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Xyra & Verborgen Blues Alley 1073 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington, DC (202) 337-4141 This event happened on July 19, 1999. Although the members of Xyra & Verborgen hail from around the world, they came together in D.C. But you won't think you're in Washington anymore when you see this arty, eclectic ensemble: Led by self-described "chanteuse" Xyra – an obvious Nico fan – the group calls its music "cabaret rock nouveau," and its performances recall the somewhat-decadent, very smoky cabarets of Europe's past. Xyra & Verborgen should hold interest for anyone who's only happy when it rains: Its melancholy art rock drips with its own sorrow, and its message of ennui amid vast beauty allows anyone attending a performance to get in touch with their inner goth. The ensemble released its first full-length CD, When Glass Birds Fly, in 1998. A second CD, Frightening Beauty, is set for release this summer. – Judith Coan, Sidewalk |
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A Musician's Review! Check out another cool band who played at Phantasmagoria in Wheaton, Maryland on March 18, 1999. Xyra and Verborgen were really fun to watch. They headlined after Stereo Pharaohs opened the show and really hypnotized the crowd with their flowing, tight sounds. Xyra has a very nice voice and she used it in conjunction with the band to portray her original compositions in a very favorable light. The Cello player really made this band sound unique with his fantastic playing, both as a lead instrument and as background ambience. The other musicians in the band were also exceptional, including the new guitarist and the bass player and drummer locked in together in a great groove. Xyra and Verborgen reminds me of a more spacey, mellow version of Jethro Tull. They are attracting attention in the Washington D.C. area with their unique sounds. I saw a video tape of another of their performances at a special Nico tribute and it kicked! Mike Winters |
"Cabaret Rock Nouveau"meets Blues Alley 
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By: DC Pages Staff "Instead of covering old ground, Xyra & Verborgen's music begins where others have left off and explores future themes with heartfelt emotive lyrics and vocals, as well as outstanding instrumental orchestration." Russ Elliot, New Musical Discoveries, London Verborgen creates a lush instrumental backdrop, behind the powerful contralto of Xyra, Cabaret Rock Chanteuse! Adding many rich tones and fluid colors to their paintings in sound, Xyra & Verborgen's foundation is built upon the Classical, with European Cabaret, Progressive Rock, Jazz, Traditional and World Music influences. Their voyages in thought and composition lead us through picturesque landscapes - uniquely uncommon! |
Xyra & Verborgen celebrate the past, setting a compelling trend for the
future. A sizable ensemble, Verborgen is led by vocalist and songwriter
Xyra Harper-Cann. Andrew Cann contributes instrumental composition and
plays grand and digital pianos, as well as 2nd acoustic and electric
guitars. Eric Ulreich plays lead electric and classical guitars and also
contributes songwriting talents. Fred Lieder adds acoustic and electric
cellos, while Norm Thorne provides drums and percussion. Larry Lawrence
plays fretless bass guitar. Don Stapleson performs clarinet, flute and
saxophones. The band collaborates their elaborate arrangements of Xyra's
lyrical, melodic compositions.
Xyra's lyrics are luminary, addressing the conflict between nature and technology, human regrets and error. References to Prophecy and The Apocalypse loom of yet uncertain doom. Albeit earth and its creatures face danger and the human spirit is in peril, the message these lyrics impart can be simultaneously confrontational, challenging and comforting. 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? Seeming to accentuate, and yet illuminate what is perceived as deep and dark, Xyra and her ensemble create passageways of light with their notes, appearing to lead wanton spirits up and out of the abyss. One can envisage breezeways and flowing streams of sorts, connecting the lyrics to the music, conveying an almost audio-kaleidoscopic effect. Look for Xyra & Verborgen's exciting, upcoming CD - "FRIGHTENING BEAUTY" due for release early Autumn!!! The project has been under development at Recording Arts Studio, produced by Marco Delmar. It will be available LOCALLY at Tower, Ollson's, Phantasmagoria, Kemp Mill, and INTERNATIONALLY at luma.com, along with the band's first CD, "Where Glass Birds Fly". | |
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