Gregory Harrington.
By Nora Scally
Classical violinist Gregory Harrington’s newest album, “Without You,” is another stride in an ever evolving career.
“Without You” is Harrington’s step into the world of classic jazz and pop music. Filled with intense, touching, and new renderings of well-known songs, Harrington shows his ability to conquer numerous musical genres.
The album includes Harrington’s own renditions of popular songs such as “With or Without You” by U2, “Hallelujah,” by Leonard Cohen, and “The Nearness of You,” by Norah Jones.
In March, he released his translation of “Hallelujah” as a single. A compelling gospel/rock song made famous by Leonard Cohen in 1984, Harrington said wanted to release this first because it is “such a powerful piece.”
“With the Leonard Cohen piece, I wanted to do something I had never really done,” said Harrington.
Indeed it is something he has never done before.
Harrington’s previous albums have had a great focus on classical music, something more standard for a violinist.
His previous, album, “Bach: Transcriptions and Variations,” featured Harrington’s own arrangements compositions of classical songs written and composed by Johann Sebastian Bach.
Bach was the highest rising album on the Billboard Classical Charts for an independent label upon its release in 2014.
“People are either going to love it or hate it,” said Harrington about his new direction into pop and jazz, “So far, the feedback has been positive, so fingers crossed.”
The violinist says that this album was “completely new territory” for him. Developing and putting together a collection of these genres was new to the expert violinist, the creative process had to be conducted differently.
“I treated it like a blank canvas. The whole idea of it, was to create a different soundscape on the violin,” said Harrington.
“Create different colors, really get into depths, the light and the darkness. It is very much an exposé in color.”
Originally from Dublin, Harrington has achieved global acclaim and is one of Ireland’s most recognized violinists.
The violin has been a focal point in Gregory’s life since he was four years old. Harrington has seen success as a soloist as well as with orchestras and symphonies.
His resumé includes the San Diego Symphony, Rhode Island Philharmonic and RTE Concert Orchestra to name a few. He has played the National Anthem at National Football League games, performed for presidents, and opened the New York St. Patrick’s Day Parade on NBC.
“Without You” is Harrington’s fourth studio album, and has been available for purchase and streaming since its release on Friday, June 7. The album is dedicated to the artist’s late father, who passed away three years ago.
Harrington will be performing his album at The Delancey in Manhattan on Wednesday, June 12 at 7 p.m. $10 cover at the door. More at www.gregoryharrington.com.
