Customer Reviews

Within

5 star:		(76)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

There were only three things that I heard about this CD in advance, and the combination of them made me want a copy immediately; 1)William is a virtuoso pianist, 2)He's the current opening act on Josh Groban's tour, 3)His debut CD was produced by David Foster. I have learned in years gone by, if Mr Foster is behind something, I'm more than likely going to love it, and I was definitely not disappointed with this release. "Within" is a spectacular debut album, alternating between classical-styled pieces, (some of which are originals), and flat-out pop piano. Musically, it feels very much like a Josh Groban album, but with a piano as the lead instead of a vocal. The accompaniment is provided by a full orchestra and rhythm section, which unfortunately threaten to overwhelm the piano artistry at times. (Who mixed this cd??) Anyway, over the course of 11 tracks, William proves himself to be an extremely versatile musician, even wearing the hat of composer (a very skilled one, mind you) on 4 of the songs. It's to his credit that some of the best tracks are the ones that he wrote, himself. The piano practically spits fire on the more techically demanding pieces, ("Within" "Piano Fantasy", both written by him), and then goes to the other extreme with great interpretive skills on "Stella's Theme" (written as a tribute to William's piano teacher) and "Se Si Perde Un Amore". Even the cover of Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir" works extremely, and surprisingly, well. It's over-the-top and bombastic, and is a definite highlight. I still do not think that the inclusion of a vocal on "Dust in the Wind" was necessary at all, however. William is a strong enough performer/instrumentalist to carry the entire album; a guest vocalist was not needed at all, and is a little distracting. This is a small point to quibble over, though, since everything else is so strong, and so well-done. I can't wait to see what Mr Joseph does for a follow-up. In the meantime, he deserves for this album to be a huge success.

Wow - this is GENUINELY spectacular. William Joseph pours himself all-out into his piano. He creates so much depth with his finesse. To me he can reach tremendous heights of intense emotion or quietly reduce his sound to a delicate whisper or a murmur. I am always so amazed when any musician can create such dimension with seemingly effortless subtlety.

"Within" reminds me of a thunderstorm and the waves of rain that pound the pavement then retract to a drizzle.

The entire cd weaves its waves through masterful musical passages of crescendos and pianissimo so there is never a dull measure. The arrangement is gentle enough to really allow his expression to come through.

This one is a must own. Enduringly charming.

I was sitting at the Qwest center in Omaha, Nebraska, impatiently waiting for Josh Groban to walk onto the stage. When I thought it was time for the concert to begin, instead a young man strolled out in front of his Yamaha grand, and introduced himself as William Joseph. I was already somewhat curious before he even began to play his music, as I am a dedicated piano player myself.

What I didn't know was how incredibly this man could play. My jaw literally dropped upon hearing only the beginning of the first song. The piano parts are gorgeous, and he also tastefully adds other instruments and synthesizers as the piece continues. I have never heard anything so outrageously excellent before. He really ought to be famous. His last piece, Grace, was so good that I actually had silent tears trickle down my cheeks. Music has never affected me so much that I literally cried...until now.

His whole idea was to do a short performance with a large audience, and get us to want to buy the CD. Well, it worked, because I am listening to it as I play.

Buy this CD. You won't be disappointed. I gurantee it.

We heard William Joseph for the first time as the opening act for Clay Aiken, and he was WONDERFUL. He played with skill and a beautiful grace, but the music was energetic and left us wanting to hear more...so we rushed to buy the CD. We are not at all disappointed! Kashmir will leave you humming and tapping your feet for days! All in all, even if you think you won't like a "piano" tape, you would be wrong. I promise you won't be sorry!

Oh yeah, we met him and he was a really nice guy! Support him and buy the CD!

What a pleasant surprise when I showed up in Cincinnati to see Clay Aiken's Christmas show "Joyful Noise" and the most joyful noise of the evening was his opening act "WILLIAM JOSEPH!!!" All I can say is "WOW" This young man is AMAZING!!! I bought the CD immediately and have not stopped listening to it since I came home this past Saturday. I have to agree with Clay that "Homeward Bound" is one of my favorites on this CD but "Within" is a beautiful, haunting piece. William's rendition of "Ave Maria" will bring tears to your eyes and the violin in this piece is remarkable. His arrangment of Led Zeppelin's Kashmir is addictive! I ADORE THIS YOUNG MAN AND CANNOT WAIT FOR HIS NEXT RELEASE! This entire CD is nothing but relaxing, feel-good music. Best music purchase I have made all year. Don't miss this one!

I just got home from a concert where William Joseph was the opening act. All I can say is WOW! The people who missed the opener because they weren't concerned with seeing it lost out! We went in to see Clay Aiken's Christmas show and ended up seeing TWO outstanding performances tonight! I would have to say just watch this star rise, he is superb! I even got a chance to meet him afterwards, what a priviledge. I have never purchased a CD of this type before, but this isn't your typical piano music by any means. You won't regret this purchase... I look forward to the upcoming CD he is coming out with.

I saw him on Clay Aiken's Christmas show and loved his music immediately. I bought the CD and play it all the time. Every track is terrific. This young man has a very bright future ahead of him. He is a gifted artist!

William Joseph is outstanding! This CD is absolutely amazing. I heard him in concert in Boston and simply had to buy his CD. He was the opening act as well as the touring piano player for Clay Aiken's Joyful Noise 2005 tour. I have never seen someone so young have such control and mastery of the piano! His music draws you in and leaves you wanting more. I had to buy his CD after hearing him. My friend and I also had a chance to meet him and get an autograph following the show. He is such a warm and friendly person. He didn't just sign his name but took the time to ask what songs we liked and also answered our questions. His music is addictive. I have recommended him to my relatives and friends. You will not be disappointed.

I was fortunate to see William Joseph as the opening performer at Clay Aiken's Christmas concert. I rarely buy CDs, but William Joseph's music is outstanding, and I am looking forward to his future CDs.

I too learnt about William Joseph because I am a Clay Aiken fan. Thanks Clay! I would definitely recommend this album to anyone. There isn't a track on it I don't love. I'm a big fan of film music and the orchestral pieces Within, Kashmir and Piano Fantasy are huge favourites of mine.

There is good variety on the album, and pieces like Grace, Stella's Theme and Homeward Bound have a haunting quality to them that is quite beautiful but they're all great and it's difficult to pick tracks out - I just can't stop playing it. I'm sure his future is very bright indeed and I will definitely be buying his next album.