Elegant M is a songwriting partnership between Marieke and Allan Stuart, creating new
vocal jazz orginals and performing favorite jazz standards. Both classically trained, they first combined their musical talents in 2009, performing jazz standards together. Already an established composer, Allan asked Marieke to write lyrics to some of his music. With the addition of percussion, bass and saxaphone over the next year, , a band was formed: the Elegant M Quintet. New music is being written all the time and the entire band now shapes the music.
2012 Performance Calendar
Sunday, April 22, 2 pm. - Willamette Oaks Retirement Center (private event)
Composer: Allan Stuart, Lyrics: Marieke Schuurs (except as noted), 2011 If you don't have Flash player, listen on Marieke's MySpace page.
Aspen
Shimmering, edgy and driving, tells of the life of the gliterati in Aspen, upbeat with a bop jazz feel. A full piano/organ quartet with marimba and synth effects.
It's the Moment before the Day Begins
A medium swing tale of homespun love and contentment, the intimate vocal is set within a traditional jazz piano trio.
Ocean of Love
A bluesy slow shuffle featuring piano trio and sexy vocal. The Ocean of Love is common ground for all who love love.
Pieces of Your City
Composer: Allan Stuart, Lyrics: Allan Stuart, 2011
A beat generation style jazz vocal describes the angst of modern life, with a driving energy featuring a vocal duet between Marieke and Allan.
Quiet Town
Composer: Allan Stuart, Lyrics: Allan Stuart, 2011
Jazz ballad, duet with Marieke and acoustic piano, QT is a whimsical and wistful stroll through your favorite town at night, in search of love.
Reflections
A Voice and Piano duo that comments on the aging and refining of character in the human condition. A blend of styles, this song is both jazzy and classical in feel and performance, sort of an improvisational leider.
Shadows on the Wind
A tight Bossa Nova tune about love lost and needing to be re-found. Excellent bass drives the haunting and catchy melody. There is a cross over pop feel.
Sometimes
Not quite a ballad, the slow swing groove morphs into a Bossa feel on the bridge. A tender vocal tells of the angst of love, and the hope that springs eternal.
