“D.A.M. Magazine Issue #13 - March 1, 2010   “MUSICAL GENES FLOWING THROUGH A MUSICAL GENIUS”   BY DEVERONE GILLESPIE Enrolled into college at the age of 10, Jordan E. Spivackwas far from your average school boy. Coming from a very artistic and musical family, Jordan was destined to be, whatsome would call a music genius. Composing and writingsongs from Pop to Opera, Jordan has created an unbelievably diverse resume. In the past 13 years the Red Ribbon Theme Song:” Hands Across the Universe”,  composed and written by Jordan, has been learned and performed by 15,000 students in the state of New York where Jordan is from. Not only does he give his fans original and inspiring music, he also gives back to his community as a full time piano teacher. Music lives in Jordan and he’ll tell you how he’s helping others lives. D.A.M: You attended Cornell University at the age of 10 to study piano and music theory. How did you get enrolled in college at the age of 10? Jordan: I met with Mademoiselle Nadia Boulanger (French composer, conductor, and teacher) at Cornell University in 1961 when I was all of 10 years old – my parents, convinced I was a musical genius, had arranged for me to be “assessed” by her.(I still don’t know exactly how my parents pulled it off!) In Professor Robert Palmer’s studio she listened to me play my own piano compositions, and had me sight-read from Bela Bartok’s “Mikrokosmos”. On the way back to our home in Cortland, NY, my parents informed me that she was quite impressed with my abilities, and had arranged for me to be enrolled as a student in the Cornell Music Department, where I would be taking hourlong lessons with John Kirkpatrick (on piano and harpsichord), and Robert Palmer (theory and composition), every Saturday morning at the School, which I did for 3 years. D.A.M: Pop, Classical, Jazz, New Age, Opera, and Musical’s are all up your alley. Which do you enjoy creating the most? Why? Jordan: I love each of the genres, but Classical music comes most easily to me, as that’s the first music I ever wrote, and the way I received all of my early training as a performer and composer. However, what I enjoy creating the most is a mix of Jazz, Classical, New Age, and Pop. D.A.M: From 2008-2010 you’ve won a total of14 different song writing awards. How did winning those awards effect who you are as a composer/lyricist? Jordan: Winning these awards gives me the satisfaction of knowing that all my work and inspiration is being appreciated by a diverse group of professional musicians/judges from all over the world. This kind of recognition is great for my ego, and proves that I’m at the top of my game as a composer, arranger, performer, and producer. D.A.M: Your parents started you out on piano lessons when you were just 5 years old. Do they come from a musical background also? Jordan: My Mom, Sophie, was a singer from a very early age. She was also a very fine artist, specializing in charcoal sketches and oil paintings. My Dad, Gershon, was a lyricist, poet and playwright. In 1935 with my Dad as an actor and director, and my Mom as an actress and singer, my parents starred in an original musical my Dad wrote with my Uncle Murray Levine, “I’ll Take Vanilla”. D.A.M: Your arrangement of Adam Millman’s original “Snow Day” was released on his CD “Believe” not too long ago, and all proceeds are donated to the Dysautonomia Foundation. Is there a specific reason or a story behind why you chose to donate to this foundation? Jordan: Adam Millman is a very talented piano student of mine. At 12 years old, and with his Bar Mitzvah coming up in March, Adam chose to make a CD of 7 of his original piano solo compositions, which he is selling to raise money for the Dysautonomia Foundation, in honor of Jack Posnack, a young child who is afflicted with the disease. Jack is the son of Robin and Adam Posnack, good friends of the Millman family, and Jack has bonded with Adam in a very positive, personal way. Familial Dysautonomia (FD) is a rare genetic neurological condition that affects the sensory and autonomic nervous systems, causing severe gastrointestinal, cardiac, pulmonary, orthopedic, renal and ophthalmologic problems. D.A.M: What can your fans expect from you in 2010? Jordan: Right now I am preparing to officially release my CD, “Shimmer”, which will feature 10 of my instrumental tracks. The CD should be available by April or May 2010. This will be my 3rd CD release, and I am very excited about the project. Also, I am hard at work on a brand new solo piano composition, which I will premiere on June 6th, 2010 at the Annual Piano Recital at Rockland Conservatory of Music, in Spring Valley, NY. I am working on arranging my composition “West Virginia Two-Step” for full orchestra, with a possible world premiere in 2010.” - Deverone Gillespie

