Lorin's Layers

Daniel and Matthew set up the mics for Lorin's electric harp. Photo: Ed Rockett

Lorin Grean’s passion is to create music in layers just as an artist layers paint to create a composition.

“Recording layers, adding to it to see where the arrangements will grow, that’s the part of the whole creative process that I love,” Lorin said. “I was missing that by not recording. So I decided to come back because it’s personal therapy for me.”

Though Lorin had just spent countless hours in the studio, she lit up with fresh energy as she spoke about her music.

“Some people spend their money on diamonds and possessions. I don’t need a Dior gown. For me I’d rather have the experience of recording, of being in that creative space. It makes my heart sing.”

Lorin likes to mix things up. The results are surprising and enticing. Who would have thought...

... of playing classic rock on acoustic Celtic harp? Lorin did…and she pulled it off exquisitely on Spinning Gold. She didn’t limit herself to harp; she added other instruments such as cello, flugel horn, Tibetan bowls.

Every recording is different; she’s always exploring new territory. This time she’s experimenting with an electric folk harp,

“It’s a brand new beast for me,” Lorin said. “Of course Daniel made it sound incredibly wonderful and we can add all sorts of filters and effects. Daniel’s musical ear has really helped to shape my music, and his ingenuity and guidance have produced some nice combinations of instruments in the arrangements.”

Notice the white levers. Photo: Ed Rockett

Although the folk harp is enchanting and uplifting, the keys in which it can be played limit it. Levers on each string have to be preset in the key that you want.

Basically, looking at the keys of a piano, the corresponding harp strings would be just the white notes. If you want to play in a key other than C, you have to turn a lever to get the black notes. It’s hard to change keys in the middle of a song.

“I’ve been writing rich melodies that I couldn’t bring out fully on the harp. They have moody changes of key and emotions that come out on the piano.”

That’s why Lorin has added piano to her layers, along with her pure pensive voice. Also mixed into the layers is Gerry O’Beirne’s rich guitar.

Emerging from the layers is music, Lorin’s compositions, fresh from the muse.

For more information, see the Sage web site and Lorin’s site.
sagearts.com/recordings/Lorin Grean
loringrean.com