(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents "Spero Plays Nyro" by the Christine Spero group, an evening of music by the legendary songwriter Laura Nyro, on Friday, February 10 at 8:00pm. This concert will take place at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 67 Church Street in Montclair, NJ. In this heartfelt and moving tribute to Laura Nyro, one of the greatest and most covered songwriters of the 20th century, pianist and singer Christine Spero and her group take the listener on an unforgettable journey through some of Laura's most memorable songs.
"Christine Spero and I shared a bill and I knew that she was doing atribute to my old friend Laura Nyro, but I wasn't for just how amazing Christine's performance turned out to be," said Steve Katz (Blood,Sweat and Tears and the Blues Project).
The show and new CD, "Spero Plays Nyro" remind us that Laura's music is poignant and timeless. The arrangements are hip, the vocals are beautiful, the musicianship is stellar. The exquisite arrangements are true to Laura's originals but with many sweet creative touches, beautifully interpreted in the group's own distinct style. Christine has fully recaptured Laura's spirit and passion with beautiful renditions running the breadth and depth of Laura's emotions. Christine has loved Laura's music from a young age when she was given Eli and the Thirteenth Confession by a radio DJ friend.
Spero was inspired by Laura's music to be bold in writing, singing, and playing piano. Laura Nyro was the quintessential singer/songwriter and pianist whose groundbreaking music crossed the genres of folk, rock, and jazz. She became one of the most covered artists in the 1960's and 1970's with such songs as "Eli's Coming," "Stoned Soul Picnic," "And When I Die" and "Wedding Bell Blues". Her tragically premature passing in 1997 shocked her fans and in 2012 she was inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame.
Drummer Peter O'Brien and bassist Scott Petito create a rhythm section that keeps the music driving and steady but never imposing. Saxophonist/percussionist, Elliot Spero, adds excellent sax solos, flutes and multiple percussion accents. The group has performed at many Festivals, Performing arts centers, Dinner theaters, clubs and private events.
Christine Spero, Winner and Finalist of the USA Songwriting Competition Jazz/category, had her start in the music business as a teen with legendary producer Don Kirschner and Neil Sedaka. She earned numerous accolades for her melodic, emotionally powerful and soulful writing and performing and her two Cds, "We Call it Music" and "My Spanish Dream" have received strong press from USA Today, Long Island Newsday, Billboard, JazzTimes, JAZZIZ, All About Jazz, Time Out New York, The Village Voice and the Albany Times Union. You can find TCSG streaming on Pandora, Jango, Spotify. CD's and Downloads available on iTunes, Amazon & Cdbaby w/ MDI Distribution.
"Christine is a very talented woman and I'm so glad she did such a beautiful job with my sister's music," said Jan Nigro, Laura Nyro's Brother.
"Christine Spero blew away any elitist music critic prejudices I may have had about a singer/songwriter devoting an entire evening's performance to covers of another artist. This woman has a lover's touch on piano, a jazz master's vocabulary and a vocal splendor perfectly matched by a band that is nothing short of breathtaking" – Albany Times Union, The Saratogian, Troy Record, Nippertown.
Tickets are $25 in advance/$30 at the door, available online and at Keil's Pharmacy, 732 Valley Rd., Upper Montclair, 973-744-2113; Studio 042 – Super Business Printer, 423 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair, 973-509-7591; online at
The all-volunteer Outpost In The Burbs is a nonprofit outreach organization in Montclair dedicated to building community through music, community service, and cultural events. The Outpost has presented more than 350 concerts by internationally known artists such as Judy Collins, Roger McGuinn, Dave Mason, Jorma Kaukonen, Jimmy Webb, Richie Havens, J.D. Souther, and Dar Williams. In addition to promoting and staffing concerts, Outpost volunteers have donated many hours of their time through programs affiliated with Habitat for Humanity, Toys for Tots, the Human Needs Food Pantry of Montclair, MESH (Montclair Emergency Services for the Homeless), the Community Food Bank of N.J., Dress for Success, and a soup kitchen run by Outpost volunteers in Orange, NJ.
