|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
review by Bill Binkelman Nature is one of the more frequent sources of inspiration for new age (or adult contemporary, if prefer that term) musicians, which doesn't mean that every recording about forests, rivers, oceans, or mountains is automatically worthwhile. However, in the case of pianist Laura Sullivan's Pianoscapes for the Trails of North America (so named because each track is titled after a specific trail, the details of which are given in the liner notes), you have nothing to worry about. I was impressed with Sullivan's earlier Piano Solos recording and here she continues to display uncommon grace and abundant technique. On the CD, she is joined by several accompanists, including Chris Camozzi on guitar, Richard Kuhns and Scott Fuller on (tastefully applied) keyboards, Kristina Forester on cello and Mary Pitchford on violin. By adding other instruments, Sullivan's compositions (all of them originals, with the exception of an interpretation of Pachabel's "Canon") are given added dimensions and do a good job of conveying the visual images indicated by the song titles. Another difference from her earlier recording is the relative absence of melancholic or somber music, which is not to say that Pianoscapes…is all fun and frivolity. However, certain pieces on Piano Solos were somber affairs while here the emphasis is on compositions that, while low key and usually serene, are lighter in their emotional impact (which you'd expect given the inspiration for the music). My personal favorites include the opening track, "Mountain Magic," which is highlighted by Camozzi's evocative guitar work (whether playing side-by-side with Sullivan's piano or playing background harmony) and a nice layer of electronic keyboards. The track has a dramatic aspect to it, as well as a sense of gently rolling movement. "Sunrise on Cloud Palace" also contains well-executed but minimal synthesizer shadings and reminded me of Wayne Gratz's best work from albums such as Blue Ridge and A Gift of the Sea. Sullivan is Gratz's equal when it comes to crafting delicate and gentle piano compositions that never stray into maudlin territory or faux sentimentality. "Voice from Sacred Wilderness" carries a hint of rural Americana owing to the presence of Pitchford's violin, counterpointed by Sullivan's softly romantic piano playing. Sullivan does offer one somber song on Pianoscapes…that being the album closer, "Witches Slow Dance," a composition that also displays her unique way of altering time signatures and shading the music with subtle (barely there) dissonance. Worth mentioning for environmentalists and conservationists is that, besides getting a great CD when you purchase Pianoscapes..., you are also contributing to The National Arbor Day Foundation (fifty cents per album is given to that fine organization). And as if that weren't enough, following the lead of fellow nature activists (and acoustic instrumentalists) Eric Tingstad and Nancy Rumbel (who did somewhat the same thing on their album Acoustic Garden), the CD also contains the seeds needed to plant a Blue Spruce tree (cleverly shaped like a pine tree, no less!). So, you get great music, warm fuzzies for helping to save the planet, and can even improve your own landscape to boot! Laura Sullivan is on her way to earning well-deserved notoriety as a talented composer, an excellent pianist, and an artist who sees the bigger picture when it comes to our environment. Pianoscapes for the Trails of North America is highly recommended for both piano lovers as well as those who like the fuller sound conveyed by the use of additional instruments on selected cuts. Like a relaxing walk along one of the trails of the album's title, listening to this album will leave you refreshed and almost certainly in a better mood than beforehand. Recommended. |
|
