Customer Reviews

Looking Glass

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"The Looking Glass" is, quite simply, one of the finest CDs I own. Paul Cardall is an extremely talented pianist, and here he showcases 14 original compositions on a 48 minute disc.

The music was written for a novel of the same name by Richard Paul Evans. Piano lovers need not necessarily be book lovers too, for this CD more than holds its own without its literary counterpart. Indeed, I have never heard of the author, never mind read the book, and in no way do I feel that my enjoyment has been affected in any way.

What beautiful piano music! This CD has that oh so rare quality of being an absolute joy to listen to from beginning to end. It is not often that I like every single track on any CD, but I certainly do here. For a 14 track CD, this is nothing short of amazing. Indeed, it is very hard to select favourites. Mention must go, however, to the first track which certainly has that "captivating the listener" quality. Other highlights include tracks 2, 5 and 10.

Piano is the lead instrument in all the tracks, with some lightly orchestrated.

The back cover photograph of the pianist suggests he is a very young man. For such a relative newcomer to the music-scene to write such a mature and fabulous CD, makes this release all the more special. I certainly look forward to hearing future works by Paul Cardall.

A first class piano album. I give it my highest possible recommendation.

This is a great album, I'm 22 and this is my favorite album I've ever heard. Paul cardall is beyond talented, he plays from his heart. He has a way to put his soul into each piece of music that comes out of the piano. I haven't written reviews before this and I'm a longtime customer of amazon.com but I had to reccomend this CD. The story in the cover corresponds with the music and talks about the story without saying a single word...

When I listen to Paul Cardall's music, I hear the influences of George Winston, Jim Brickman, even Chopin. However, the style is very much Cardall's own. The Looking Glass is a wonderful collection of mostly original romantic piano music. Cardall's use of small ensemble (mostly strings) adds texture and depth to his musical arrangements. This is music that truly washes over the listener. Don't ask me how Cardall's music can be both soothing and soul stirring, but that is the effect it has on me, especially the tracks entitled "The Dream", "The Woman in the Snow", and "The Looking Glass". This CD is a must for those listeners who enjoy quiet piano music. Highest recommendation.

It is so nice at the end of the day, while I'm in the middle of the traffic flow, to put on this cd. Any minor stress, pressure, or wieght in my mind seems to fade as I absorb the music. It seems to me that there are too many new age albums where the artist tries to out do some other artist by adding another instrument here or there. Paul obviously does his own thing and only worries about simplicity which is really refreshing.

I bought the album and love it until my wife stole it from me for her drive to and from work. This is a really great album. I am anxious to get more of Paul's stuff. Each song is unique and beautifully composed. I like, "The Release" and his version of Amazing Grace with "Redeeming Love".

This is a very good CD. It was recorded in a way that makes the piano and the esemble feel very real.

But the real feature of this CD is Paul Cardall's music. You will be moved, feel the pain and sadness, the love, the lost and in the end will love this music.

Paul is one the most moving pianist I have ever heard. Each note is played from his soul. I recently had the opportunity to hear him play in person and meet him afterward. His entire collection is outstanding.

I love The Looking Glass. It is the kind of music that can be played over and over again without becoming tiresome or irritating. Perfect music for contemplation, study or simply relaxing.

The Looking Glass is one of the best new age piano albums I've heard in a long time. Paul Cardall's simple approach to creative writing and performance is inspiring. Each piece is full of depth and beauty. An incredible album!

I realized when I was four songs into this album that I was still waiting for it to finsh getting started and go somewhere. Paul is an excellent pianist, and he certainly has the New Age Piano technique down. Unfortunately, he does nothing with it. His melodies are simple, and he does little to embellish on them once presented. Rather, he focuses on repetition with slightly varied flourishes. The most interesting piece is "Hunter's Heart" which is so close to David Lanz's "Desert Rain" as to be considered a cover. Paul will be an interesting composer to watch, once his skills mature.