Turning

Suzanne Ciani | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 14, 1999)
• Original Release Date: September 14, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Seventh Wave
• ASIN: B00001QGKV
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #124,984 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Turning

2. Ocean Avenue

3. If I Could

4. Yang Ming Shen

5. I Believe in Love

6. Soaring

7. The Enchantress

8. Bird and Fish

9. Lo Mer

10. Waltz for Julia

11. Turning [Instrumental]

12. Midnight Rendezvous

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars from "Wind and Wire", Issue 13, December 8, 1999

By 

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

This review is from: Turning (Audio CD)

Turning is Suzanne Ciani's first studio album of all new material since 1995, and it is wonderful! Long one of my favorite composers to teach as well as listen to, it has been fascinating to see and hear how Suzanne's music has evolved and changed with her own life changes. Now settled into a home on a cliff over the ocean enjoying married bliss, this new collection offers a decidedly serene mellowness that comes from deep within. Turning also offers Suzanne's first recorded song with words - a new phase that she plans to pursue. She teamed up with Taiwanese pop-star Chyi-Yu and composed "Turning" to fit her ethereal singing style. This song has already reached the top of the English-speaking charts in Taiwan, and is being touted as Suzanne's most radio-friendly piece since "Velocity of Love". Chyi-Yu also composed "Bird and Fish", which Suzanne arranged for her band, The Wave - as beautiful and stirring as Chyi-Yu's vocals. Paul McCandless' reed instruments and Matt Eakle's flute add their own magic to many of the tracks, and I was delighted to see cellist Joe Hebert's inclusion on four pieces as well. Bassist Michael Manring and guitarist Teja Bell round out the Wave, and join Suzanne on many of the twelve pieces. "The Enchantress" is the only piano solo piece, but Suzanne's elegant pianism rings clearly through the ensemble work. Synth washes as well as sound samples of the ocean are added to great effect. Along with the title track, I really love "Waltz for Julia", which is a little darker than the other pieces - just a little - but it still soars on the wings of the flute and oboe! "Yang Ming Shen", named for a national park in Taiwan that Suzanne visited in her Asian travels inspires with its musical depiction of the majesty of misty green mountains."Midnight Rendezvous" offers a bittersweet closing, with McCandless making the sax weep in tune with the gentle sadness of the piano. Suzanne's fans will not be disappointed with this very personal and satisfying collection of work. It was well-worth the wait !

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Powerful and Expressive Album, September 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Turning (Audio CD)

It's here and well worth the wait. Suzanne Ciani's 11th album, "Turning" offers a variety of expressive musical offerings. Joining Suzanne on this album is the return of her super jazz band, the Wave. They were featured on her last album, Suzanne Ciani and the Wave - Live! Her band includes Paul McCandless of Oregon and the Bela Fleck band, Matt Eakle from The David Grisman Quartet, bass legend Michael Manring, and guitarist Teja Bell. She is also joined by violinist, Steve Kindler and cellist, Joe Hébert. This album was recorded at Suzanne's Ocean Avenue Studio. Lets take a brief tour of this impressive album.

There is no doubt that the most powerful song on this album is the title track, "Turning." This is Suzanne's first song that is based around lyrics and vocal. Taiwanese pop superstar, Chyi-Yu provides the vocal for this song. Suzanne's first song with lyrics is about the circles of relationships and the quest for love and commitment. It is a powerful piece of music. There is an instrumental version (Track 11) on this album too.

Her next song, Ocean Avenue is like taking a peaceful walk along a seaside town. You may want to pop that song into your Sony Discman. "If I could" is another nice song on this album.

Yang Ming Shen (my favorite) is a very beautiful, heartfelt song. Steve Kindler's violin really tugs on your heartstrings. The mood of this song is very moving and nostalgic. My wife and I found ourselves in tears after hearing it.

I Believe in Love could be a sequel to several Ciani love songs. It has the elements of Velocity of Love, Love Song, and Time Stops all rolled up in one song.

This high-flying song, Soaring shows the chemistry and harmony between Suzanne and her band. A lot of imagery can be found in that song.

Suzanne's only piano solo, The Enchantress is very captivating and mystic. The sound quality is interesting. You can lightly hear the "thumps" of the damper and sustain pedals on her piano. You can close your eyes and almost vision a very petite woman playing passionately on a grand piano.

Bird and Fish is another interesting piece. The music sounds like a motion picture soundtrack from an Asian epic.

The song, La Mer captures some echoes from the past. Those of you might remember Suzanne's first album, Seven Waves. She began producing this historic recording in a small studio in New York City twenty years ago. Just like the songs in Seven Waves, La Mer captures the beauty of the waves.

When I heard A Waltz for Julia, it made me think about the beauty of winter under a cloudy sky.

The last track on this album, Midnight Rendezvous is another moving song. It reminded me about a moment in time when I gave a final embrace to a special person before departing our separate ways. Not knowing if I would see that person again.

See what this album will do to you? It helps bring images from the past as well as the present. The only part that I miss on this album is her liner notes on each song. That is minor, compared to the quality of the music that is offered on this album.

Suzanne's new musical style reminds me of a group that was really popular in the last seventies. The Paul Winter Consort released a song that got a lot of radio play called "Icarus." The magic of that style is found in most of her songs. Ciani fans as well as new listeners will cherish this album. This recording has the caliber of a Grammy winning album compared to her third album, Neverland.

Purchase this album and you will find yourself "turning" and "yearning" for more.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Turning - Suzanne Ciani, January 20, 2000

By 

DEBBIE (Wisconsin, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Turning (Audio CD)

This is the most BEAUTIFUL CD....I had the opportunity to hear it the first time at my 4 year old daughters ballet class the beginning of January....it would be impossible not to feel peaceful and graceful just listening! When life gives you lemons listen to Suzanne Ciani's Turning....even without the need for escape or relaxation.....this is incredible....I wish I could find someone to lay around on a Sunday afternoon and escape with me! BUY IT - YOU'LL LOVE IT!