Customer Reviews

Presents of Angels

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"Presents of Angels" is the sixth solo piano release from Christopher Boscole, but it is the first of his music that I have heard. It was recently nominated as "Best Album of 2009" by Whisperings Solo Piano Radio, so there is some great buzz being generated about this album. Also an avid sailor and nature photographer, Boscole's music often has the rolling, flowing feeling of being on water and the sense of freedom that goes along with that. Boscole combines the new age, jazz, and classical genres to create a unique musical voice. A composer and performer for more than twenty years, Boscole's music has that effortless flow that comes from spending many years at the piano.

"Presents of Angels" begins with "Once In Time," one of my favorite tracks on the album. Accompanying a nostalgic and dreamy melody line, Boscole makes great use of the lower bass of the piano to create a sense of mystery as well as depth - an impressive beginning! "Country Hymn" comes next. Not really structured as a hymn, the simple honesty and humility of the piece make it suit its title. "The Coming Relevation" is also beautiful. (I wasn't sure if the title was misspelled, so I looked it up, and "relevation" means a rising or lifting up.) A simple, peaceful melody is backed by a more active left hand that seems a bit turbulent. It's a fascinating effect and a great piece! "Angel of Bliss" has a simple right-hand melody with a gently rolling left hand, creating a feeling of utter contentment. I was also curious about "Speebidah," and discovered that it's a town on the Washington State coast. The piece that bears its name is cozy and quaint, and you can again feel the gentle motion of being on the water. "Knights of Gold" is another favorite. Elegant and flowing, its sense of mystery is intriguing. "Purely Simple," as its title implies, is uncomplicated and innocent, and is composed in a 3/4 waltz rhythm. The closing piece, "Once Another Time," is a variation on and expansion of the first track, adding about 3 1/2 minutes.

"Presents of Angels" is a lovely introduction to Christopher Boscole's music! Recommended!

I purchased this CD to download to my I-Pod after hearing one of the tracks on Soundscapes [Cable TV Music station]. It is great to listen to on long flights or before going to sleep. The music is relaxing, not only to me, but surprisingly, to my dog. After noticing his reaction, I began to use it to calm him when I have to leave. No, he doesn't use the I-Pod [no thumbs] he listens to the CD.

Christopher Boscole is the composing artist who enjoys those activities while sail boating near his home in Hawaii. I am sure composing piano music rates among the highest on his list of activities since he currently has 6 albums available. September Songs & Land Of Music are Contemporary Instrumental, while Shimmer, O Christmas Tree, & Presents Of Angels are Solo Piano. I also found his Jazz influenced album Natural Instincts a pretty good performance while combining his talents with other like minded artist in the Instrumental Jazz category.

Christopher is a classically trained pianist having a Bachelor of Arts in music and professional music educator performing for over 20 years now. He is also a Master of Music in Studio Music and Jazz, and holds a Master in Teaching degree, so it won't come as any surprise that you will find these qualities apparent in both his composing skills and music abilities.

Presents Of Angels is his current release, doing well after receiving nomination in 2009 at the online Whisperings Radio. This latest original composition for Solo Piano is in the New Age, Lyrical Folk Piano style of Contemporary Piano. You won't hear any dry music Seascapes, since his studious background apparently provides an effortless grace that rises like a tidal swell, then sails along comfortably with many points of interest during his adventures on the grand piano. The solo performances are gently delivered with vigor and grace, capturing the full range of motion on the piano keyboard, as if he were capturing the full wind in his sails

The 14 songs represent a wide range in tempo and style in a classic setting, bestowing a restful state of repose and contemplation, while also granting exciting moments full of adventure. The song Sailing To You is a good choice since there were many classical thoughts and key changes that held my interest, which pretty much describes the complete solo compositions on this latest album. Just as a person would stand and pull the rope rigging hand over hand on a sailboat, Christopher resides at his piano in a like manner, except this hand over hand crossing motion is a gentle touch of the piano keys, giving a sound impression of ocean waves softly lapping against the hull of a boat.

Christopher's next original Solo Piano release for this fall titled Inner Voyages will undoubtedly reflect his sailing adventures too. I can just picture Christopher composing music for this next album after first charting a direction, hoisting the sails, and then setting the boat rigging. Knowing his piano compositions are set to a gentle ocean breeze, everyone can expect another smooth sailing performance.