Roots - The Solo Piano Album [Single, Live]

Laurie Z | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 31, 1997)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Single, Live
• Label: Zebra Productions, Inc.
• ASIN: B000005I2R
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #250,286 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Laurie Z ~ Music to my ears, August 6, 2000

By 

Amy (Napa, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Roots - The Solo Piano Album (Audio CD)

Laurie Z has released 3 albums, the first 2 being with other instruments complementing her keyboard talents, but this album, Roots, is her solo piano album and it is beautiful. I love her other albums as well, but this album is one you can put on and totally lose yourself in...I have seen her perform live in Southern California as well as in San Francisco, and once you see the passion in Laurie's playing , you will fall in love with her and her music. My absolute favorite is "For The Love Of A Child" which by the way, she created from scratch with the suggestions of notes and themes from the audience at one of her concerts! This lady is talented, not to mention down to earth and always willing to listen and talk to her fans. You will not be disappointed with this album

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From Wind and Wire, Issue 3, January 26, 2000

By 

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

This review is from: Roots - The Solo Piano Album (Audio CD)

For awhile it seemed that many of the solo piano albums being released were safe and predictable, and it was becoming increasingly more difficult to tell one artist from another. This past year has brought forth some excellent surprises, but some of these outstanding albums might be difficult to find. One that is especially deserving of the search is Laurie Z's newest release, "Roots". I love this album! This is Laurie's third recording, after "Window to the World" and "Life Between the Lines" which were made with her band. "Roots" is an autobiography set to music, and clearly demonstrates Laurie's diverse and deeply personal composing styles as well as her mastery of the piano. A classically-trained pianist since the age of four, her touch is warm and expressive.

The album opens with "Stranger in a Familiar Land", which is one of my favorites. It is full of passion and perhaps a sense of questioning or wonder. "Michael's Song" is more subdued, but has its own wonderful flow. "In the Monterey Mist" feels just like the title - cool and soft with no hard edges. "For the Love of a Child" conveys a real sense of joyfulness and fun in its uptempo melodic swirls. "The Mysterious Painter" is another piece I love. It is a little darker, but is also passionate and somewhat questioning. "From the Ashes" is a study in optimism, and is again much more uptempo. "Dream Come True" returns to a quiet mood, but a happy and peaceful one. The title tune has a classical touch and lots of colorful minor chords. The feelings expressed are almost unsettling at times because they are so clear and real. A great surprise is "Too Blue", which fits in perfectly, but is different from the other cuts with its bluesy/gospel style. It hints that Laurie Z can get "down and dirty" at the piano with the best of them! The last cut, "Good Night, My Friend" is like a warm and personal conversation with a close friend at the conclusion of an evening you wished didn't have to end. The other three pieces on the album continue to intrigue the ears and emotions with their blend of passion and peace, as well as their flowing melodies. Everything about this album rings true and real, and I hope it is the first of many solo piano recordings from this dynamic composer and artist.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Roots, June 21, 2000

By 

Dottie Corley (Oklahoma City) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Roots - The Solo Piano Album (Audio CD)

I've always thought that music is a language in itself, and Laurie Z speaks as if it were her mother tongue. This CD will touch your soul. My favorite cut is The River, which makes me want to weep every time I hear it -- which is a lot, because I keep this CD on my computer disk drive. This CD will covers a whole gamut of emotions, from the delightfully upbeat For the Love of a Child, to the blues of Too Blue. I can't wait for Laurie's next solo piano CD!