Search - David Hicken :: Goddess CD

Goddess music, indeed!

Sunny Massad, Ph.D. | 01/12/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"David Hickens' Goddess is a class act. They say you can't judge a book by it's cover but the cover of Goddess resonates with the genre of music on the cd ... both are rich in texture, saturating the senses with the essence of yin. If you like piano music, this cd is capable of providing a romantic ambiance, a meditative atmosphere, or just plain good "easy listening". We use the music at the Hawaii Wellness Institute because it warms the heart and soothes the soul."

From MainlyPiano.com

Kathy Parsons | Florence, OR United States | 12/16/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the most rewarding aspects of reviewing CDs is that every once in a while, a recording comes along that really whacks me upside the head. David Hicken's "Goddess" is one of those albums. I had listened to samples on Hicken's site, but they did not prepare me for the absolute beauty of the music on this album. It grabbed my attention as soon as I started listening to it, but since the music is rather uncomplicated, I wasn't sure I would like it as much after listening to it a number of times. On the contrary. Rather than becoming trite and tiresome, these gentle little nuggets become more dear to me each time I hear them. In fact, I've been dragging my feet a bit in writing the review because I know that once it is written, I won't have time to listen to "Goddess" again for a while. Happily, David Hicken is releasing part two of this trilogy as I write, so my blissful listening experience can go on. Each of the twelve tracks is named for a mythological goddess from various parts of the world. My only reservation about this album is that the warrior goddess and the goddess of volcanoes and fire are as serene and benevolent as the moon goddesses, but if that's the worst thing I can say about it, you are in for a real treat! Parts of this album remind me a bit of Kevin Kern and Michael Dulin (without any orchestrations - these are all piano solos), but David Hicken's is a unique musical voice. A very accomplished musician in several instruments, I suspect that Hicken, like Kern and Dulin, is so secure in his musicianship that he has no need for a lot of flash or bravado. The music is such an entity unto itself that it has the ring of truth in its simplicity.



"Lakshmi," Hindu goddess of prosperity begins the CD. The graceful melody gently floats on a peaceful cloud of sound. "Kuan Yin" is the Chinese goddess of compassion, and this piece is all about open-heartedness and kindness. "Sekhmet," the Egyptian warrior goddess picks up the tempo a little but is very non-threatening, charming her adversaries into submission rather than physically beating them - I like that! "Sarasvati," Hindu goddess of the arts, is poignant and bittersweet, alternating between major and minor modes throughout the piece. "Ishtar," Babylonian goddess of the moon and Venus, is cool and aloof, elegant but approachable. "Isis," another a moon goddess, is also a bit distant and elusive, but ever so beautiful. Her gentle serenity is so inviting. "Ostara" is the Teutonic goddess of fertility and springtime, and conveys warmth and hope. "Sedna" is the Inuit Eskimo and Alaskan goddess of the ocean. The left hand plays rolling, broken chords while the right hand dances lightly on the surface, again very tranquil and exquisite. "Diana," Roman moon goddess, flows in coolness and grace. The closing track, "Pele," is warm and wistful, ending this extraordinary musical hour with a smile and a sigh.



If you haven't been able to tell, I REALLY like this album, and expect it to be on my "favorites" list for the year. Give your ears as well as your spirit a rare treat and check it out. I wholeheartedly recommend "Goddess"!"

Great Music!!!

S. kronberger | 03/05/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Goddess is a wonderful CD to listen to. My Husband and I own the trilogy and really enjoy every piece of music on these CD's. They are very relaxing, we often listen to them in the car as they seem to provide a calming influence while in traffic. Our 2 year old really enjoys the music as well and often dances to it. We've found them to be very easy listening and appropriate for any occasion. They would definitely be an excellent meditating tool and good for doing any type of energy work/healing. They also make excellent dinner music:) Definitely keepers. We'll be looking forward to any future CD's David releases.



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