The Players...
The Players . . .
Xyra (Vocals, auxiliary keyboards)
Andrew Cann (Grand & digital pianos, 2nd Lead
guitar)
Cris Chillura (Lead guitar)
Fred Lieder (Acoustic & electric cellos)
Norm Thorne (Drums & percussion)
Don Stapleson (Clarinet, flute & saxophones)
Larry Lawrence (Bass guitars, midis and
sequencers)
 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. She has studied voice with such accomplished
coaches and musicians as Marguerite Haymes, Charles
Williams (of The Levine School of Music), Anne Hurley,
and Medea Namoradze. Besides composing Cabaret Nuit, Xyra
has collaborated electronic Art-Rock, vocalized
Classical, Blues, and a-capella 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 Piaff, and Siouxsie Sioux, you may behold a
relatively clear depiction of Xyra's voice. Within her
nearly 4-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. He currently studies, part-time, with master
pianist Anna Balakerskaia, of The Levine School, and
versatile, master guitarist, Eric Ulreich, at McLean
Music & Arts. Andrew has performed on piano and midi
in the Washington DC area, England, and New England.
Being highly intuitive, pensively deep and classically
inventive, Andrew's additions in instrumental composition
and arranging are elegant and stunning contributions to
the Verborgen proposition.
 Born in Lima,
Peru - Cris Chillura began studying guitar, at age
10, later composing lyrics and music, from about age 14.
His poignant compositions, astute yet romantic
embellishments, and intricate arrangements for Spanish
and Classical guitar reveal a sometimes dark, but
thoughtful, exuberant and hopeful nature. In performing
and recording with assorted musicians from LA and NY, to
Europe, Cris has conned multifarious genres. Accrued
genres include the intense study of Classical, Spanish
and Gypsy guitar at The Royal Academy in Spain. In
addition, Cris has pursued Alternative, and Jazz-Funk -
also reaching into, and beyond the unlikely realms of
Heavy Metal. In 1994, he recorded a 4-piece ensemble
work, playing all the instruments himself! Cris's unusual
guitar style expresses a certain, multilingual genius. In
combining energies with Verborgen, as a player, composer
and arranger, Cris has carefully accentuated, brilliantly
defined and enhanced Verborgen's intricate balance of
animation and sound.
 Born in
Washington DC, master cellist Frederick 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! Fred is a much
sought-after studio musician, who also teaches from his
own Cello Studio. He has performed concerts at Wolf Trap,
The Kennedy Center, The Birchmere, and The Smithsonian.
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. At age 12, he took up trombone, and
tuba, at 16. In a regional competition, he was chosen
best 2nd chair bass vocalist. As destiny would have it,
Norm rediscovered his ultimate calling, almost by
accident! When a friend's bongo caught his eye, Norm
began playing along to the Grateful Dead tune they were
listening to at the time, and he hasn't left percussion
since! Traveling to assorted venues along the eastern
coast of the United States, Norm performs with various,
accomplished artists. Accompanying Steve Gellman, he
shared the bill with the notable Richie Havens, at The
Birchmere. In addition, 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 Kronium Sun. Performing with
bands of differing genres, he has developed a distinct
conversion of 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 and tragic
figure - Danny Gatton. Don attended The Berklee School,
and the University of Maryland, earning his Master's
degree in Music, and currently teaches at Saint Mary's
College directing the Jazz Band there. He is in demand -
not only as a profoundly talented performer, but also as
a much appreciated session musician. A multiwind master,
Don displays an awesomely 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.
Contributing Artist
 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 con-contributions Robert Fogelman has made
to Xyra & Verborgen's music are 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 and dedication, he adds a
meaningful six-string groove, completing Verborgen's
unusual rhythm section. Edwin Cleverdon complemented the
music of Xyra & Verborgen on earlier recordings, by
thoughtfully and cleverly applying the power of bass
guitar with subtle distinction and precision.
Contributing Musical Director . . .
 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 acts as
music director, arranger, producer, seasoned mentor, and
esoteric guitar guru for Xyra & Verborgen.
 Marco Delmar truly serves as a
multifaceted talent in "the business." He is
proprietor, engineer and producer at Recording Arts
Studio, and clearly displays proficiency at bringing out
the best in local and national acts. Besides Xyra &
Verborgen, he has garnered a client base that includes
emmet swimming, Gravity's Pull, Boomslang, Hearsay,
Drowners, the Martians, Modern Yesterday, United States
Naval Academy, GSO, Mommie I'm Scared, Five State Drive,
Then There Were None, Lisa Moscatiello, Big Village,
Daisy Haze, Riverside, New St. George, Swansons and many
other national, local, and regional acts. Marco has
produced and engineered projects at BIAS, Avalon, Bebop
Productions, Inner Ear, Omega and other top recording
studios in the DC metropolitan area. He has been
nominated for Producer of the Year by the Washington Area
Music Association for the last four years, and has won
eight WAMA awards, to date, for best album of the year.
Also to his credit, Marco Delmar was guitar player,
composer and backup singer for the Elektrics - a New
York-based band that received a six-figure deal from
Capitol Records.
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