Chanteuse, Xyra occasionally goes it alone. But mostly,
you will find her amid a backdrop of lavish instrumentation,
supported by a warm circle of talented, artist-friends.
(See Member Bios for details on contributing artists!)
History
Beautiful Noise
Verborgen
Xyra & Verborgen
The LINE
The XYRA Band
_nix "The Banished"?
CD's for Sale
Discography
Venues
Media
Doing Battle
Marco Delmar
Robert Goldstein
Member Bios
Xyra
Andrew Cann
Norm Thorne
Donald Stapleson
Eric Ulreich
Larry Lawrence
Fred Lieder
Robert Fogelmann
Edwin Cleverdon
Cris Cillura
Bret Empie
Doug Empie
Jeff Spencer
Dave Ray
Beautiful Noise
Verborgen
The Verborgen Trio
In the beginning, they were an off-beat, European-style, acoustic trio called Verborgen'.
In the beginning, they were an off-beat, European-style, acoustic trio called Verborgen'.
Xyra was principle songwriter on vocals and 2nd guitar. Andrew Cann
minded grand piano and compositions, partnered with Cris Chillura
who also collaborated tunes, crafting Gypsy-style on his Spanish guitar.
As fate ordained it, Verborgen's first demo, recorded and produced at Omega Studios
by Paul Chiacchierini, caught the attention of National Public Radio (NPR) announcer,
Richard Fuller, who soon became their manager.
Shortly thereafter, the trio was selected to play the Philadelphia Music Conference (PMC).
On Chiacchierini's recommendation, Xyra sought further instrumentation to compliment the sound.
(See images of Andrew Cann and Cris Chillura under the Gallery tab, found at the top of the screen.)
Xyra & Verborgen
After running an elaborate ad in Washington City Paper, 'seeking prodigies or pros',
virtuoso cellist, Fred Lieder phoned for an audition. Fred joined at the audition,
and soon recruited percussionist, Norm Thorne. The five gathered, along with
6-string bass player Edwin Cleverdon and multi-wind player, Robert Foglemann
to form what became a 7-piece mini-orchestra called Xyra & Verborgen.
~+~
An early description of Xyra & Verborgen on Music Scene International (MSI)
Echoes of Cabaret meld with hope and doom, but the way remains clear. The specter
recognizes distant images from another space in time, as the many notes unfold. Are
these images of the past or ancient windows through which we gaze, looking forward?
Verborgen seems to accentuate, and yet illuminate what is perceived as deep and dark.
Conversely creating passageways of light with their notes, they appear to lead the wanton
spirits up and out of the abyss, to be transformed and finally liberated. Xyra can envisage
breeze ways and flowing streams of sorts, connecting her lyrics to the music, conveying
an almost audio-kaleidoscopic effect.
Warm tapestries are woven, in an ancient pattern. As voyeurs into the past, their electric
and modern selves find appropriate corners from which to observe. They are here, but
remember, associate and contemplate from whence they came. In tying the ancient to
the new, the music of Xyra & Verborgen portends an ever perilous, pervading future.
Regarding their strongest influences, they are essentially esoteric.
Xyra says ~
"Certain, rare souls have touched us so intrinsically that we shall never escape
their influence. No role models loom largely."
Music Scene International (MSI)
~+~
Almost immediately after forming the full ensemble, Xyra & Verborgen returned to Omega
Studios to record a 3-song demo of the lusher sound. The effort was engineered by
Adam Hummer, with Chiacchierini and Dave Durr at the helm.
A month later, the original trio showed up at the PMC as a 7-piece, toting the new demo.
Subsequently, Xyra received phone calls from Artista and Epic reps who attended the gig.
They liked the sound, but were 'looking for a hit'.
On their return from the PMC, Xyra & Verborgen began their second group-recordings at
NPR Studios. The session was engineered Terry Knight, under the baton of former
Warner artist and Urban Verbs' guitarist, Robert Goldstein. The three tracks
recorded that day wound up on Xyra & Verborgen's first CD, 'Where Glass Birds Fly'.
