After moving to the States from Germany, Xyra began music and piano lessons at age five, and voice at eight - performing before her teens. At age 14, her mother surprised her with an electric guitar. Xyra later chose acoustic. Currently, under the guidance of famous mezzo soprano, Medea Namoradze, Xyra has studied voice with such accomplished coaches and musicians as Marguerite Haymes, Charles Williams (of The Levine School of Music), and Anne Hurley. Besides composing Cabaret Nuit, Xyra has collaborated electronic Art-Rock, vocalized Classical, Blues, and a-cappella Renaissance. Some of her original material has been recorded, released, and performed, internationally. Over the years, Xyra has sung and played for audiences in the United States and England. Conceiving Verborgen, Xyra is Chanteuse and songwriter, composing lyrics, melody lines, chord structures, and the majority of material performed by the band. If you can imagine a melding between Nico, Annie Lennox, Edith Piaf, and Siouxsie Sioux, you may behold a relatively clear depiction of Xyra's voice. Within her 3 1/2-octave range, Xyra's uniquely-phrased vocal compositions and arrangements are intriguing and compelling, velvety-warm, and emotionally riveting.

Andrew Cann - born south of London, began studying Classical music and piano with concert pianist Julianne Skerry in the UK, at age six. He now composes and arranges for piano, guitar, and 16-track midi. Andrew has spent several years diligently formulating, mixing and playing original, instrumental music. On guitar, Andrew's artistic adeptness suggests everything from upbeat and inquisitive "guitar doodles" to middle Eastern and Celtic sounds that touch chords of the heart and awaken thoughts of forbidden mystery. Andrew's efforts shine brightly on his earlier, experimental work, "Cerebral Vortex", Cerebral café. In recent years, he studied with master pianist Anna Balakerskaia, of The Levine School, continuing guitar lessons with versatile, master (and Verborgen's lead guitarist) Eric Ulreich. Andrew has performed on midi, grand and digital pianos in the Washington DC area, England, and New England. Being highly intuitive, pensively deep and consistently inventive, Andrew's additions in instrumental composition and arranging are elegant and stunning contributions to the Verborgen proposition.

Born in Washington DC, master cellist Fred Lieder began diligently studying the instrument at age 10. Later developing a profound interest in Jazz and Rock, at 14 Fred began incorporating these genres of his own volition. He later majored in cello at the University of Maryland, studying under Evelyn Elsing and David Sayer. Natural depth, ingenuity, sensitivity, and obvious savvy enhance Fred's impeccable skills in cello-driven arranging and improvisation. Surprisingly, for the amusement of himself and others, Fred extracts lead riffs from such Rock icons as Jimi Hendrix, creating an effect that both titillates and boggles the mind! He is a much sought-after studio musician, who also teaches from his "Cello Studio" in Maryland. Besides playing the notable venue, Blues Alley, with Xyra & Verborgen's current line up, Fred has performed concerts at Wolf Trap, The Smithsonian, The Birchmere, and The Kennedy Center. Spanning many genres with his diverse and impressive background, the addition of Fred Lieder on cello has brought to the music of Xyra & Verborgen, an irreplaceable, beautifully rich, innovative, and brilliantly unique element - exhibiting uncompromising personality.

Norman Ellsworth Thorne III, also born in DC, has been deemed a true prodigy in the world of percussion. In his youth, Norm banged on just about anything, but his deep musical talent and intuitive prowess were evident. He began drumming in middle school, propelled by his own interest in the craft. By the time he reached high school, Tuba and trombone became his second loves. Also loving to sing, Norm was chosen best 2nd chair bass vocalist in a regional competition. As fate would have it, however, Norm returned to the wonderful world of drumming, becoming drum captain of the marching band. He hasn't left drums and percussion since! Over the years, Norm has performed with various accomplished artists, even sharing the bill with the venerable Richie Havens. Currently, he offers up his rare form of proficient, exotic percussion and full drums to Verborgen - adding an unequivocal depth and strength! Through his special brand of warmth and intuition, Norm creates a "psychic link" - pleasing and amazing both audience and fellow musician, alike!

