The option of
being able to sample tracks in-store has never been
put to
better use than with this CD for this
reviewer. Picture the scene: a somewhat run-down gift store
in the Lake District, England, and amongst lots of
seemingly random goods in an environment which has
certainly seen better days, sits a display of Global
Journey music neatly presented and with the option
of listening to tracks there and then via the 'Audio
Showcase'. Being
something of a piano aficionado, I was immediately
drawn to the CD, 'Piano by the Sea’ by Global
journey, with its
appealing cover of a beach that most certainly is
not part of the Irish Sea coastline! The sun is cleverly
used to give the 'O' of 'Piano' a sparkle; a glint to
capture the reader's eye.
So, just who
are Global Journey? They're an international company
with offices in America and England (Manchester). Upon reading
the insert, I immediately liked their philosophy to
their music:
"At
Global Journey, we believe that simple, honest
pleasures and the most rewarding, and often simple,
uncomplicated music can weave a subtle yet profound
feeling of wellbeing."
The insert continues:
"Great
musicians are a rarity, but once you find them, the
rest is easy- we take their great music, add some
inspiring artwork, manufacture to the highest
specifications and voila, no great marketing
ploys or sales techniques, just great music and our
reliance on old-fashioned word-of-mouth to promote
the albums."
I have to be
honest; I did not hold out much hope for this CD.
Past experiences of CDs on display boards in New-Agey
type shops have not been good, but I was in for a very
pleasant surprise. I listened to the first track, 'Orithyia
by Moonlight' and thought, "I'm having this!" As the
track opens, you hear the sound of waves rushing
onto a rocky beach, before receding and leaving mini
plunge-pools frothing frantically before the
next wave imminently arrives. After a few seconds, a
gorgeous piano melody is introduced. Gentle,
appealing and perfect for relaxing one's mind and
body. The waves take something of a back-seat
allowing the piano to take centre-stage, but the
sound of gushing water is always present in the
background. Each track in this excellent CD is
dedicated to a Sea Nymph who, in Greek Mythology,
guided and protected sailors. Athenians apparently
offered sacrifices to Orithyia in their attempt to
protect their sailors and ships from the elements.
The second
track is entitled, 'Dreaming of Callianassa'. I
don't know anything about this Sea Nymph, but a more
relaxing, pleasing melody you'd be hard-pressed to
find. It is lovely, with a particularly gentle
ending. The waves rush in once more, before the
listener is introduced to 'Eudore Waves' (sometimes
spelt Eudora). It means 'Good Gift',
and as one of my favourite tracks on the entire CD,
it most certainly is that. This piece is very
uplifting, positive, and is 'feel-good' music at its
best. I adore this track!
The fourth
composition is another favourite. It is entitled
'Ode to Nemertes', with Nemertes apparently being
the wisest of a set of sisters. This track is
gentler than its predecessor but equally as
beautiful. Tracks such as this one would be a spa
owner's delight, allowing the listener to drift away
with their thoughts. The melody is angelic, and
the notes are as graceful as the ocean itself. Take
a listen for yourself to the entire track by
clicking the piano to the right.
'Playtime for
Pasithea' is also a heavenly composition. More
laid-back, this piece apparently takes its name from
the Nereid meaning 'all-divine'. This perfectly
sums-up how this listener feels about this music.
Onto Track six,
'Dione's Prayer'- Dione being another one of the
Nereides known as 'the Divine'. It is a delightful
piece which oozes beauty from its start to its grand
finish.
The seventh
track, 'Amathia's Rainbow' is less melodic than the
other pieces, and has a slight jazzy feel to it.
It's quite a moody track; you might almost hear this
one in a downtown bar somewhere in New Orleans.
The beauty
returns with the eighth composition, 'Charming
Melite'- the Nereid of calm seas. The words
'charming' and 'calm' are two suitable adjectives to
describe this lovely piece which relaxes and charms
in equal measure.
'Galatea's
Dance' (or Galateia)- pays tribute to the Nereid of
the 'milky-white sea foam', as described in Greek
Mythology. I like this piece very much- it is a bit
moodier, but holds a certain appeal to the
discerning ear.
This superb
album's penultimate track is entitled 'Calypso
Dreams'. Calypso lived on the island of Ogygia, and
was the daughter of the Titan Atlas. The piece
effortlessly soothes with its slow tempo and
graceful playing.
'Piano by the
Sea' concludes with 'Secrets of Maera'. She was the
Nymph of the dog-star Seirios who, legend has it,
when she rose with the sun, brought on the heat of
midsummer. The piece has quite a foreboding start,
but It is another beautiful composition, and brings
the album to a fitting close.
I am immensely
impressed with this album, and highly recommend it
to anyone who enjoys relaxing, melodic piano music
with the sound of Nature in the background (the
sea). All eleven tracks are solo-piano, and each
piece, rather like the Sea Nymphs featured, is quite
unique making for a particularly satisfying
listening experience.
Oddly, no
mention is made of the composer of these tracks, but
whoever it may be, should stand up, take a bow, and accept
the heart-felt applause from this reviewer.
'Piano by the
Sea' is an original and fascinating CD, and is more
than a worthy addition to anyone's piano collection.
An excellent album, and whilst Global Journey's
admirable approach to publicity is to rely on
'word-of-mouth', perhaps this review will help
introduce a wider audience to a wonderful album and
company.
Please be
aware there are a number of piano albums with this
title, so do be sure to select the correct one (the
image of the CD should assist in this, and remember
it is published by Global Journey)
S.C. |