Keyboards
Al Gagnon
Al Gagnon,”dust pan Al”, began his music instruction at age 7, When he was attending grammar school one day by chance he was asked to fill in for a piano lesson because a student was absent. That was the start of his interest in piano, and later flourished under the direction of Guy Borelli (well known teacher and radio personality). Guy’s method of teaching chord improvisation has influenced Al’s style when playing music from the 60’s to today. Al started his career at the age of 16 entertaining at the Elks lounge as a pianist. Then he started his own general business band playing at weddings, clubs and other functions. Among the bands Al has played in are some of the most memorable: Tsouky & The Memory’s, Midnight Magic, Take Five, Carnaby St. Status Cymbal, and Hotline,
Over the past 45 years Al has kept busy with coffee houses, benefits, being involved as Passion Play music director for over 25 years with teens, college kids and adults. In the Passion Play he has arranged all the music and composed some of the original songs. He has a passion for electronic music, including computer arranging and synthesizers Al has shared his remarkable talent at various churches and Christian Organizations playing Contemporary Christian music at St. Thomas in Derry, N.H. Playing Irish music with a local Irish band in Lawrence Ma. Al has recorded and arranged a 4 song tape to benefit a construction project for St. Basil’s Cursillio Center. He has played music for many years for St. Basil’s weekend retreats and Lazarus House Ministries (a homeless shelter) events. Al has been influenced by some of his favorite mentors: Jerry Lee Lewis, Chick Correa, Rick Wakeman, Roger Williams, Billy Joel, Elton John.