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.
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.
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
"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.
"Jordi is a great teacher, I really enjoy his lessons and his ability to accomodate my goals and abilities."Joe W.
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.
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"Bet on Fog" (incl. tracks 03,05,06,10)
Cello
Before the Credits
Idle Acres
2024
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"Abel's Blues"
Upright Bass
Abel's Blues
Cannon Rogers
2024
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"Tired"
Elec. Bass
Tired
Meredith Tilton
2024
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Tulips (film score)
Cello, Arrangement
Tulips (short film)
C. Tarun Arvind
2023
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"Glitter and Gold"
Cello, Arrangement
Glitter and Gold
Cliff Corr
2023
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"Run It Again"
Elec. Bass
Run It Again
Sunspur
2023
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"Time or 2"
Cello, Arrangement
The Nameless
Mac McComb
2023
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"Hurry Up and Lose" (full album)
Cello
Hurry Up and Lose
C. M. Jones
2023
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"Many Years"
Cello
Many Years
Peace at Home
2023
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"Catching Up to Myself" / "Wishes"
Cello
Think About It
Kevn Kinney
2023
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"Highlife" (excl. track 02)
Cello, Bass, Arrangement, Vocals
High Life
Cannonandtheboxes
2023
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"Spectacle in Paisely Park" (incl. tracks 06,08)
Cello
Floral Portrait
Floral Portrait
2023
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"Apollo"
Cello
Apollo
Oh Jeremiah
2023
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"Down on Our Luck" (incl. track 08)
Cello, Arrangement
Reverie
J. Kerenyi, D. Spears
2022
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"Margaret on Lake Placid"
Elec. Bass
Margaret on Lake Placid
M. Allen, C. Dill
2022
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"I Had Wanted to Be A Thompson"
Cello
The Wonder Years (B-Sides)
Cannonandtheboxes
2021
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"When I Come Home"
Cello
Capsule
Common Currents
2021
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"In A Good Way"
Cello
I Know I'm Funny haha
Faye Webster
2021
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"Pastel Houses"
Cello, Vocals
Pastel Houses
Cannonandtheboxes
2020
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"Professional Wrestling "
Elec. Bass
Professional Wrestling
Cannonandtheboxes
2020
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"Jesus Left El Paso"
Cello
I Only See the Stars
Cannonandtheboxes
2020
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"Morning"
Cello
Call Me Spinster
Call Me Spinster
2020
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"Pennyroyal"
Cello
Full Moon, Heavy Light
Ona
2019
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"One Girl, Seven Asteroids"
Cello
Agony of a Dying Star
MV21
2016