Before the CD was completed, Cleverdon left for family reasons and was replaced by
Larry Lawrence on fretless bass. Foggleman joined a Christian band and was
replaced by multi-windist, Don Stapleson who added saxophone to the mix.
On Lieder and Thorne's recommendation, the band mixed the NPR tracks and completed
recording seven remaining songs at Recording Arts Studio, owned by engineer/producer,
Marco Delmar. Goldstein shared production with Delmar, a Capitol artist
and former guitarist for The Elektrics. In 1999, Delmar went on to produce future
Xyra recordings, while Goldstein focused on a film score career.
Before the 14 tracks for their second CD, 'Frightening Beauty' were complete,
Chillura left to form his own band. He was replaced by master guitarist, Eric Ulreich,
who finished the 14 tracks. This marked the final lineup of Xyra & Verborgen.
Within two years, Xyra & Verborgen released three CDs on their self-label, Riding the Dragonfly,
to include a 6-song EP called 'Shadows of Light. All three garnered international airplay,
and favorable reviews, worldwide - the last two receiving a Grammy nomination.
Xyra and company collected fans all over the globe, and landed No.1 hits in Eastern Europe.
Nevertheless, finding concert, instead of bar venues for a non-dance, non-party band was
like booking a neo-Nico in long black robes. Thus, selling its unique sound in a mostly Pop
market seemed an insurmountable challenge.
Xyra’s restless muse called for yet another approach...
virtuoso cellist, Fred Lieder phoned for an audition. Fred joined at the audition,
and soon recruited percussionist, Norm Thorne. The five gathered, along with
6-string bass player Edwin Cleverdon and multi-wind player, Robert Foglemann
to form what became a 7-piece mini-orchestra called Xyra & Verborgen.
~+~
An early description of Xyra & Verborgen on Music Scene International (MSI)
Echoes of Cabaret meld with hope and doom, but the way remains clear. The specter
recognizes distant images from another space in time, as the many notes unfold. Are
these images of the past or ancient windows through which we gaze, looking forward?
Verborgen seems to accentuate, and yet illuminate what is perceived as deep and dark.
Conversely creating passageways of light with their notes, they appear to lead the wanton
spirits up and out of the abyss, to be transformed and finally liberated. Xyra can envisage
breeze ways and flowing streams of sorts, connecting her lyrics to the music, conveying
an almost audio-kaleidoscopic effect.
Warm tapestries are woven, in an ancient pattern. As voyeurs into the past, their electric
and modern selves find appropriate corners from which to observe. They are here, but
remember, associate and contemplate from whence they came. In tying the ancient to
the new, the music of Xyra & Verborgen portends an ever perilous, pervading future.
Regarding their strongest influences, they are essentially esoteric.
Xyra says ~
"Certain, rare souls have touched us so intrinsically that we shall never escape
their influence. No role models loom largely."
Music Scene International (MSI)
~+~
Almost immediately after forming the full ensemble, Xyra & Verborgen returned to Omega
Studios to record a 3-song demo of the lusher sound. The effort was engineered by
Adam Hummer, with Chiacchierini and Dave Durr at the helm.
A month later, the original trio showed up at the PMC as a 7-piece, toting the new demo.
Subsequently, Xyra received phone calls from Artista and Epic reps who attended the gig.
They liked the sound, but were 'looking for a hit'.
On their return from the PMC, Xyra & Verborgen began their second group-recordings at
NPR Studios. The session was engineered Terry Knight, under the baton of former
Warner artist and Urban Verbs' guitarist, Robert Goldstein. The three tracks
recorded that day wound up on Xyra & Verborgen's first CD, 'Where Glass Birds Fly'.
