Customer Reviews

Love

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

 

 

It's probably inappropriate to jump up and down and shout, "WOW!" about an album as mellow as this one, but (in a mellow sort of way) I'm very enthusiastic about this latest release. John Boswell has the incredible ability to create music that is strongly evocative without being maudlin or cloying and this album, in my opininon, is one of his strongest. There are five cuts of strictly piano solo music in this album for all you Boswell solo piano purists and a variety of ensemble cuts that enhance his piano artistry without being as dominant as in his "Count Me In" album. The single vocal cut on the album, "When You Take My Hand", caused me concern before I listened to it because I was afraid it would detract from an otherwise instrumental artist's true strengths. AFTER listening, however, I only wished I could have had this song to play for my wife on our 20th wedding anniversary earlier this year. I played it for her at the earliest appropriate opportunity and we both became disgustingly sentimental...in a positive sort of way, of course. If it's been a while since you and your significant other have spent time just being with each other with no agenda, a fire in the fireplace and your favorite mellow beverage (I recommend hot chocolate), buy this album and do it NOW!

I have to admit that I expected a lot of cliches from this album, but find that the more I listen to it, the more I "Love" it! It is so sincere, warm, and honest that it deepens with each listening rather than wearing thin.

The set opens with "Whispers", a wordless vocal duet with Julie Last and Boswell accompanied by piano - sweet and subtle. The majority of the fourteen tracks are solo piano, and what gems they all are! Boswell's playing style is fuller and more complex than many pianists of the genre, but it is never overblown or showy. "Recollection" is gentle and wistful. "Heartdance" is a swirling ensemble piece with piano, bass, guitar, and English horn. "Love Letter No. 1", "I'll Meet You There", and "Toujours" are piano solos without reproach - what open and pure emotion flows through these simple pieces. Cellist Martin Tillman makes a wonderful duet partner on the gentle and tender "Love", and also plays on "When You Take My Hand". The latter piece features Julie Last singing the lyrics she penned to Boswell's lovely and moving melody. "Absence" returns to solo piano with an aching quality - poignance set to music. "Secrets Revealed" explores the tentativeness and then exhilaration of letting someone really close.

"Love" is a winner - don't miss it!

I first heard this album on the "Hearts of Space" program, and was drawn in by the "Secrets Revealed" cut. Although this is still my favorite cut, I have grown to love each song on this album. The album offers a space where you can go to peel away the cares of the day...decompress from the kids, the work, and the noise. John has created a healing acoustic environment into which you can escape to find relief for your frazzled nerves. Thank you John for this food for the soul!!

This CD arrived today and I am on my second listening as I type this review. I love it. It is just what the doctor ordered. Soft, relaxing, yet never a dull moment.

If this e-world has you over amped, distracted, in need of a place to find a few moments of respite; look no further.

If you are reading this you know how special his earlier works were (The Painter) due to his beautiful piano playing. Over time, unfortunately, John has moved towards more vocals and non-piano accompaniment. I miss his piano playing. Although there are brief moments of his former self, I was rather let down that where he was able to achieve so much expression with just the piano in the past, now with vocals and other instruments it failed to inspire or materialize. I love his music and even have learned to play a song of his (The Painter song 2) on the piano myself just from listening. I hope that John will go back to his roots and give us another solo piano CD that can lift my heart the way The Painter, parts of Kindred Spirits, and Count Me In did.

John Boswell and his music are a gift to our time. His exquisite ability to interpret and express life through his music touches my heart and soul. I have all of hia albums and just listened to this latest release "Love". I am playing it constantly. What a winner! It has the potential to live on indefinitely, along with the works of our great composers of the past.

Get high, get drunk, but do not listen to this music in a suicidal mood. Make love, make fun and when it's done ask for help with the clean up.