Born in Frankfurt, Germany, Larry Lawrence began studying music at age six. His first instrument was accordion, later studying piano, trombone, and voice, by age 11. When presented a bass guitar for his 18th birthday, Larry forged a new path. Duly inspired, he began learning riffs from genres as far-reaching as Southern Rock and Metal to Progressive Rock, and Jazz Fusion. Two months into his 18th year, Larry joined his first band. A year later, he began studying Music Theory, Composition, and Jazz Improvisation. At 2I, he built a custom, fretless bass guitar from a Fender Jazz Bass model. (He plays that very same instrument, today!) Larry also understands and manipulates various synthesizers, sequencers, and multiple electronic devices for guitar, percussion and keyboards. Utilizing this expertise, he composed a 25-piece midi album called "Kromium Sun". Having performed with bands of differing genres, he has developed distinct intuition and style. Larry Lawrence's musicianship and team spirit contribute a solid pulse through which the musicians of Verborgen can clearly and openly resound.

Don Stapleson joined Xyra & Verborgen on stage, in late November, 1997. An accomplished professional, he has toured and performed with such famous, notable musicians as: Martha Reeves, Dexter Gordon, and Ray Charles. He also appeared on MTV, accompanying the phenomenal guitar-genius, Danny Gatton. Don attended The Berklee School, and the University of Maryland, earning his Master's degree in Music. He is a profoundly talented performer, and greatly appreciated session musician. A multiwind master, Don displays an intuitive grasp of many genres, taking him all the way from astute talent in improvisation to thoughtfully creative arrangements and composition. He displays both solid expertise, and a calming nature - not only in performance, but also in the studio. Donald Stapleson brings to the project the power, stability and prowess, only a person of his caliber can provide. His Television Credits Include: America's Most Wanted episodes, National Geographic Specials - The Inca Ice Maiden, and Serval Cats; the PBS Special - Secrets of the Realms of the Deep, and the Reader's Digest Special - The Story of America. Don is also a former member of The Peabody Ragtime Ensemble.

Having performed locally and nationally with a wide range of famous artists, Verborgen's newly appointed guitarist, Eric Ulreich, is a brilliant, consummate professional. His musical magic spins notes as imagery from sundry genres, conjuring everything from classic Rock to "Northern European Progressive Soul". Early influences include Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana, Jeff Beck, and Eric Clapton. Eric received his Bachelor's degree in Music, with concentration on classical guitar performance, from George Mason University. On classical guitar, Eric has concertized throughout the Washington, DC metropolitan area, including world premier performances of works by Garrison Hull. In 1993, Eric was personally selected by Mr. Hull to perform his Knickerbocker Suite, commissioned by the Knickerbocker Artist Society to honor sculptor Glenna Goodacre at the dedication of the Women's Vietnam Veterans War Memorial. A prolific instrumental composer, Eric Ulreich was nominated as Best Instrumentalist by the Washington Area Music Association. In addition to extensive experience in live performance, Eric has worked in session and as a producer at various recording studios. Eric also teaches electric guitar at the Levine School of Music. We warmly and graciously welcome the impeccable skills of lead guitarist/arranger and composer, Eric Ulreich. His advanced sensibilities are readily apparent on Xyra & Verborgen's latest CDs.

Contributing Artists . . .

Born in Lima, Peru, Cris Chillura began studying guitar at age 10, later composing lyrics and music from age 14. His compositions and astute, romantic embellishments on Spanish and Classical guitar reveal a sometimes dark, but thoughtful, and exuberant nature. Performing and recording with assorted musicians from LA and NY, to Europe, Cris has conned multifarious genres, primarily on bass guitar. On Spanish and Classical guitar, accrued genres include studies at The Royal Academy of Music, in Spain. Mainly as a bass guitarist, Cris has performed Alternative, Funk, and Acid Jazz. In 1994, he recorded a 4-piece ensemble work, playing all the instruments himself! Joining Xyra and Andrew in 1997, Cris Chillura helped formulate the original Verborgen sound, and is also featured on the band's current releases. The unusual trio, consisting of Xyra's vocals, Andrew's piano, and Cris's unique, stylized Spanish guitar, has since become the 7-person Cabaret Rock ensemble we hear today.

