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In the short but
informative sleeve notes, Hawaiian-based composer David Hicken says, "My intention is to produce music that
provides a sense of reflection, joy, peace, harmony and hope."
Mission accomplished as far as this reviewer is concerned.
"Goddess" is the stunning first part of a trilogy of
themed recordings
(the others being "Angels" and the 2008 release "Faeries") and fulfills all the
criteria that makes a CD a Piano-Heaven award winner.
David, originally from England, UK, has an undisputed gift in
his ability to create timeless melodies that reach out to the
heart of the soul. His piano-playing is as gentle as can be:
this is music for spas, clinics or indeed for the purposes of
general relaxation in the home or work-place.
Each
of the twelve tracks on this CD is, as the title would
suggest, named after a Goddess. The CD opens with the
lovely "Lakshmi"- the Hindu Goddess of prosperity. It is
very much in the style of Kevin Kern, and is instantly
appealing with its sweet melody. Gentle, yet uplifting,
this is a beautiful opening to a CD in which every track
oozes natural charm.
This CD appeals for many reasons, not least
because there are a number of styles contained
within the twelve tracks- and yet the composer's
trademark ear for melody and soporific qualities
are never lost. The style of Michael Hoppé ("The
Parting") instantly sprang to mind as I listened
to the album's second track, Kuan Yin- the
Chinese Goddess of compassion. A calming, more
beautiful piece you'd be hard pressed to hear.
"Sekhmet", the Egyptian warrior Goddess,
provides confirmation- not that it was needed-
of the CD's remarkable ability to de-stress and
relax the listener. Another beautiful melody
takes hold, and the listener is invited to take
their own soothing journey.
The CD's fourth cut, "Aphrodite", is very
appropriately named. The Goddess of love and
beauty would surely be nodding her head in
approval within the clouds above Mount Olympus.
Equally appealing is "Sarasvati", the Hindu
Goddess of the arts. It is whilst listening to
this track, I realised this musician's ability
to end his pieces in a delightful way- David's
compositions don't merely fade out; the endings
themselves are mini-works of art.
"Ishtar"- Babylonian Goddess of the moon- maintains the
album's highly-melodic standards and relaxing qualities.
A very appealing melody caresses the listener from start
to finish.
In
an album full of highlights, it takes some doing to
select a favourite- but, difficult though it was, a
selection has been made. "Isis" (the Egyptian moon
Goddess), is the album's seventh cut, and I simply love
this piece. Almost minimalist in form, "Isis" is
achingly beautiful. Not a note is wasted. Totally
uncluttered, this slow-tempo track would be perfect for
Spas and other relaxation retreats. The melody's
variations within the piece ensure it will never lose
its appeal. The crystal-clear qualities of the upper
register of the piano also serve to demonstrate the
impeccably high standards of production within the
recording, and maybe also hint at the unspoiled waters
within and around this composer's homeland.
"Aine"
features a simple, memorable melody and is named after
the Celtic sun and moon fertility Goddess.
David Hicken's CD is remarkably consistent in that every
track is a winner, and there are absolutely no fillers
contained within this album. As if evidence was needed,
the reader is invited to sample "Ostara"- Teutonic
Goddess of fertility and Springtime. It is another
beautiful, soothing piece that holds instant appeal from
the very first listen.
"Sedna"-
Inuit Eskimo and Alaskan Goddess of the ocean- begins
comparatively upbeat, but any gentle waves soon calm,
and the track is another for drifting into one's own
world.
Goddess' penultimate track, "Diana", captures the Roman
moon Goddess. A gently rolling piece, "Diana" is perfect
for meditating and again features one of David's
elegant, yet simple, endings.
"Pele" is apparently the Hawaiian Goddess of fire and
volcanoes. One might think that this cut would be
significantly different in terms of dynamics or tempo
when considering the subject matter, but nothing could
be further from the truth. Clearly, Pele is at rest
here. Perhaps she has been listening to David's album.
It is a lovely way to close a perfect CD.
The
cover artwork is definitely worthy of mention, and is
most appropriate to the album. It features Queen Madbh,
by artist Howard David Johnson. I was captivated.
"Goddess" is a tremendous album. Fans of relaxing,
melodic piano music will lap up this CD. A relative
newcomer on the scene, David Hicken deserves to become a
house-hold name, and it can only be hoped that the
Grammy panel are made aware of this composer, as he is
blessed with enormous talent.
S.C.
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