Before the CD was completed, Cleverdon left for family reasons and was replaced by
Larry Lawrence on fretless bass. Foggleman joined a Christian band and was
replaced by multi-windist, Don Stapleson who added saxophone to the mix.
On Lieder and Thorne's recommendation, the band mixed the NPR tracks and completed
recording seven remaining songs at Recording Arts Studio, owned by engineer/producer,
Marco Delmar. Goldstein shared production with Delmar, a Capitol artist
and former guitarist for The Elektrics. In 1999, Delmar went on to produce future
Xyra recordings, while Goldstein focused on a film score career.
Before the 14 tracks for their second CD, 'Frightening Beauty' were complete,
Chillura left to form his own band. He was replaced by master guitarist, Eric Ulreich,
who finished the 14 tracks. This marked the final lineup of Xyra & Verborgen.
Within two years, Xyra & Verborgen released three CDs on their self-label, Riding the Dragonfly,
to include a 6-song EP called 'Shadows of Light. All three garnered international airplay,
and favorable reviews, worldwide - the last two receiving a Grammy nomination.
Xyra and company collected fans all over the globe, and landed No.1 hits in Eastern Europe.
Nevertheless, finding concert, instead of bar venues for a non-dance, non-party band was
like booking a neo-Nico in long black robes. Thus, selling its unique sound in a mostly Pop
market seemed an insurmountable challenge.
Xyra’s restless muse called for yet another approach...
The LINE
Amid frustrations over whether Verborgen could be accepted, even in the Indie mainstream,
Xyra paradoxically formed an esoteric side-band called THE LINE_.
THE LINE_ included Verborgen's pianist Andrew Cann (also on guitar), Stereo Pharahos'
violinist Doug Empie, his keyboardist brother, Bret Empie and very briefly, an experimental guitarist
called Christian Nokes.
Contrary to popular belief, Xyra named THE LINE_ after a Doors-inspired Nico song - also known as ‘Saeta’.
Albeit THE LINE_ never quite made it out of the practice space, the mood and nature of the
music pervade much of what Xyra and friends create today.
The photo to the right by Jeff Lewis, only shows Doug Empie, Xyra and Christian Nokes.
(See images of Andrew Cann and Bret Empie under the Gallery tab, found at the top of the screen.)
Xyra paradoxically formed an esoteric side-band called THE LINE_.
THE LINE_ included Verborgen's pianist Andrew Cann (also on guitar), Stereo Pharahos'
violinist Doug Empie, his keyboardist brother, Bret Empie and very briefly, an experimental guitarist
called Christian Nokes.
Contrary to popular belief, Xyra named THE LINE_ after a Doors-inspired Nico song - also known as ‘Saeta’.
Albeit THE LINE_ never quite made it out of the practice space, the mood and nature of the
music pervade much of what Xyra and friends create today.
The photo to the right by Jeff Lewis, only shows Doug Empie, Xyra and Christian Nokes.
(See images of Andrew Cann and Bret Empie under the Gallery tab, found at the top of the screen.)
The XYRA Band
After THE LINE_ forked elsewhere, Xyra conducted auditions to reinforce
the path once forged. From this search emerged several inductees, soon
vanished or faultered, or fell from grace. One who stayed was bassist/
programmer/guitarist Jeff Spencer.
The next phase of the project was known simply as XYRA,
because Xyra writes over 90% of the songs.
The XYRA band consisted of core members: Xyra, Andrew Cann and
a variable slew of familiar and previously unknown, talented musicians.
The 2005 CD, 'Through the Dark Glass Shining' features the XYRA band and selected artists from
all phases of the project.
the path once forged. From this search emerged several inductees, soon
vanished or faultered, or fell from grace. One who stayed was bassist/
programmer/guitarist Jeff Spencer.
The next phase of the project was known simply as XYRA,
because Xyra writes over 90% of the songs.
The XYRA band consisted of core members: Xyra, Andrew Cann and
a variable slew of familiar and previously unknown, talented musicians.