Robert Fogelmann attended college at The Berklee School of Music, and the University of Massachusetts. He has studied with various, renowned artists such as Chris Vadala, George Coleman, Ken Radnofsky, and Mike Vacarro. Robert has actively played in Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Cincinnati, and Charlotte, NC, and is featured on a sound track for a National Public Television Special. Robert toured with various show bands based in Cincinnati, Charlotte, and New York, and has played or opened for such name acts as Stevie Wonder, Michael Hedges and Bobby Hepp. He also recorded an album for Arista with the Bus Boys, in LA. In addition, Robert has performed with Miroslav Vitous in Boston, Sadik Hakim and Claudio Roditi in New York. Robert is currently a music director, teaches from his private Woodwind Studio, and is active in Jazz, Classical, Musicals, and Church music. In performance and recording, the contributions Robert Fogelmann made to Xyra & Verborgen's National Public Radio (NPR) recordings and earlier live performances were of a soulful, mystical quality, providing creative spontaneity in breadth and depth.

Edwin Brobston Cleverdon was born in Anniston Alabama, and grew up in Mobile. He studied voice and guitar, from an early age, and later received a music degree from the University of South Alabama. Edwin has performed and recorded with several, diverse Rock and Alternative bands over the past fifteen years, playing multiple roles - as bassist, guitarist, and vocalist. He takes the "less is more" approach to his innovative style of bass playing, adopting the sinewy textures of raga and trance dub. With quiet repose, Edwin quickly and easily evaluates the scope and depth of each tune. With personable focus, he added a meaningful six-string groove, completing Verborgen's unusual rhythm section. Edwin Cleverdon complemented the music of Xyra & Verborgen during earlier Omega, and NPR sessions, by thoughtfully and cleverly applying the power of bass guitar with subtle distinction.

Production and Direction . . .

Robert Goldstein Robert Goldstein began his quest for new music from an early age, playing guitar and listening to many genres. He found a meaningful niche, while a student at Georgetown University, hosting his progressive radio show on the infamous WGTB, FM. Looking for a groove of his own, Robert experimented with various bands, until he finally formed one with a passion - The Urban Verbs. The Verbs went on to record two albums for Warner, working with the likes of Brian Eno and Steve Lilywhite. Unfortunately, the band split, mid-European tour, when plagued by serious health crises. Robert continued writing and recording, and has many additional accomplishments under his belt. Some of his projects include composition and production of soundtracks featured in: a major work recently shown at Cannes Film Festival, several PBS specials, ABC television specials, major gallery exhibits, and Radio Free Asia's worldwide coverage of China's re-appropriation of Hong Kong. Besides working for National Public Radio, Robert acted as music director, co-arranger, and co- producer for Xyra & Verborgen's first album, Where Glass Birds Fly.

Marco Delmar serves as a multifaceted talent in "the business." He is proprietor, senior engineer and producer at Recording Arts Studio, and clearly displays proficiency at bringing out the best in local and national acts! Besides mixing and producing three releases for Xyra & Verborgen, Marco has garnered an ever-expanding client base of national, local, and regional artists. Learning the basics from The Power Station in New York, Marco has produced and engineered several projects at top recording studios in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. The Washington Area Music Association (WAMA) presented Marco a WAMMIE award for 'Best Producer of the Year', for which he was previously nominated four times. To date, Marco has received nine WAMA awards for his work on selected 'Best Albums of the Year', to include emmet swimming's debut release. Also to his credit, Marco Delmar played lead guitar, sang backup, and composed music for The Elektrics - a New York-based band who received a six-figure deal from Capitol Records.