrumentation, we are introduced to a poetic journey that is present in each of the Project's songs. The roots of classical, jazz, blues, soul folk, and world beat are echoed within the overall chemistry of the Project's music. In addition to the band's three core members, the GKP frequently features the talent of guest musicians who compliment the band's sound with such elements as female vocals, double bass, cello, violin, mandolin, tuba, trumpet, piano and B3 organ. With such additions lending to the Project's creativity and flexibility, these contributions unquestionably add depth and texture enhancing the musical experience. Throughout its evolution, the music of the Galen Kipar Project has matured to a sound that is undeniably original. As demonstrated in the band's lyrical potency, the GKP is dedicated to saturating the spongy sound waves with honest, imaginative music that reflects curiosity against observation of what our eyes see, ears hear, in the realistic, political, ethical, religiously spiritual, beautiful adventure of this ever changing cycle of life.
REVIEWS:
“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 2008
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 2008
“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 2007
“...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 2007
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 2005
“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 2001
2007 release, "Why it's Needed" featured in October issue of Asheville Magazine.
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