The 2005 CD, 'Through the Dark Glass Shining' features the XYRA band and selected artists from
all phases of the project.
_nix "The Banished"?
In 2005, then calling themselves The BANISHED, inspired by a song title, the three core
members Xyra, Andrew and Jeff geared toward the future.
The Banished hoped to bring to the control booth and stage, a wealth of previously
unreleased material. Acoustic performance combined with electronics would provide the
perfect backdrop for old and new material, that they thought would extend their fan base.
A new CD was slatted for completion in 2007. However, now this will likely surface at
the end of 2009, simply under the name of ""Xyra". (Band names are under consideration.)
NOTE: The photo posted to the right, by Tatyana Vishnevsky, is a pre-car accident,
live XYRA band shot, showing members: Xyra, Andrew Cann and Jeff Spencer.
members Xyra, Andrew and Jeff geared toward the future.
The Banished hoped to bring to the control booth and stage, a wealth of previously
unreleased material. Acoustic performance combined with electronics would provide the
perfect backdrop for old and new material, that they thought would extend their fan base.
A new CD was slatted for completion in 2007. However, now this will likely surface at
the end of 2009, simply under the name of ""Xyra". (Band names are under consideration.)
NOTE: The photo posted to the right, by Tatyana Vishnevsky, is a pre-car accident,
live XYRA band shot, showing members: Xyra, Andrew Cann and Jeff Spencer.
CD's for Sale
CDs by Xyra and friends are available through various online and retail outlets,
such as CD Baby, Tower Records, iTunes, and book and music stores, worldwide.
XYRA CDs, NOW!
such as CD Baby, Tower Records, iTunes, and book and music stores, worldwide.
XYRA CDs, NOW!
Discography
Commercial Releases:
1- Where Glass Birds Fly (1998)
2 - Shadows of Light (1999)
3 - Frightening Beauty (2000)
4 - Through the Dark Glass Shining (2001/04/05)
_
Demos (most of which received extensive airplay) include:
1 - Unfold (1996)
2 - Red Sands of Mars (1997)
3 - Where Glass Birds Fly (1997)
4 - Shadows of Light (1999)
5 - THE LINE_ (2000)
6 - Siren in the Water (2001)
7 - The Banished (2005/06)
1- Where Glass Birds Fly (1998)
2 - Shadows of Light (1999)
3 - Frightening Beauty (2000)
4 - Through the Dark Glass Shining (2001/04/05)
_
Demos (most of which received extensive airplay) include:
1 - Unfold (1996)
2 - Red Sands of Mars (1997)
3 - Where Glass Birds Fly (1997)
4 - Shadows of Light (1999)
5 - THE LINE_ (2000)
6 - Siren in the Water (2001)
7 - The Banished (2005/06)
Venues
Clubs and Concert Venues:
. IOTA
. Black Cat
. Blues Alley
. The State Theater
. Downtime, in NYC
. JAXX Concert Night Club
. In-store performances at Tower Records
. Courtyard Concert Cafe
. Phantasmagoria
. New Deal Cafe
. Velvet Lounge
. Cafe Myth
Others:
. NPR/PRI (air)
. Various benefit performances for charity
. The Philadelphia Music Conference (PMC)
. The Washington Area Music Association (WAMA)
. Several live performances on WRNR FM (ABC Radio)
Media
Radio and Television:
. WRNR FM (ABC)
. XM Satellite Radio
. Public Broadcasting System (PBS)
. WAMU FM/National Public Radio - 'Metro Connection'
. WETA FM/Public Radio International - 'Talk of The Nation'
. Voice of America (VOA)
. WPFW (Pacifica Radio)
. Radio Brazil
. Radio FEDRA and
. Various Internet radio stations, worldwide
Print and Online Media:
. USA Today
. 100 Gannet affiliates
. The Washington Post
. Washington City Paper
. The Washington Times
. United Nations Magazine
. DC Pages
. WAMU FM.com and
. WRNR FM.com, among others
. WRNR FM (ABC)
. XM Satellite Radio
. Public Broadcasting System (PBS)
. WAMU FM/National Public Radio - 'Metro Connection'
. WETA FM/Public Radio International - 'Talk of The Nation'
. Voice of America (VOA)
. WPFW (Pacifica Radio)
. Radio Brazil
. Radio FEDRA and
. Various Internet radio stations, worldwide
Print and Online Media:
. USA Today
. 100 Gannet affiliates
. The Washington Post
. Washington City Paper
. The Washington Times
. United Nations Magazine
. DC Pages
. WAMU FM.com and
. WRNR FM.com, among others
Doing Battle
The XYRA band opening for former XTC member, Barry Andrews.
