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Laura Sullivan - The Modern Romantic: New Relaxing Classical Piano Music (2016)

Posted By: varrock
Laura Sullivan - The Modern Romantic: New Relaxing Classical Piano Music (2016)

Laura Sullivan - The Modern Romantic: New Relaxing Classical Piano Music (2016)
MP3 CBR 320kbps | Tracks: 10 | 41:52 min | 102 Mb
Style: New Age, Classical | Label: Sentient Spirit Records

Piano (Laura Sullivan) combined with cello (Wojtek Slawinski), violin (Gabriele Schiavi) and other ambient sounds are perfect instrumental music for soothing and calming activities like yoga, spa and meditation and ideal for studying, dinner, background music, romantic moments, and any time when peace and tranquility are desired.

Laura Sullivan's latest album 'The Modern Romantic: New Relaxing Classical Piano Music' was released 3 weeks ago with high expectations, just as any Grammy® Award winning artists' work is. Since her 2013 award winning release 'Love's River', Laura released 'Calm Within: Music For Relaxation Of Body And Mind' in 2015 which I found very relaxing and inviting: just as the title suggests. Laura did not disappoint.

'The Modern Romantic' is a much more open affair, almost celebratory. Laura's piano playing may seem to some to be a bit more restrained on this album than in previous efforts, but if you really listen you will discover Laura Sullivan approaching our ears in a variety of ways, all pleasing to the ears & heart. On the album opener 'Winds of Magic' she skillfully incorporates the vioin by Gabriele Schiavi and she humbly allows him to weave in and out of syncopation with her impressive and poinant piano notes, the song overall has a slight waltz feel to it; it is a dynamic opener. On the next track "Moonlight Romance" both violinist Gabriele & cellist Wojtek Slawinski together weave a lovely pattern that dances high above Laura's purposeful yet subtle piano. "Winds Of Magic" & "Moonlight Romance" are perfect example of her ability to not only work well with other musicians but also allowing their 'voice' to be truly heard also. She realizes it's not about only Her, it's about the craft, the song, the final compositon. The dynamics between the instruments is very impressive.

The album opener "Winds Of Magic" & track 3, "Timeless" showcase not only impeccable piano playing but Laura's aria-like voice shimmers over the landscape she creates. Not unlike Joni Mitchell who from 1974's 'Court & Spark' onwards ofttimes used her voice as an effective instrument. Sounds simple right? Not at all, the cadence Laura Sullivan uses on "Winds of Magic" are more subdued than on the spritely and energetic "Timeless". On "Timeless" Laura not only paints our auditory canvas with a most wonderful piano melody, but her vocal treatments are awe-inspiring. "Timeless" is guarranteed to make you perk up and feel enlightened.

"Come Home" is a bit more subdued composition. It is reminescent of a fugue, not in arrangements per se, but rather in it's distinct message: come home, a change is needed. It is a song of yearning, of longing. Something I believe all of us at any age can relate to this theme. "The Most Beautiful Girl In The World" has some of the most engaging and interesting arrangements on this album. Again Laura's lofty vocal performance is tonal in nature, not word driven. Not unlike Enya, who also uses her voice as an instrument. The diffence lies in the production mix: Laura's music is piano inspired, but she isn't afraid to share the spotlight with other talented musicians. Case in point: "Finding You Finding Me" incorporates a lovely acoustic guitar, possibly a Spanish guitar, and a delicate and impressive "conversation" ensues between Laura's again subtle yet definitive piano and the lovely acoustic guitar.

"The Princess Dance" reminds me of a wonderful waltz, (every song on this album makes me wish I were in a tuxedo in a ballroom with ladies in ballroom gowns), that's how inspiring this work of art is. Again Laura's enticing vocal aria treatments work well and gives the song a boost like a breath of fresh air.

As we sojourn through 'The Modern Romantic: New Relaxing Classical Piano Music' the song "A Tender Obsession" gives us a taste of an even more serious tonal experience. As in her previous efforts, Laura talks to us with her fingers & piano keys. "A Tender Obsession" is quite noticably about something very dear to Laura's heart and she gives the song the balance it needs to be firm, yet not deviate from the theme of the album: Romance.

With all the talk of waltz I mentioned earlier, track 9 is titled "Fairytale Waltz". I love how this album and nearly every song makes you want to hold your love and enjoy a waltz or at the very least a strong embrace. This is a very romantic album, as the title implies. Again Laura does not disappoint.

One of the albums qualities that I feel should not be overlooked is the albums' production quality is very impressive in it's arrangements & mixing. Produced by her husband Eric Sullivan, who himself is no stranger to quality artistry, spared no expense in giving this album the 'voice' it deserved and being 'relaxing'; Laura's classical piano shines very brightly yet again. The arrangments, oh my, I can't say enough about how high the production standards are on this album, which by the way have existed in her music since she began releasing solo albums in 2003.

Laura composed all 10 tracks on this gem of a album, and her at times giving the violin and cello 'centre-stage' reveals her abilities as an unselfish composer to know what instrument is best suited for the 'voice' she desires to colour in her wondrous palette of compositions. Closing the album with "I Will Remember" is a very good closer to a wonderful and exciting album, by this Grammy® Award winning artist. She, like all enduring & passionate artists seek out new frontiers, never looking back but always forward. Thank you Laura for giving us another high quality produced and very well composed collection of songs.

01. Winds of Magic
02. Moonlight Romance
03. Timeless
04. Come Home
05. The Most Beautiful Girl in the World
06. Finding You Finding Me
07. The Princess Dance
08. A Tender Obsession
09. Fairytale Waltz
10. I Will Remember