Overcome

David Nevue | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 1, 2005)
• Original Release Date: January 1, 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Midnight Rain Productions
• ASIN: B0007KX2IU
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #35,054 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #10 in Music > Indie Music > Jazz > New Age

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars from MainlyPiano.com, May 2, 2005

By 

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

This review is from: Overcome (Audio CD)

"Overcome" is David Nevue's ninth solo piano CD, and comes from the emotional journey of losing his father in the fall of 2003. Nevue emphasizes in the liner notes that the focus of the album is not sadness or sorrow, but the process of passing through it. A deeply religious man, and the son of a street preacher/evangelist known as "Brother Hallelujah" to those he preached to in Africa, Nevue includes his arrangements of five hymns and praise songs as well as ten new pieces and a new arrangement of "The Vigil," which was the title track of his 1999 CD and the piece he opens every performance with. Several of the pieces are very intense and convey the mix of emotions that comes with the death of a loved one. Some are quite dark, but the hymns bring light and a sense of healing. The last two tracks are much more upbeat and peaceful, having "overcome" the grieving process and making it through to the other side.

The title track is a very dark, powerful piece, full of deep emotion - one of Nevue's best, I think. "Winter Walk" is another favorite. The crystalline opening notes in the upper register are chilly and clear. The rest of the piece is more introspective with the leisurely pace of a long walk to think things through and to just let yourself feel. The feeling is very sad, but not without hope. "Treasure Falls" is another beauty, although it is much lighter in feel. Alternately introspective and almost dancelike, it reflects a contrast of emotions. "Broken" is again very solemn and deeply emotional, as are "A Moment Lost" and "When the Hard Rains Come." "Words Left Unsaid" is another favorite. Nevue calls it "a lament," and the sense of regret is palpable. "Walking In Shadow" is based on a verse from the 23rd Psalm, and is very dark, indeed, but a feeling of hope breaks through in passages, again contrasting some very different emotions. "The Old Country Church" was composed for Nevue's father, who loved good-time gospel music. It isn't exactly joyful, but as the song develops, it is going in that direction. Nevue's arrangements include a lovely version of "As the Deer" as well as his personal interpretations of "It Is Well With My Soul," "Take My Life and Let It Be," "There Is a Redeemer," and "Psalm 5."

As an artist, David Nevue keeps reaching new heights by setting his life experience and faith to music. His music is not complicated or flashy, but comes from deep within, letting us know him and his heart in a way that words would never do. "Overcome" is amazing in its candor and openness. Very highly recommended!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stellar album from one of the best solo pianists composing today, February 14, 2007

By 

Monica J. Kern (Lexington, KY United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Overcome (Audio CD)

David Nevue is, in my opinion, one of the best solo pianists in the nebulous
category of "neo-classical" or "new age" music. His work is easily on a level
comparable to that of David Lanz, Stanton Lanier, and George Winston. One
aspect of Nevue's compositions that make them stand out against many new age
pianists is that his pieces tend to have very strong, memorable melodies. In
other words, a criticism often heard (and occasionally fairly earned) of new
age music is that it is 'elevator music' or 'sounds all alike.' David Nevue's
work does NOT sound all alike, and it is definitely not elevator music. His
pieces convey an emotional intensity that is unusual to find in this genre.

This particular album, "Overcome," is even more emotionally intense than his
previous work. According to the liner notes and his web site, Nevue composed
these pieces in the aftermath of his father's death, and an atmosphere of regret
and abiding love permeates the pieces. The standout, in my opinion, is the title
track. Intense, sad, perhaps even slightly ominous, arpeggios in the treble are
counteracted by unrelenting bass hand runs. The piece progresses to a clash of
chords, and then the main theme emerges again, quietly and this time peacefully. It
is my favorite of all of David Nevue's pieces. Other favorite tracks of mine on
this album include The Vigil, Variations, Winter Walk, and Walking in Shadow-- but
every piece on the album is strong, and it encourages repeated listening.

Lastly, for any pianist out there who may be interested, Nevue makes available for
purchase the sheet music for many of these pieces on his web site. I know that I enjoy
greatly the opportunity to learn to play music that I enjoy listening to. I can't (yet)
play "Overcome" as smoothly and with as much emotion as Nevue does, but it has been a
rewarding effort.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great CD! I found a new favorite!, January 9, 2007

By 

Rose (Sacramento, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Overcome (Audio CD)

His CD reminded me of another one of my favorite pianists, George Winston. The CD is beautifully done and I love all the songs especially "Winter Walk." It makes me want to put lyrics to it. His style is original and not like the norm. I highly recommend this CD to anyone who enjoys the serenity and peacefulness of the piano with an inspirational twist.