“Tuesday, 9 February 2010 SPOTLIGHT ON JORDAN E.SPIVACK   Writing, recording, performing - which is your favourite aspect of being an artist and why?    I love to write music, which I have been doing since I was 5 years old. The whole process, from the formulation of the first ideas, to the development of themes, to the adding of voices, to adding the colors of chords and chord changes, fascinates me. And when the composition is "done", I enjoy revisiting the work to edit, add, delete, and refine, until I am entirely satisfied that I have created the best, most pleasing music. First I must be happy, then others will be happy.What do you want people to feel while listening to your music?   Listeners should feel that they are hearing works of art, musical mood paintings, professionally rendered. Hopefully the music will touch emotions, perhaps reflection, sadness, euphoria, pleasure, sweetness, hopefulness - whenever a person is moved in a positive way by my music (as opposed to wanting to turn the music off) I have achieved my goals. And if the listener gains an appreciation for the skills of the composer/arranger/performer, then I am especially gratified.What tours or performances are coming up for you? Are  you expecting few dates in Europe and in France in particular?   I have no current plans for touring or live performances currently. Perhaps if my music gains some success in Europe, then I would consider future performing dates.What are you listening to at the moment?   Mariah Carey's latest CD "Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel", composer Steve Reich's "The Four Sections", Whitney Houston's "I Look To You".-  bio :   I'm a composer, living in Nanuet, NY, where I am a private piano teacher. Born in Brooklyn, NY, I began piano lessons at 5 years old after my parents discovered I had the gift of music composition. Degrees: a BM/Ithaca College, MM in composition, theory and piano/Indiana University. I have written many pop songs, classical, new age & jazz tunes, 2 musicals for children, and the opera: "A Better Way". My CDs include "Think Lovely Thoughts" (2007), “My Provincetown" (2006), "Shimmer" (2004), & "World Trade Center Suite"AMAZON link for sale:   My Provincetown CD: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000G19PO0/qid=1150344229/sr=11-1/ref=sr_11_1/002-9623348-2492051?n=5174   Think Lovely Thoughts CD: http://www.amazon.com/Think-Lovely-Thoughts-Jordan-Spivack/dp/B0011V9U8U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1203098224&sr=1-1   Shimmer CD (available soon)I-TUNES link for sale:   My Provincetown CD: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=165133784   Think Lovely Thoughts CD: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=282400966   Shimmer CD (available soon)CD BABY link for sale:   My Provincetown CD: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jordanespivack   Think Lovely Thoughts CD: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jordanespivack2   Shimmer CD: (available soon)- Other links for sale:   OurStage link, for over 30 Jordan E. Spivack compositions (downloads), including "Groove 2 U" and "Shimmer" from the Shimmer CD: http://www.ourstage.com/tracks/ALZPRPYLKLUV-groove-u- MYSPACE address: www.myspace.com/jordanespivack- FACEBOOK address: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jordan-E-Spivack/155377371536?created     Posted by REDDOG MEDIAS at 18:27 0 comments Links to this post     ” - Alain/Reddog Medias

