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SONG
TITLES
1. Early Morning Snowfall
2. Every Day
3. Incandescence
4. Amber Waves
5. Misty Dreams
6. Dark Matter
7. Your Good Pleasure |
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8. November
9. Majoring in the Minors
10. Tear Down These Walls
11. Live Your
Life Today
12. Sweetness & Light
13. Hearts Stronger Than Steel |
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| Chuck
Brown is a prolific songwriter and solo pianist. His first
solo piano disc, "Unadorned" (1997), garnered great
reviews and decent airplay. The second disc. "Breathe" (2000), found immediate acceptance in radio, appearing in
the Top 60 for national airplay in the charts of New Age Voice
magazine.Four
years later, he returns with "Incandescence" (2004),
a lush, rich, melodic collection of solo piano performances,
with select cuts featuring tasty orchestra accompaniment.
Included in the disc is "Hearts Stronger Than Steel",
his tribute to the heroic police and firemen of the 9/11 disaster,
written just 3 days after the event. The song features an
intense, anthemic guitar solo played by Brown himself. |
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REVIEWS |
"Incandescence"is
Chuck Brown’s third solo piano release, and his ninth album
to date. Comfortable working in many styles and genres of music,
Brown’s piano style is easy and relaxed without resorting
to ear candy. Some of the thirteen tracks are piano only, and
others have string arrangements by Steve Bashaw. Brown also
adds embellishments on electric guitar, bass, electric piano,
and drums. Several of the pieces were composed as songs with
lyrics, so there is a very strong sense of melody. The music
is intended "for those who are going through tough times
due to illness, loss of loved ones, or any other type of personal
pain," providing a warm and soothing respite. More reflective
than melancholy, the music contains feelings of hope and comfort
- like a nice long musical hug. All
of the compositions are very easy and pleasant to listen to,
but "Majoring In the Minors" really stands out for
me. More rhythmic and upbeat than the other tracks, I find
myself going back to it again and again. The title refers
to the shifting from minor to major modes, not baseball! I
also really like "Dark Matter," a somber and somewhat
mysterious piece that is more orchestrated than most of the
tracks. Mournful and deeply moving, it’s a real beauty.
"Early Morning Snowfall" opens the CD, a light and
gentle piece full of warmth and comfort. The title track shimmers
with a tranquil flow. "Misty Dreams" is an optimistic
piano solo, serene and delicate, that seems to reassure that
everything is going to be okay. "Sweetness and Light"
is also warm and sunny with a lovely melody and gentle strings
in the background. "Hearts Stronger Than Steel"
was composed a couple of days after the 9/11 disaster, and
is a tribute to the heroes who sacrificed their own lives
to save others. The melting of the steel beams brought the
buildings down, but "not the noble hearts of these heroes."
The electric guitar and rhythm track intensify the piece,
but seem just a bit out of place in the context of the rest
of the CD. It’s a powerful and emotional piece, just
not as soothing and peaceful as most of the rest of the album. "Incandescence" is a very enjoyable listening experience, and can be purchased
from www.chuckbrown.com, cdbaby.com, and amazon.com. The cover
artwork is also exceptional!
Kathy
Parsons
Solo Piano
Publications
11/12/04 |
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CUSTOMER
COMMENTS ABOUT THE ALBUM |
| "[My
husband] put Chuck's CD in my CD player without telling
me...which is no big deal EXCEPT when I hit Play the most
beautiful sounds filled my kitchen. What a blessing! I
WILL share this CD with friends, making them sign a promise
of their first born if I don't get it back..." -
Debby |
| "Helluva
great album...your best yet." - Fred |
| "This
album has been awarded a rating of A+++ by a distinguished
panel of 'judge'." - Ann |
| "Today
I am unpacking, and doing my "stuff" around
the house and your beautiful CD is playing and it is making
me very happy. Just love it. My kind of music." - Sue |
| "I
was getting back to EBA work today and slipped the CD
Incandescence into my Honda CD drive. I was immediately
refreshed. It is lovely and relaxing. Thanks." - Bruce |
| "I
really like that CD...the music is great for Sunday a.m.
listening. Very relaxing." - Lynn |
"I
fell in love with the song 'Dark Matter'. I later listened
to it at home and it moved me to tears. His mission of
using music as a means to soothe the soul has been accomplished
with me."
- Jane |
| "You
should be proud, you expose your heart very well." - Joe |
| "Very
comforting and peaceful music!" - Tracy |
| "I
love your melodies, Chuck. But being a guitar player I
also really enjoy the chord progressions and the contrasting
of majors and minors that you use. Thanks for an enjoyable
experience." - Jim |
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