Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Sunday, October 28, 2012
All the Seasons of George Winston: Piano Solos
All the Seasons of George Winston: Piano Solos Review
This CD is a sort of Reader's Digest version of George Winston's renowned solo piano discography. All the Seasons presents 13 abridged selections from Winston's seven solo recordings-- "radio edits" that were supervised, as the liner notes indicate, by the pianist himself. Four "bonus tracks" are also included, and two are quiet, impressionistic gems that compare favorably with Winston's classic Autumn to December period. "Sandman" is an instrumental version of a section from the Meryl Streep-narrated storybook album The Velveteen Rabbit, and "Northern Plains" is a hushed, contemplative jewel, though its abrupt conclusion is a bit odd. Perhaps this, too, is an advanced edit of a piece that will someday be more fully realized. Ultimately, this album is best-suited for listeners unacquainted with Winston's work, since fans are likely to be dismayed when favorites such as "Colors/Dance" and "Joy" travel to unexpected places. For Winston neophytes though, the album offers a decent overview of his first 25 years of recording. --Terry Wood Read more...
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Sunday, October 21, 2012
Reflections of Spain: Spanish Favorites for Guitar
Reflections of Spain: Spanish Favorites for Guitar Review
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Reflections of Spain: Spanish Favorites for Guitar Specifications
David Russell was born in Glasgow, Scotland, but his family moved to Spain while he was still a young boy so he could study music in the birthplace of classical guitar. On Reflections of Spain, Russell plays the music of his childhood home with all the joy you would expect from someone revisiting a beloved place. Russell's formidable technique is powered by a keen intelligence and tempered by an emotional delivery. He plays chestnuts like Tarrega's "Recuerdos de la Alhambra" and Albeinez's "Austurias" with a fond intimacy that rescues them from cliché. Perhaps the finest moments on the CD are Russell's guitar arrangements of four of Granados's compositions. Although Granados wrote pieces like "Danza Melancolia" and "Andaluza" for piano, Russell's thoughtful versions remind us that the folk dances that inspired them were originally accompanied by the guitar. David Russell is one the finest classical guitarists to emerge in recent years, and his playing on Reflections of Spain is a near perfect wedding of technique and temperament. --Michael Simmons
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Sunday, October 14, 2012
Disney Songbook
Disney Songbook Review
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Disney Songbook Specifications
New Agey pianist Jim Brickman's history with children-friendly material goes back a long way--one of his early assignments was writing for Jim Henson, after all. On this album, he tackles Disney songs, although that definition is rather flexible. New tracks "Beautiful" (featuring vocalist Wayne Brady) and "I'm Amazed" (featuring country singer Lila McCann) aren't actually from any movie or TV show but inspired by Cinderella. (Other singing guests of note include former American Idol contestants Kimberley Locke and Josh Gracin.) Brickman's approach is so mellow that it's hard to tell the tunes apart in a Mary Poppins medley made up of five different songs, including the usually upbeat "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious." This actually extends to the entire album, which feels like an extended medley. On the plus side, nothing comes in to peskily disrupt the soothing vibe. --Elisabeth Vincentelli
Saturday, October 13, 2012
The Music of Coldplay, A Piano Tribute
The Music of Coldplay, A Piano Tribute Review
Imaginative piano renditions of the music from the band of international fame. Read more...
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