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Norwood native, pianist and composer returns to North Country for debut of latest album

Posted 10/4/15

By MATT LINDSEY NORWOOD – Former Norwood resident Cory Lavine, pianist and composer, came back home to Northern New York to release his debut album, “Out of the Blue.” Lavine, who now resides …

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Norwood native, pianist and composer returns to North Country for debut of latest album

Posted

By MATT LINDSEY

NORWOOD – Former Norwood resident Cory Lavine, pianist and composer, came back home to Northern New York to release his debut album, “Out of the Blue.”

Lavine, who now resides in Nashville, Tenn., said releasing his album here in the North Country made it more meaningful and worthwhile due to not only growing up here, but also being surrounded by many who’ve been supporting him and following his career for over the past 30 plus years.

The journey for Lavine, and his debut release started where he grew up, in Norwood. He started playing piano when he was 9 years old.

“When I first started to play I had a difficult time reading music,” he said. “So I learned to play via Suzuki.”

He took classical piano for 6 years.

In 1990, after graduating from Norwood-Norfolk Central School, he was part of a Florida based company called, “Young American Showcase.” He played keyboards in a 5-piece rock band. He averaged 12 shows a week, for 10 months straight touring the country in schools playing Top 40 rock n’ roll music.

“We would tell kids they can accomplish their goals and dreams in life without using drugs and alcohol. If the schools would allow it, we would tell them were were Christians,” he said.

After a year and a half of touring, Lavine returned home and studied at SUNY Canton and St. Lawrence University. After receiving his bachelors in both music and sociology, moved to North Carolina to work at an episcopal retreat center and later found himself working in youth ministry.

“But still, there was something inside of me that encouraged him to continue on with the music,”

So, in 1997, he loaded up a U-haul with his car in tow, and headed from North Carolina to Arizona where he studied recording and sound engineering. Upon graduating, he needed to do an internship in order to graduate. So he called one of his friends, who had toured with Showcase back in the 80’s, and who was part of the Nashville music scene to see what he could do.

In doing so he Lavine landed a job to support himself, graduate, and at the same time, search for answers of what to do with his music.

After the company he was working for closed in 2005 Lavine was again thinking of what to do with his pursuit of music.

“I took the leap of faith, decided to stay in Nashville, and moved over to the hospitality side to work as a bellman. It wasn’t until soon after that, where things started happening that would forever change my life,” he said.

After a guest and Cory finished exchanging their stories back in 2009, of what brought them to Nashville, she then asked him the following; “Are you doing anything more with your music?” His response was, “No, not at the moment.” She replied, “Just don’t forget why you came here.”

Since then he has been pursuing his music.

He was introduced to pianist and composer, David Nevue, the founder of Whisperings Solo Piano Radio, which is a live, internet streaming broadcast of solo piano radio. He met David via a workshop he attended in Nashville. It was there he learned more about house concerts and a way he would be able to pursue his music once again.

Lavine said at his debut release many commented on how they were not only moved by the music, but also moved by the stories that he shared about each of his songs.

“I love performing in this type of setting because it’s more of an intimate experience between the audience and performer,” he said. “It’s a very powerful exchange for both.”

Lavine describes his sound as a mix of Jim Brickman and George Winston with a sprinkle of classical. His music has been described as being “peaceful,” yet soothing and relaxing. If you’re looking for some soft, yet melodic piano music, then his music might be right for you.

For more information about Lavine, visit www.corylavine.com.

There is a blog on his website to learn more about his songs, purchase sheet music, and or to sign-up for his newsletter to keep up-to-date with his latest news.

To purchase his album ‘Out of the Blue,” visit his website or buy it at Willow Tree Florist & Landscaping, 699 U.S. Highway 11. The album is up on CD Baby and should be on iTunes by the end of month and should be on Amazon and Spotify soon as well.