This page contains a brief overview on the album BILL GABRYS: The Holiday Tree. Learn more about the artist and explore the track lists and website. If you find any information that needs to be corrected, please let us know.

 
Please visit and enjoy www.toroart.com


Born in Chicago, Il. , I studied classical music at an early age through high school and played in a rock band called "Change of Color" in those rebellious teen years.

I gravitated towards Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. '75-'76 (this was a great musical growth experience for me - thanks mom & dad for making that happen!). I later graduated from the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire with a B.A. Music - Business minor degree in 1980. I was a member of Eau Claire's jazz ensemble and a member of a progressive jazz group called "Naked Men" (we actually had some girls in an audience that came to see naked men).

I followed a great talent to Minneapolis, MN...and actually slept on the couch at Jay Epstein's house before I ever met him (Jay plays drums on "The Holiday Tree"). Then I got into audio sales and played in a jazz/rock band called "Rendezvous."

I was soon dragged away from the cold snow's of MN to spend 3 years playing on cruise ships. This was a lot more fun than I had expected. I finally met and was in a group with Jay Epstein on the ships. Funny how that worked out.

Then in 1986 I came back to land and got into the money industry in Minneapolis. Now I had the day gig and played in 2 bands - "Voice Trek" which afforded me some international experiences, and a corporate gig band called "Room Service."

1993 - 1996/7 had me playing solo piano during the dinner hour at "Lord Fletcher's on the Lake" ...great atmosphere, great food, & great people watching! I did more money stuff and little music except for the occasional Christmas gig for 5 years.

September 11th, 2001 happened, I became unemployed, took a trip to New York, and realized that I had the time and a new motivation to complete a long awaited musical project. Jay was around to play drums and a good friend of his, Jocko MacNelly played bass. "Thanks guy's for such a super job with what I had to give you for guidance."

I hope you all enjoy and are moved through this musical experience.

Other projects currently happening can be viewed at www.retroall-stars.com
and www.unknownprophets.com

Check out the artist's website:
http://toroart.com

Track List:
1. We Three Kings
2. The Christmas Song
3. Silent Night
4. Away in a Manger / Hark the Herald Angels Sing
5. The Holiday Tree
6. Winter Wonderland / America the Beautiful
7. Jingle Bells
8. Good King Wenceslas
9. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen / Carol of the Bells
10. The Little Drummer Boy

Suggested CDs:

• Jimmy Calire piano trio
• Michael Ryan
• Joyce Valentine

Other Genres:

• JAZZ: Smooth Jazz
• EASY LISTENING: Mature
• MOOD: CHRISTMAS