Customer Reviews

Without Words by Laura McMillan

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you've had a tense day, there's nothing like a few lovely compositions of pure piano to lower the testosterone to manageable levels and the arrangements this artist has compiled do just that...truly pleasing to the ear.

I was somewhat disappointed at the quality of the recording. There was so much static in my headphones that I was unable to use them. However, it sounded just fine on the speakers. I gave it five stars because the compositions were excellent.

This CD is a masterpiece of some of the best piano I have ever heard. The uplifting style Laura has composed here is a definite mood setter, I highly recommend this album, and to truly appreciate it for the other audiophiles out there, drop it into any Bose system and enjoy.

"Without Words" is the solo piano debut by Portland, Oregon-area pianist/composer/teacher Laura McMillan. A classically-trained musician from an early age, McMillan merges her deep classical roots with a love for Broadway and an appreciation for the pianistic styles associated with the Windham Hill label. The results are a somewhat understated composing approach played with the skill and heart of someone who really knows her way around the piano. I only wish the CD was recorded a little louder because even with the volume maxed out on my CD players, the music is very quiet; I prefer it to sound more like the piano is in the same room with me. That, however, is my only criticism of "Without Words," as the music is lovely and played with expression and passion. Most of the fourteen tracks are less than three minutes long and while the mood is fairly consistent throughout, there is a very nice variety of styles.

"Without Words" opens with "Missing You," a beautiful ballad that overflows with longing and love. The middle section becomes lively and upbeat and then returns to the first theme - a great beginning! "Soaring" is a lighter-than-air ode to exhilaration and feeling free. "Let It Rain" is the attitude of a true Oregonian! I'm watching it do just that as I write this review! This piece is very soft, gentle, and contented. "Shine" is one of the bigger and more energetic pieces, offering support and encouragement. I love the gentle ease of "Daydreaming" and its feelings of sweet surrender. I also especially like "Once Again," which feels something like a heart-to-heart talk with a dear friend - open and completely honest. "Goodbye Waltz" is a slow, bittersweet farewell from a deeply emotional place within. "Time Flies" is a very aptly titled bundle of energy with a slower section in the middle that allows the subject to take a breath before resuming a frantic pace. "Too Late" is a slow, sad piece that expresses regret and comes from the heart. McMillan saved the title track for the end of the album, and it's a real beauty! A wide range of emotions are conveyed within the piece - some that are energetic, and some that are gentle and reflective. The various themes are woven together to indicate just how much can be said "without words."

"Without Words" is a great debut, and I look forward to future music from Laura McMillan. Recommended!

I recently bought two CD's of "Without Words". I gave one to a friend and the other I kept for myself. My friend loves her CD. I am a teacher and while the kids are working silently I play various CD's for background music. This past week I gave my students their work and a little girl asked me if I would put in the piano music CD. Of all the CD's I've played, this is the one she requested! The music is just beautiful and so relaxing. I highly recommend this CD for anyone who wants lovely music wafting through their home.

I got to know Laura through an ebay transaction and I am really glad I did. She sent me this cd and I have listened to it 3 times and find new things with it every time. I won't call this new age, it's just beautiful piano music. To me, the songs create visions and and feelings that I remember from a long time ago. I love music that can tell a story without words and that is what I have found in Laura's wonderful music. Her style is not pretentious like many piano artists, it flows with ease but has some very interesting patterns both complex and simple. The songs are relatively short which I like because so many artists songs are 5 minutes long and they repeat a lot to the point of monotony. I have listened to this cd while doing monotonous work on the computer and just relax and the time flies. I also have a BBE 462 sonic maximizer that does wonders for the sound quality but found that the sound is really good without the 462 engaged. That shows a really good quality recording with attention to details. I know, I am a studio engineer. Thank you Laura, you are a hidden gem who should be in the spot light.
Robert Schurr

Laura McMillan captures the heart with her beautiful compositions. Her fingers flow effortlessly over the keys to create absolutely amazing and thoughtful masterpieces!! I recommend this CD to anyone who deeply appreciates music or anyone who is just looking for something beautiful to listen to.