DESTINY
With the release of Louise’s debut album “DESTINY” in 2012, 14 original songs, poignant and memorable stories, came to life with Louise’s fresh voice and a stellar band of Boston’s finest jazz musicians . Rebecca Parris, Louise’s long time mentor and close friend, musically directed and co-produced the album and is featured on selected tracks. Vocalist Ted Davis joins the two on the precious love song Forever.
Several songs on the album received songwriting awards:
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Save Your Love - Finalist ‘Adult Contemporary” Song of The Year
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Destiny - Finalist “Show Me The Music” Songwriting Contest,
Semi-finalist Song of the Year; -
Someone - Finalist 2012 USA Songwriting & 2013 Cape Cod Songwriting competition
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Remember - Finalist 2013 Cape Cod Songwriting competition;
Alzheimer’s awareness campaign Netherlands. -
Sunrise - Runner Up Song of The Year
Trailer "Destiny" 2012 - Rebecca Parris introduces Louise Alexandra (fka van Aarsen)
Trailer "Destiny" 2012 - Rebecca Parris introduces Louise Alexandra (fka van Aarsen)
REMEMBER (Louise Alexandra Music)
REVIEWS of DESTINY
“Louise has arrived on the jazz scene with a whole album of fresh original songs and a unique voice…
An impressive debut CD.”
- JAMES GAVIN, jazz biographer
Thoughtful arrangements..,hyper-exact contemporary jazz production. Van Aarsen's voice is no-nonsense and very easy on the ear.
We must wonder where she goes from here.”
- C MICHAEL BAILEY, All About Jazz
"Like vocalists of another era, Van Aarsen's voice is deeply committed, with a hint of Carly Simon. Dig Someone and the lightly Latin Miss You Till I See You. Van Aarsen's originality and songwriting chops make this a tender choice."
-- MARC MYERS, Award-winning Jazz blogger (jazzwax.com)
“This jazz newcomer is a breath of fresh air....most intriguing is her lack of interest (bravo!) in covering the rather boring standard fare that become a trap for so many developing singers. In actuality, she was a prolific songwriter who evolved into a singer as well. Van Aarsen wrote, or in a couple of instances co-wrote, the music and/or the lyrics for all 14 tunes here. The concept was to present something very personal in meaning – and she has done that exquisitely. Each is a take on a different aspect of love and relationships. Rebecca Parris produced this session, another solid ring of endorsement.”
-- KEN FRANCKLING award-winning Jazz Journalist , Jazz Blogger at Jazz Notes and freelance contributor to JazzTimes, Hothouse, and Jazziz