“Music Interview with Jordan E. SpivackPhoto by Joseph L. By: Isaac Davis Jr., BGS, MBAJordan E. Spivack is amazing when it comes to composing intelligent classical music that captures the true meaning of beautiful sounds. This composer/lyricist also happens to be an amazing piano player which becomes one of his biggest strengths with his music as the piano selections add a whole new excitement to each of his songs. Remarkably, Spivack studied piano and music theory (for 3 years) at Cornell University at the young age of 10 years old. Spivack went on to receive his Masters in Music in composition, theory and piano from Indiana University. Today, Spivack has agreed to this wonderful spotlight about his music. Check out what Spivack had to say. Enjoy! Isaac: We'd love to know about your inspirations growing up. I hear so many influences in your music. How old were you when you first discovered music? Is there any kind of musical history in your family?Jordan: My parents Sophie and Gershon loved all kinds of music, so from a very early age I was introduced to Broadway (Rodgers and Hammerstein, Lerner and Lowe, Irving Berlin), Jazz (particularly Dave Brubeck), Classical (especially Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, Shostakovich, Prokofiev, and all the most famous - Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Debussy), Pop (everything from Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney to Johnny Mathis), and Folk (The Kingston Trio). When I was 2 ½, I had my own record player, and that thing got a workout daily! My Mom was a singer and artist, my Dad was a lyricist (wrote lyrics to my Uncle Murray’s music), poet and playwright. And my parents appeared Off-Broadway - my Dad as an actor and director, and my Mom as an actress and singer. Isaac: What drew you to pick up an instrument in the first place?Jordan: Both of my sisters, Linda and Karen, were taking piano lessons. I was fascinated by the piano, and started crawling up on the bench at age four to try it out. By the age of five I was writing my own pieces, and so my parents, recognizing my gift, started me on piano lessons with a high school friend of my sister.Isaac: As you hit your teenage years, did you know that this was what you would be doing for the rest of your life?Jordan: I kind of knew I’d always be doing something musically, but I was also a good actor, so there was a question in my mind which path I would pursue. But my Mom said; you can compose your own music, that’s what’s original about you. And she was right, so I chose that direction, and I haven’t regretted it. Thanks, Mom! And I couldn’t have had any bigger fan and supporter than my Dad. Both parents believed strongly in my talents as a composer, pianist, singer, and actor.Isaac: Is there a performer in any genre of pop culture that you would like to work with? Jordan: I would love to collaborate with John Meyer, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Burt Bacharach, Joe Sample, Pat Metheny, George Benson - what an honor and a dream it would be to work with any of these finest composers and musicians of their generation.Photo by Joseph L. Isaac: Who are some musicians that you really like, present or past?Jordan: Well, from the present: I love Mariah Carey for the purity of her voice, Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays for their musical genius and spirit, Madonna for her ability to create the perfect hook and her evolution from nobody to world superstar, Joni Mitchell for the honesty and inventiveness of her songwriting, Barbra Streisand for her timeless voice and ability to choose just the right material, and Stevie Wonder and Earth, Wind and Fire for creating the most perfect grooves.From the past: Michael Jackson for the music, the videos, the dancing, wow!, Laura Nyro for writing my very favorite songs (“Wedding Bell Blues”, “Timer”, “Save The Country”, “Stoned Soul Picnic), Leonard Bernstein - what would my life be without “West Side Story”?, and Aaron Copland for “Rodeo”, “Billy The Kid”, “El Salon Mexico”, and “Appalachian Spring” - such an inspiration! Isaac: What is your ultimate goal with your music career?Jordan: The goal has evolved over the years (I’m older and wiser now): I’d like to reach the largest audience possible with the best of my music, to be respected as an artist and composer, and, of course, to be famous. Isaac: What has been some of the obstacles it has taken to get this far in your career?Jordan: I’ve had a lot of rejection. That’s supposed to make you stronger, but it hurts, and it takes renewed courage to keep getting up when you get knocked down again and again. But I don’t give up easily. And sometimes there are successes: here we are doing this interview…Isaac: Would you recommend this "field" to others who are aspiring to be musicians like you?Jordan: I think it’s a hard road, but if you truly believe in yourself and your talents, and you understand it’s a long haul and a serious commitment, then go for it! Isaac: Describe one piece of advice you've have been given by others in the music industry.Jordan: Love what you do, work