This performance was reviewed by Mark Jenkins in The Washington post.
Above is a reprise of the XYRA band performing at Black Cat,
in Washington, DC by Tatyana Vishnevsky - © 2004
This performance was reviewed by Mark Jenkins in The Washington post.
Above is a reprise of the XYRA band performing at Black Cat,
in Washington, DC by Tatyana Vishnevsky - © 2004
Marco Delmar
__
Displaying proficiency at bringing out the best in his artists, Marco Delmar added
engineering, production and musical talents to four releases by Xyra & Verborgen
and the XYRA band. All four CDs garnered international airplay, favorable reviews
by major media, and two received a Grammy Nomination.
Currently, Marco serves as proprietor, senior engineer and producer at Recording Arts Studio in Fairfax, VA.
__
Originally from France, Marco grew up in the Washington, DC area. Eventually, his muse led
him to NYC, where God and fate allowed his connections to spawn many creative pursuits.
An accomplished musician in his own right, Marco and friends formed a 1980s New Wave
band called The Elektrics. Marco played lead guitar, sang backup, and wrote much
of the material. Soon thereafter, the Elektrics were discovered, opening for Blondie
and other upcoming acts at CBGB, whereby receiving a six-figure deal from
Capitol Records.
After releasing two albums on Capitol, Marco and his band toured widely, sharing the bill
with rock legends like Alice Cooper and Robert Palmer. After a spell,
Marco decided that life on the road was not for him. (His stories about those times
amuse and disgust and bedazzle!)
Learning the basics in sound engineering from The Power Station in NYC, Marco
returned to the Washington DC area to produce and engineer several projects at top
recording studios, there. After a time, he open shop, close to the place he and his wife
decided to call home.
Becoming an icon in the DC music community, Marco is perhaps known best for nurturing
artists of varying genres from demo and debut CDs to multiple recording endeavors. The
walls of his studio lobby attest to the time spent and the rewards he and his staff continue
to accrue.
From the early 1990s to present, the Washington Area Music Association (WAMA)
presented Marco several WAMMIE awards for 'Producer of the Year’ launched, in
part by emmet swimming's debut CD release.
Marco continues to mentor the various musicians in his midst, also supporting a family
and savoring a personal career.
Displaying proficiency at bringing out the best in his artists, Marco Delmar added
engineering, production and musical talents to four releases by Xyra & Verborgen
and the XYRA band. All four CDs garnered international airplay, favorable reviews
by major media, and two received a Grammy Nomination.
Currently, Marco serves as proprietor, senior engineer and producer at Recording Arts Studio in Fairfax, VA.
__
Originally from France, Marco grew up in the Washington, DC area. Eventually, his muse led
him to NYC, where God and fate allowed his connections to spawn many creative pursuits.
An accomplished musician in his own right, Marco and friends formed a 1980s New Wave
band called The Elektrics. Marco played lead guitar, sang backup, and wrote much
of the material. Soon thereafter, the Elektrics were discovered, opening for Blondie
and other upcoming acts at CBGB, whereby receiving a six-figure deal from
Capitol Records.
