Composing songs since she was a mere five years old, music has been a major part of Oria Aspen’s life since the beginning. She was only nine when she first picked up the flute and it quickly became her primary instrument. She became a very accomplished flutist very fast and as a freshman at Westfield (New Jersey) High School, held the first chair in the prestigious wind ensemble for three years. During this time, she was also writing and singing her own music and began recording her compositions at age 14. A year later, she traveled to Nashville to record her music, working with the top session players – many of whom show up on Don Henley’s Cass County.
Her debut CD, Yellow Paint, was completed before her 17th birthday and featured 13 original songs. American Blues Scene’s David Scott called the album “an eclectic mixture of original pop/rock songs, soul/jazz vibes, and ballads. Her versatility is evident in the sensational cover of the Louis Armstrong classic, ‘What A Wonderful World,’ beautifully sung as a duet with soul man Southside Johnny… Oria Aspen has the talent, originality and that special ingredient needed to be whatever she wants to be in the world of music. It is important to support artists who bare their souls with this degree of sincerity.”
Oria performs mainly with her father (renowned guitarist Glenn Alexander), either as a duo or as vocalist with his band Glenn Alexander & Shadowland. She also performs regularly in the New York City area, mostly singing her original compositions. Of her brand new song just released, Glenn Alexander tells us:
‘I Dream In Color’ is a beautiful, deep, rich and colorful song that will be sure to make you listen and will soothe and satisfy your senses. It has the amazing Van Romaine on drums and yours truly on guitars and bass.
Glenn Alexander
