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Gay Pop Keyboardists (page 2)
by Robert Urban, October 26, 2005

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Drew Edwards began his study of piano at age 5, studying strict classical until age 18, when he entered the University of Illinois Music Department. Deciding the time was right to chase dreams, he moved to Brooklyn, NY to pursue music full time. Recently, he has been seen performing live with gay artists John Carlin, John Fischer of Shimmerplanet, and even yours truly as we formed the house band for the 2005 NYC GLBT Pride Rally.

Keyboardist Drew has written and produced 5 film scores (New York and LA). He regularly serves as musical director to  NYC area shows, lectures on film scoring, and leads his electro synth-pop band Cellardoor, for which he has 2 CDs released. Known for penning his boy-oriented moody, wistful, anthemic, hook-filled songs, Drew’s synth laden Cellardoor single, "Boy Wonder," has enjoyed considerable success with listeners around the world.

Drew is currently working on the film scores for an HBO documentary and a queer-themed indie film with Broadway composer Corinne Aquilina.

Drew Edwards Cellardoor Discography includes L'esprit de L'escalier (2004) and I Didn't Get the Memo (2005). The third Cellardoor album, Distance, will be released in the spring of 2006.

Outmagazine named bisexual singer-songwriter Skott Freedman one of the "Top 100 Most Intriguing People of the 2003 LGBT Community." He< has toured internationally, singing and accompanying himself on piano. In 2002 he performed at the Sydney Opera House for the Gay Games.

Skottis known for including in his musical shows his own lecture on bisexuality, "Battling Biphobia and Bringing Bisexuals Back to Both Communities." Freedman recently produced the first compilation to ever celebrate bisexuality, Bi the People.

Skott’s website offers the story of his piano background: he was inspired to become a performer after playing his own arrangement of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" for his parents in the family rec room when he was 6. His family took the hint and provided him with classical keyboard training. At 15 he was winning statewide competitions, but his need to find his own musical identity lured him into the world of pop.

Skott’s piano sound  brings to mind early Elton John, and his output of songs includes "Walter", a moody ode to gay pride and coming out; "Hole in His Soul", about the trauma of growing up different in a small town; and "Tug of War",  a humorous exploration of a relationship with a narcissistic boyfriend.  Hisfourth recording, Some Company (2003) is solely for voice and piano.

Scott Freeman’s albums includeSwimming After Dark, Anything Worth Mentioning, Best Little Boy, Some Company

Within the exciting world of gay pop music, special mention must be made for a truly special woman friend of Dorothy, beloved by gay male musical artists everywhere--bisexual pianist extraordinaire Tracy Stark. A much sought-after keyboard accompanist, songwriter and musical director, Tracy’s resume is so queer-related as to make her one of the family. She has worked with a stellar array of gay male artists including Randy Jones of The Village People, Latin favorite of ICONS fame Jade Estaban Estrada, award-winning singer David Gurland, leather star and “Mr. Eagle 2004” Brian Kent, renowned female vocal impersonators Jimmy James and Richard Skipper and cabaret singing sensation Marcus Simeone. She has even accompanied the gay icon Karen Black.

Additionally, Tracy has been musical director for lesbian pop royal Lesley Gore (“It’s My Party and I’ll Cry if I Want to” and “You Don’t Own Me”).  Also a singer/songwriter herself, Tracy’s first CD Canvas of Dreamswas produced by lesbian musical artist Ferron in 2000. Her new upcoming CD, Feast for the Heart, is produced by Richard Barone, the gay ex-lead singer/songwriter of The Bongos. It includes a closing track duet with Phoebe Snow.

Get more information on Jerry Rabuska at www.raggedblade.com / Drew Edwards at www.cellardoor.com / Scott Freedman at www.scottfreedman.com / Georgie Jessup at www.georgiejessup.com / Tracy Stark at www.tracystark.com

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