hard, never give up.Isaac: What genre of music do you consider most of your music?Jordan: Very hard to pin down for me, so I’ll choose two genres: Classical and Jazz. Isaac: What has been your favorite piece of work?Jordan: My favorite piece of work is my CD “My Provincetown” - I think of it as a musical suite. The music is a mixture of Jazz, Classical and New Age, and it has a good flow to it, shows off my range as a composer, arranger, and performer, and is relaxing and fun to listen to - for me it stands up to repeated listening. Oil Painting by Karen E. HalpernIsaac: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?Jordan: My website www.jordanesp.com has samples of every track on both of my most recent CDs “Think Lovely Thoughts” and “My Provincetown”, plus several free downloads of songs and instrumentals. Both CDs are available for download from the iTunes store, CD Baby.com, and Amazon.com (put Jordan E. Spivack or the CD titles in their search engines). You can also buy downloads of over 30 of my other tracks from OurStage.com at http://www.ourstage.com/profile/jordanespivack.Isaac: Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?Jordan: There are three people who have been my main support system: my Mom, Sophie Spivack (still living) and Dad, Gershon Spivack (recently passed), and my partner of the last 30 years, Joseph. I wouldn’t be who I am now without all of their love, patience and constant emotional support. There has been a lot of support for my whole life from family members and friends. And I thank them all.Isaac: Any last words?Jordan: I am very proud of whom I am and what I have accomplished so far, but I would like to think that my best work is still to come.Isaac, thank you for this lovely opportunity! To see the full interview at the Junior's Cave site, go to: http://blogs.juniorscave.com/2009/12/28/jordan-e-spivack.aspx” - Isaac Davis, Jr.

“Jordan Spivack is an award-winning keyboardist/composer with a vast array of experience in many genres of music, including children's plays and operas. That background is most apparent in his approach to this album. All instrumental tracks here are solo pieces written entirely by Spivack on acoustic piano and synthesizer, with an emphasis on subtle groove and song-oriented hooks. The pervasive mood is one of tranquility with a pleasantly upbeat aspect that transmits well as either background music or as accompaniment to a film or theater performance. While most of these compositions seem to flow together into one smooth and blissful performance, some tracks that jump out at you: The peaceful and elegant pop stylings of "The Miracle of Life", the bouncy and cerebral "Jordan ESP", and the grooving vamp that propels the appropriately titled "Dance Me" all invite more active listening.” - Eric Harabadian

“Here's what fans are saying about “Think Lovely Thoughts”!: Jordan, thanks for the encouraging words. Your work is magnificent. Beautiful themes, beats, arrangements, and that piano! 'Jordan ESP' is a keeper. Be blessed." Knowa Goodman (MTV's SoundTrack Community.) Hi Jordan, thank you for the nice comments! I agree with Knowa this song is really good and should be on TV! The piano does especially sound great! All the best, Brian Harris." (MTV's SoundTrack Community.) HELLO JORDAN interesting life in music..i liked ..you have some particular style ..i loved it thanks for your words and your time to stop with my music, your friend TONO ALSATTI" (MTV's SoundTrack Community). My favorite track is Bellissimo. As soon as it began to play, a great big smile crossed my face. What a wonderful feeling to get happiness from music! Another success!" Esther G. “I wanted to let you know that Mom gave us a copy of your new CD for the holidays. Congratulations, it's so "lovely!" Peter Pan is a favorite of mine as well, so I particularly liked the title connection. We brought it with us up to my parents' house in Truro, where we were late last week, and it was the soundtrack we had on when we opened our Hanukkah presents! It was the perfect relaxing, upbeat, fun music to have on during a celebration.” Holly R. “Nice, easy listening when I'm grading papers.” Linda S. “Just finished listening to your latest CD. I ordered it before Christmas and received it while I was gone. Loved all the selections but Bellissimo was my favorite. I will get alot of enjoyment just listening.” Marge L. “Really nice.” Dennis H. “I think its pretty cool, it does make me think lovely thoughts! Keep doin what you're doin....” Sam S.