Wind Chimes

Greg Maroney | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 9, 2005)
• Original Release Date: April 9, 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Hen House Records
• ASIN: B00092HOQW
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,645 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #36 in Music > Indie Music > Pop > General
  • #88 in Music > Indie Music > New Age > General

Editorial Reviews

At our farmhouse in central Pennsylvania hang many wind chimes. From long, deep-timbered wood chimes to tinkly, quick-sounding metal chimes. Each day, they are hanging in the same place, yet each day, they sound different. The direction of the wind, its velocity, the thickness of the air, my mood, all contribute to how I hear the ever-changing combinations and layers of sound. And so it is with the music. One day, a set of chord progressions will lead to a sweet, melodic interpretation. At another sitting, the same set may be melancholy – with layers of minor harmonies and explorations of the bass keys. A simple fragment of a melody may take off in an entirely new direction as I recall a different scene or emotion that gives it a new color and path. Some of these fragments appear in more than one song, but each travels through its unique combination of patterns, layers and direction and ultimately, the exploration of the song’s spirit. And as always, the circle of fifths brings me back to Linda – my companion, friend and wife.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars from MainlyPiano.com, May 2, 2005

By 

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

This review is from: Wind Chimes (Audio CD)

"Wind Chimes" is Greg Maroney's fifth solo piano album to date, and he an artist who gets better with each new release despite the fact that all of his previous releases were great! His easy grace at the piano comes from a lifelong relationship with the instrument that allows him to communicate whatever emotion or event he chooses in a way that seems as natural as talking. Maroney draws the inspiration for his music from his natural surroundings, life experiences, and the people in his life. On this album, he refers to the many sets of wind chimes that hang at his farmhouse in rural Pennsylvania - how they are always in the same places, but how the sounds change from day to day depending on the wind, the thickness of the air, and his own moods. Music (and all forms of creativity and artistry) is much the same. On one day, a set of chords will go in a lighthearted direction, but the next day they could become very dark and moody. Maroney expresses many moods and emotions on "Wind Chimes," but overall, this music is upbeat, contented, and very beautiful.

The CD opens with "Dance of the Imagination," a gracefully swirling piece that has a lovely rubato flow that feels much like a daydream. I love "Breathe," a slightly more abstract, ambient piece that also swirls and dances, but is a little darker and much more passionate - just gorgeous! "Dancing Dogs" has a Baroque style and a theme and variations form. The main theme is played straight; the first variation is a little livelier and more embellished as it picks up the pace. As the piece evolves, it gets faster and more and more fun - these are some happy dogs! "Sanctuary Medley" is a bit more stately and classical. The first movement is hymn-like in its formality, but the second has a beautifully free flowing quality, perhaps suggesting two different types of sanctuary. "Spring Breeze" is another standout with its peaceful, gentle warmth - refreshing! "Haunting Beauty" reminds me a bit of "The Reluctant Ballerina," one of my favorite tracks from Maroney's "Harmony Grove" album - very elegant and graceful. I also especially like "Sailing to Atlantis," which is more mysterious and dramatic. As the title implies, one senses adventure and moving forward into the unknown. "Taking Wing" sings of freedom and joyous exhilaration.

Greg Maroney has outdone himself once again. One of my favorite pianist/composers, his music is always a delight to listen to and absorb. I'm sure this album would be fine as background music, but give yourself a treat and crank up the volume and listen to a pianist who really knows what he's doing! Recommended!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb, March 3, 2011

By 

C. M. Thuell "photographer" (St. Helena, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Wind Chimes (Audio CD)

Simply put, this CD, start to finish is absolutely fantastic. It transports you to a peaceful, soothing and happy place. Fill your house with this music and be swept away. Thank You Greg!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Calming Retreat, January 18, 2007

By 

Rebecca Johnson "The Rebecca Review" (Washington State) - See all my reviews
(COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Wind Chimes (Audio CD)

Melodious comfort drifts through opaque words of crystalline perfection. That is to say, the clarity of the piano on "Wind Chimes" is especially beautiful and elegant. This is an energetic, yet calming. Sanctuary Melody makes me feel especially healed and nurtured emotionally.

As the album progresses, all your stress lifts off your shoulders and you start to feel spiritually cleansed and emotionally healed.

"Spring Breeze" is stunning and like every album, the music on this one retunes the soul. "Haunting Beauty" is especially profound.

I have rarely heard a piano played with such a deeply intuitive quality all while the music retains an element of fresh natural beauty. Greg Maroney's playing takes your heart to new levels and is a peaceful retreat. I have fallen asleep on many nights with his music wandering in my dreams.

~The Rebecca Review