The Blue Light

Seth Kaufman | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (December 15, 2005)
• Original Release Date: October 15, 1994
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Cascadilla Records
• ASIN: B000A7HF4M
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #311,283 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #86 in Music > Indie Music > Jazz > New Age

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars from MainlyPiano.com, February 3, 2006

By 

Kathy Parsons (Florence, OR United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Blue Light (Audio CD)

Pianist/composer Seth Kaufman has remastered and re-released his first two albums as a prelude to the long-awaited release of an album of new material in March `06. "The Blue Light" was Kaufman's second release and made its debut in 1994. As with his other albums, there is a variety of playing styles - some serene and peaceful with others being bigger, bolder, and more dramatic. Kaufman's classical training is evident, as is his background in jazz, but his musical voice is his own. Plus, he has playing chops to die for! The music was inspired by various sources, including a one-act play that he scored, literature, and, of course, life itself. I thoroughly enjoyed reviewing "Circling Noon" and "Red Descending" a few years ago, and am delighted that this incredible artist has resurfaced with lots of new (and not-so-new) music!

"Stadium" opens the CD with a burst of pianistic energy. Excitement and a feeling of bigness run through the piece. "First Moment" comes from the score of "Savage/Love," a play written by Sam Shepard and Joseph Chaikin. The piece effectively alternates between themes that are wistful and dreamy to upbeat and anxious, creating something of a dialog. It's a fascinating piece that tells a story as it evolves. "Thursday" comes from a passage in Tony Morrison's novel, "Jazz," that muses about the satisfaction and comfort of that day of the week. Thoughtful and reflective, this piece is almost a ballad. "Chambers of the Sea" is a favorite. Inspired by a poem by T.S. Eliot, themes range from peaceful to turbulent, but the piece is mostly dark, dramatic, and very passionate - I'd love to be able to play this one! "Strolling A Suspension Bridge" switches gears to light and carefree - you can almost feel the warmth of the sun with a gentle breeze blowing through your hair. Another favorite is "Dark Blue," a mournfully sad piece with a lively theme in the middle that keeps it from descending to the depths of despair. "The Rainy Years" blows me away with how its emotional changes flow so seamlessly from one to another - absolutely amazing and utterly compelling. I love it! "Farewells" is warm and a little sad, as the title implies - a lovely piece. Parts of it become very intense, demonstrating several kinds of "farewells." "Sunset Park" features wordless vocals by Mimi Pasek that are layered over the piano - a very effective close to an outstanding album.

"The Blue Light" is an excellent addition to any piano lover's collection. Seth Kaufman is one of the best pianists out there, and I can't wait to hear his new music! Highly recommended!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If I could give 6 stars, I would., May 20, 2006

By 

Jamie (New England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Blue Light (Audio CD)

Seth Kaufman is a brilliant pianist. I watched him perform at Cornell when my daughter studied there. I have all his cds - even after 100s of replays, they are magical. Blue Light, amongst his earlier compositions captures the serenity and beauty of the gorges and the area. Circling Noon and Red Descending his more recent work have jazz overtones, Red Descending especially. His music has evolved and each cd makes for a wonderful gift to yourself or anyone else. There isn't a pianist as talented as Seth Kaufman.

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant and moving, July 14, 2006

By 

C. E. Barnes - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Blue Light (Audio CD)

I had never heard of Seth Kaufman until he played at our Cornell graduation in 1994. After that moving performance, I immediately went out and purchased this album. Twelve years later, I am still moved to tears by the compositions on The Blue Light. I am so glad to that I decided to look him up on the Internet, discovering that he has other albums. I will be ordering them today, and I look forward to listening for years to come.