Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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55 of 59 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Spectacular Debut, August 20, 2004
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.
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24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Piano profundity, August 14, 2004
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.
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18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Incredible, September 27, 2004
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.
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