Customer Reviews

Overcome

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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.

"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!

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.

"Overcome" won the "Best Instrumental Piano Album of 2005" at the Lifestyle Music Awards. There's no question that this album deserves that kind of recognition. I agree with the previous reviewer that David Nevue is among the very best of solo pianists in the "New Age" category, and there are many very good ones. What makes him stand out for me is the consistency of his pieces that are each nevertheless unique; they all have a nice melodic theme, and I think his sense of harmony and timing is outstanding. For someone who was essentially self-taught, with hardly any formal training, his composition and playing skills are all the more extraordinary.

David Nevue's melodies and playing exude a simplicity, passion and grace that are remarkable. I best enjoyed the title track, `The Vigil,' and `It is Well With My Soul,' but I can (and do) get into every song. It's a rarity when every track on a CD is enjoyable, but I can listen to this CD over and over and never get tired of any song. I own several of his CDs, and while I greatly enjoy them all, this one reflects a growth and power that deserves all the praise it has received.

Wow!! Where has David Nevue been all my life. I stumbled across this CD on Amazon. Have to say that the excerpts were good but don't even do justice to this powerful CD. I've played it so often at home that my family has banned it for awhile. (I'll keep playing in my car and when they aren't around.) I'll definitely be buying other CDs by David.