The Undershore

Catherine Marie Charlton | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 6, 2004)
• Original Release Date: August 6, 2004
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: River Dawn Productions
• ASIN: B0002UQ6CY
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #302,076 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. The Undershore

2. The Lonely Cobbler

3. Moon Twist

4. Ocean's Lullaby

5. Butterfly Waltz

6. River Dawn

7. The Asymptote

8. Canyon

9. Shenandoah

10. Edge of Light

11. Springshine

12. Undershore Flow

Editorial Reviews

Tamara Turner, CD Baby

"These multi-dimensional pieces are insightful and beautifully intricate ...the antithesis to rambly, aimless new age frivolity."

Chuck Elliott, 30-year host of

"One of my Top 5 favorite albums for 2004"

See all Editorial Reviews

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars from MainlyPiano.com, December 13, 2004

By 

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

This review is from: The Undershore (Audio CD)

"The Undershore" is Catherine Marie Charlton's fourth album to date, and I think it's her best. The music is complex enough to be interesting with frequent playings at full attention, and soothing enough to be a very pleasant backdrop for other activities. Most of the compositions are solo piano, but several feature Nikkos on flute and/or J. Jody Janetta on percussion. Some of the music is dark and mysterious, and some is lighter and more joyful. Charlton includes her haunting arrangement of "Shenandoah," a piece that she has loved since childhood. A passionate pianist with classical roots as well as a background in jazz improvisation, Charlton's is a strong musical voice. Nikkos' flute blends with and complements the piano beautifully - a compelling duo.

The title track opens the album - a gorgeous piano solo full of emotion and a big, full sound. "The Lonely Cobbler" is about someone so lost in his work that he forgets about friends offering help. Also a solo, it is a very passionate piece with tricky rhythms and a somewhat melancholy mood. "Moon Twist" begins quietly and includes subtle percussion. Deep and mysterious, the middle section transforms into more of a swirling dance, and then trails off at the end. "Ocean's Lullaby" is tranquility, with piano, flute and water sounds - pure peace! "River Dawn" is a 4 1/2 minute version of the 60-minute composition that was Charlton's previous release a couple of years ago. "The Asymptote" is one of the math-inspired pieces that Charlton wrote in college. It refers to a line in math that can be approached, but never reached. On the abstract side, it has a wonderful, sparkling energy. "Edge of Light" is a gorgeous piano and flute duet. Free, and yet structured, I love this one! "Springshine" is a jazzy, upbeat ensemble piece with all three musicians. Light and effervescent, this is joy set to music. The CD closes with "Undershore Flow," an ensemble version of the opening track.

"The Undershore" is a great choice for those who want more complexity and depth to their piano music. Recommended!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, January 7, 2005

By 

A. Anderson (Georgia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Undershore (Audio CD)

This album is absolutely wonderful. All of the tracks are good. The music is rich and powerful. The songs sound complex enough to be interesting and draw you in without sounding like it is just "rambling". It is definately a worthwhile purchase.