-O. “The cds arrived yesterday. It was a joy listening to them. Bellissimo is splendid tribute to your parakeet…In My Provincetown, I feel like I know Provincetown better. The mood of each song effectively evokes the subject.” Howard W. “I need to return to your website to listen to more of your music! (The cut of "Jordan ESP" I listened to was beautiful).” P. Quinn “I love your newest music! So much of it moves my body and my imagination.” Barbara H. Jordan I really like the songs on your new CD I have downloaded them onto my I-POD." Dion S. And about "My Provincetown"!: Very original and very beautiful - I've gotten a chance to meet Spivack and he's an amazing man, just like his music. 5 Stars!" ccmkc, customer review on iTunes”

“Jordan E. Spivack is an award-winning composer and lyricist. His sound is somewhat a hybrid-a mix of new age and smooth jazz. I didn’t know his background when I first started listening to My Provincetown, so I wasn’t swayed by his pedigree. Sometimes you expect more from an artist who’s picked up awards. My Provincetown is at times soothing music for a stressed world. I was immediately mellowed by the first track, “Romance on Moonlit Bay”. Laced with a Latin tinge it oozes big city cool. The melodic arrangements are reminiscent of Lee Ritenour, a great jazz guitarist. I forgot for a few moments I was sitting on a bouncing plane surrounded by screaming infants. “Café Blasé’ is not blasé at all. There's a fine line between a melodic tune and a busy mess and this crosses over to the wrong side. Things improve with “Pilgrim’s Monument”, a regal sounding song; like something you’d hear in a movie’s transitional scene. “Commercial Street” showcases Jordan’s exquisite piano chops. He tickles some nice ivories that slightly mimic Billy Joel or Vince Guaraldi of Peanuts music fame. “Atlantic House “ at first sounds almost techno. An experiment in sound it fuses random beats and styles together in an uncommon way that actually sounds good after a few times. It’s almost “clubby” sounding. “Race Point” and “Portuguese Bakery” are very upbeat, energetic and lively. These will all get you moving on the treadmill. A few of the songs like “Christmas Around the Cape” run a tad long, but overall Jordan E. Spivack is an excellent musician whose admiration of many genres and performers shines through. He makes great use of a variety of instruments and overall has produced a worthwhile accompaniment for your next dinner party. Anyone who enjoys an instrumental background while working or lounging will definitely be hitting repeat on My Provincetown. 4 stars MuzikReviews.com Staff-Susan Evani” - Susan Evani

“Featured artist of the Month Jordan E. Spivack is a private piano teacher from Nanuet, NY. Jordan's music really puts you in an easy mood. His CD "My Provincetown" is a mixture of avant-garde, contemporary and traditional song. I think even the most discriminating jazz purist will like this project. **** stars” - Gisele Caver

“For many years Spivack has vacationed in Provincetown, which he is not the only one to call “one of my favorite places on earth.” “My Provincetown” celebrates his love of the town through ten compositions. Like postcards from personal landmarks, these tracks evoke a voyage through the shifting scenes of Provincetown. “Café Blasé” is full of unpredictable energy much like the former restaurant, and “Pilgrim’s Monument” is marked by majestic horns. Swirling and uplifting piano melodies enliven “Commercial Street”, which effectively evokes a walk through town in the high season. “Atlantic House” stands out from its relaxed neighbors by adopting a bouncy dance beat, which dissipates in a reflective moment and then returns in full force. "The other side of the sonic spectrum is explored in “Christmas Around The Cape”, which stirs up a quieter, quainter but no less heartfelt winter season on beautiful Cape Cod. “Portuguese Bakery” honors one of our most delicious institutions with brisk, lively chords, while “Sunset at Herring Cove” is so easygoing you can almost feel the sand beneath your feet. The closing number, “Dunes”, feels like a revealing journey into the past and present of the sandy realms that seem to envelop Provincetown in mystery. All these tracks are imbued with personal meaning as they translate the feelings of Provincetown into fresh and inspired electronic soundscapes.” - Nicholas Messing, Staff Writer