JL

Jordi posed with his guitar against an abstract background.

About

Jordi Lara set foot on his musical path at the age of ten, picking up the cello for the first time in his school's music program. Since then, his passion for the instrument has only grown deeper as he's explored beyond the world of classical music. While cello remains the staple of his career, he has dedicated practice to electric and upright bass, as well as tenor guitar. Upon finishing his undergrad, he took to the Atlanta music scene, where he now resides as a sought-after performer, educator and studio musician.

Jordi's breadth of musical ability has equipped him to hold various roles in ensembles ranging from bluegrass and rock to jazz and r&b.

Years of classical training has not only honed his technique, but has instilled in him an unyielding discipline. At the University of Georgia, Jordi pursued a Bachelor's in Cello Performance under the guidance of Dr. David Starkweather.

Prior to arriving in Athens to begin his formal studies, he took initiative to immerse himself in the Athens music scene, accepting opportunities to play cello and bass guitar with local musicians. A growing adoration for improvisational music is ultimately what landed him in the jazz program at UGA, in which he took classes on both cello and electric bass. He seamlessly transitioned from these instruments to the upright bass, on which he completed a jazz minor under the musical direction of David D'Angelo.

Jordi looks pensive playing his cello outside in nature.

Today, Jordi is making his mark on the Atlanta music scene as an innovator of the cello, venturing outside of his classical foundation to take advantage of the instrument's full range of melodic, rhythmic and harmonic capabilities. He has found his voice using a combination of traditional and extended techniques, occasionally employing electronics and amplification to expand his sonic landscape. Whether in his own music or that of others, Jordi believes in the spirit of serving music to its greatest potential.

For nearly a decade, he has been assisting fellow musicians with their own music through arrangements and performances on a variety of instruments. Artists, both locally and internationally, have trusted Jordi with contributing his finest work to their projects. Jordi's home studio allows him to record high quality audio and arrangements for artists remotely. An extensive, multi-genre catalogue of his contributions can be found here and demonstrates his grasp of both modern and traditional styles of playing.

Top-down shot of Jordi experimenting with his cello and a footpedal.

The foundation of Jordi's practice is built around technique, improvisation and detailed studies of musical languages that inspire him, specifically those of American Jazz and Brazilian Choro. In recent years, Jordi has connected more with his Latino roots via the music of Latin America, embracing the contemporary and folk music of Mexico, Brazil and other South American countries. Exploring the sounds and artists of Latin America has not only inspired him musically, but strengthened his connection to his Mexican heritage. While Jordi firmly believes in the evolution of music and artists over time, he also recognizes the importance of honoring tradition and the history of music that precedes him.

He continues to carve his path in music while evolving within his craft, growing relationships and being inspired by those around him.

"Jordi has contributed greatly to records I consider to be my very best work."

Jesse Mangum, The Glow Recording Studio

Projects

  • LSV Trio's three members sitting in a stairwell, softly smiling.

    LSV Trio

    This innovative trio, comprised of Paul Stevens (drums), Matt Vu (synth/piano) and Jordi Lara (cello), pulls inspiration from jazz, contemporary classical and avant-garde. Weaving between intricately arranged and heavily improvised moments, whilst delivering a musical dialogue that conveys both individual and collective expression. August 2024 marks the release of their debut EP.

  • Canary Affair's five members dressed identically, stairing off into the distance.

    Canary Affair

    Hailing from Athens, Georgia, this five-piece ensemble fuses rock, pop and jazz to establish psychedelic landscapes for sweeping melodies. The group's taken venues throughout the southeast by storm, supporting local and touring acts since 2018. Their debut LP is still in the works at musician Patrick Doherty's studio, Racquet Recording, and is set for a Fall 2024 release.

  • Standard Candle's five members pose with their respective instruments in a stairwell.

    Standard Candle

    This Atlanta-based, modern string quintet embraces a fusion of Georgia's bluegrass roots with contemporary classical music and jazz, balancing delicate arrangements and improvisation. Comprised of Jordi Lara (cello), Micah Cadwell (guitar), Will Ruff (violin/mandolin), Rob Henson (bass) and Scott Pearlman (dobro). Their debut LP, Solvitur Ambulando, was released back in December of 2023.

With his arms resting atop his cello, Jordi gives the camera a look of sincerity.

Teaching

Beyond his own practice and performance, Jordi has studied under various teachers from around the globe. This, in combination with hours spent meticulously dissecting his own playing, has helped him in tailoring his teaching methods. At the core of his methods lie two qualities he thinks all musicians should strive for and maintain: expression and intention. Jordi's experience as both a student and a mentor, has led him to the conclusion that the key to musical expression is maintaining clear communication throughout instruction.

The aim of Jordi's work is not to have his students simply mimic his own playing, but to have his students play to their strengths as a means of overcoming their respective obstacles whilst discovering their own unique artistry. By implementing a strong technical foundation and instilling productive practice habits, he ensures that his students can find comfort, freedom and longevity in making music.

Close-up of Jordi playing the cello, with Jordi in silhouette.
"I feel lucky to work with a teacher who's so devoted to exploring the cello's less explored creative possibilities."

Ell D.

Although Jordi currently has a full schedule between his private studio and his students at Ztunes Music, he encourages reaching out to him directly for one-off lessons. He is also an instructor at the Frank Hamilton School, where he teaches various instruments in group settings, you can still sign up for his Low-End Strings class here.

Top-down close-up of Jordi's hands playing the cello.
"Jordi is a great teacher, I really enjoy his lessons and his ability to accomodate my goals and abilities."

Joe W.

Abstract arrangement of various, colorful albums that Jordi has played on.

Recordings

This multi-genre catalogue contains nearly a decade's worth of recordings that Jordi has been involved with. His home studio boasts the following equipment: Logic Pro X, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, Rode NT2-A, Shure SM57.

Abstract arrangement of various, colorful albums that Jordi has played on.

Updates

Follow Jordi on Instagram to stay up to date on his latest projects and performances.

Jordi yelling with retro shades on.

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Jordi Lara

Contact

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