Customer Reviews

Common Places

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I happened by accident (is there ever an accident?) to have the Soundscapes channel on my digital cable and one of the most beautiful pieces of music I have heard in years played. The song was called "Common Places" by an artist named Starr Parodi from the CD of the same name. I was instantly moved beyond words. In the past few months I have heard three musical statements that have touched my soul deeply: Mychael Danna's soundtrack to the film "Water", Maneesh De Moor's CD "Sadhana" with the incredibly haunting piano piece "Pure Essence", and as of tonight Starr Parodi's "Common Places". The emotion in Starr's playing reminds me of the depth of my late mother Barbara's piano playing. Memories of those I have loved and lost pour into me and I am touched by that longing (en Espanol "Anello")that reminds us of our eternality. Shades of George Winston, Bruce Hornsby, and Keith Jarrett.
What beauty! Thank you.
Om Sai Ram, Om Shanti Shanti Shanti.

I recently heard several cuts from Starr Parodi's CD Common Places on "Echos", an NPR radio program that plays electronic and other types of Space music. It stood out because it was solo piano. But what really captured me, was Starr's musical style. Her music is captivating and haunting and will instantly transport you to another place, another time. Since there are no words, I recommend playing this CD as background music in the home, car, or office. It will calm you and take you on a journey. You will also notice re-occuring themes in the music, where familiarity will bring you full circle, back to a place you once were. Enjoy!

First and foremost, I can't explain to you how great it is to finally listen to a musician that knows her stuff!!! The more and more I listen to it, I became completely entranced, and amazed, especially with the way that she and producer Jeff Fair collaborated. Mrs. Parodi definitely knows her music, and I'm so glad that I bought this CD! Definitely worth the money!:P

Listening to this album is a transcendent experience. It can take you to a very calm place within yourself, or take you back to the 70's. With this collection of songs Starr opens up her heart, so much so that I sometimes feel like I'm eavesdropping. I highly recommend this for anyone who appreciates evocative music. While the title may be "common," this music is anything but. I love this CD!

What an entertaining and moving compilation of songs performed by pianist Starr Parodi. Her version of the Buffalo Springfield song, "For What It's Worth" takes this classic tune to a more joyous and contemporary level than one could ever imagine. I highly recommend this great album.

"Parodi's pianistic sense and delivery go way beyond creative. Words that come to mind while listening to Common Places include imaginative, courageous, dynamic, passionate, gutsy, pensive, restrained, and euphoric. I'm thoroughly entranced by the whole experience."- Mark Vail, Keyboard Magazine

Common Places is a beautifully recorded collection of intimate solo piano improvisations that will mesh well in any New Age shop. - Randy Alberts New Age Retailer

"This deeply passionate and beautiful recording is one of the best albums of the year." - Chris Douridas, NPR New Ground

"Her performance and interpretations are innovative and yet classic and this is definitely a CD I will be playing for years to come." - Gemma Dempsey, KCRW Music

"Common Places is an inspired, engaging work with a singular vision that demonstrates the depth and breadth of Parodi's influences, and clearly conveys her artistic voice, her insights and her virtuosity." - Matt Gallagher, Mix

"Stephen Stills' late-60s classic, "For What It's Worth" ...retained the dark intensity of the original in Parodi's gripping interpretation." - Don Heckman, LA Times

"I get a lot of piano music so it takes something really unique to get my attention. Starr Parodi got it on the first cut. Her pensive title tune Common Places on the album of the same name has that drifting aimlessly about feel to it that allows your mind to wander to special places." - RJ Lannan New Age Reporter

"A stunning new album." - MI6: The Home of James Bond 007

"The understated beauty of `Common Places' and `Kenya', Starr Parodi had us captivated from the first note to the last. One thing is for certain, she really is a `Starr' in the making..." - Michael Beek Music From the Movies

"Unexpectedly refreshing...interesting original melodies and energized interpretations." - Jeff Berkwits, Illinois Entertainer

"Parodi's improvisation is lovely." - John Sunier, Audiophile Audition

"Common Places is anything but common and listeners who take the time to pay attention will not be disappointed."- Sari N. Kent, The Celebrity Café

"Powerful, romantic, visual, engaging, imaginative and dynamic -- it is an album in touch with the soul of the piano and upon listening will touch you in yours. Essential!" - Mike Sargent, WBAI Niteshiftz

"Starr Parodi's style is both innovative and unique. You can really feel the emotion in her playing. She's a class act."
- Mark Gordon, KXLU Center Stage

"Her enthusiasm for her music is apparent, and the music is energetic and original." - April Adams, KSFR Soundtrax

"Fantastic!" - Alice O'Neill, Hollywood Behind the Scenes

What a relief and joy to listen to work uncomplicated by over-the-top doodads, super effects, and gimmicks. This music and musican is decorated with straight-forward honesty, power, talent, and HEART quietly enhanced by producer Jeff Fair...the best recipe for any artist's work! All I can tell you is that I begin listening with my mind in the typical daily buzing mode most of us share, but by the last track I am so much more centered while feeling empowered by the infectious, confident, strength of the playing combined with such sensitivity. Ms. Parodi comunicates. And her message is so worth listening to...over and over again.
Shay A., Agoura Hills, CA