After releasing two albums on Capitol, Marco and his band toured widely, sharing the bill
with rock legends like Alice Cooper and Robert Palmer. After a spell,
Marco decided that life on the road was not for him. (His stories about those times
amuse and disgust and bedazzle!)
Learning the basics in sound engineering from The Power Station in NYC, Marco
returned to the Washington DC area to produce and engineer several projects at top
recording studios, there. After a time, he open shop, close to the place he and his wife
decided to call home.
Becoming an icon in the DC music community, Marco is perhaps known best for nurturing
artists of varying genres from demo and debut CDs to multiple recording endeavors. The
walls of his studio lobby attest to the time spent and the rewards he and his staff continue
to accrue.
From the early 1990s to present, the Washington Area Music Association (WAMA)
presented Marco several WAMMIE awards for 'Producer of the Year’ launched, in
part by emmet swimming's debut CD release.
Marco continues to mentor the various musicians in his midst, also supporting a family
and savoring a personal career.
Robert Goldstein
__
Besides working for National Public Radio (NPR), Robert Goldstein toured with Xyra, and
acted as music director, co-arranger, and co-producer for Xyra & Verborgen's1998 CD release,
'Where Glass Birds Fly'. Under his direction, three songs from the CD were recorded at NPR Studios
by Terry Knight. The work was completed with Marco Delmar at Recording Arts Studio and mastered
by Bill Wolf of Wolf Productions.
__
Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Robert began his quest for new music from an early age,
playing guitar and listening to many genres. He later found a meaningful niche, while a
student at Georgetown University, hosting his progressive radio show on the
infamous WGTB FM.
Looking for a musical groove of his own, Robert experimented with various bands, until he
finally formed one with a passion - The Urban Verbs.
Circa 1978/79 'The Verbs' went on to record two albums for Warner Records,
working with Brian Eno and Steve Lilywhite. During their hayday, in the
'80s, they shared gigs with Talking Heads, The Cramps, the B-52s,
U2 and others.
Unfortunately, the Verbs split, mid-European tour, in the early 80's, when plagued by serious
health crises. Their cult following lives on.
Robert continues writing and recording, adding to the many accomplishments already under
his belt. Some of his projects include composition and production of soundtracks featured
as follows:
. The Cannes Film Festival
. PBS specials
. ABC Television specials
. Art exhibitions at major galleries in DC and NYC, and
. Background music for Radio Free Asia's worldwide coverage of China's re-appropriation of Hong Kong
Besides working for National Public Radio (NPR), Robert Goldstein toured with Xyra, and
acted as music director, co-arranger, and co-producer for Xyra & Verborgen's1998 CD release,
'Where Glass Birds Fly'. Under his direction, three songs from the CD were recorded at NPR Studios
by Terry Knight. The work was completed with Marco Delmar at Recording Arts Studio and mastered
by Bill Wolf of Wolf Productions.
__
Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Robert began his quest for new music from an early age,
playing guitar and listening to many genres. He later found a meaningful niche, while a
student at Georgetown University, hosting his progressive radio show on the
infamous WGTB FM.
Looking for a musical groove of his own, Robert experimented with various bands, until he
finally formed one with a passion - The Urban Verbs.
Circa 1978/79 'The Verbs' went on to record two albums for Warner Records,
working with Brian Eno and Steve Lilywhite. During their hayday, in the
'80s, they shared gigs with Talking Heads, The Cramps, the B-52s,
U2 and others.
Unfortunately, the Verbs split, mid-European tour, in the early 80's, when plagued by serious
health crises. Their cult following lives on.
Robert continues writing and recording, adding to the many accomplishments already under
his belt. Some of his projects include composition and production of soundtracks featured
as follows:
. The Cannes Film Festival
. PBS specials
. ABC Television specials
. Art exhibitions at major galleries in DC and NYC, and
. Background music for Radio Free Asia's worldwide coverage of China's re-appropriation of Hong Kong