"By heart" is a succinct and accurate appraisal of a lovely, low-key album of 11 piano solos (with occasional string embellishments) and a concluding vocal track. By Heart paints a picture of Brickman as a thoughtful, some... more »times pensive, creative soul who quietly cherishes idyllic romantic notions yet reluctantly, realistically, acknowledges that they may forever lie just beyond his ever-hopeful grasp. Such a realization, though, does not blunt Brickman's expressive longing at the keyboard, and By Heart unfolds as a touching, clear-eyed chronicle of a restless but gentle heart. The title track, with little-known Laura Creamer handling vocals, offers some of the weakest production yet strongest emotional clout of nearly any vocal selection Brickman has since recorded. Revealing and rewarding listening. --Terry Wood« less
"By heart" is a succinct and accurate appraisal of a lovely, low-key album of 11 piano solos (with occasional string embellishments) and a concluding vocal track. By Heart paints a picture of Brickman as a thoughtful, sometimes pensive, creative soul who quietly cherishes idyllic romantic notions yet reluctantly, realistically, acknowledges that they may forever lie just beyond his ever-hopeful grasp. Such a realization, though, does not blunt Brickman's expressive longing at the keyboard, and By Heart unfolds as a touching, clear-eyed chronicle of a restless but gentle heart. The title track, with little-known Laura Creamer handling vocals, offers some of the weakest production yet strongest emotional clout of nearly any vocal selection Brickman has since recorded. Revealing and rewarding listening. --Terry Wood
Rachel J. (Bibliosopher) from SCHUYLERVILLE, NY Reviewed on 3/16/2007...
A little too mellow for my taste, but an evocative and wistful album.
Rick S. from MORGANTON, NC Reviewed on 8/10/2006...
Piano
Veronica W. from BOWIE, MD Reviewed on 8/9/2006...
lovely!!
CD Reviews
A TRUE MASTER
Daniel Ward | 03/15/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When I was a little kid, I tried to learn how to play the piano. I really wanted to learn, so I started taking lessons. Like just about all kids, I HATED IT! When I was a little older, I started teaching myself to play the guitar. I never took lessons, but just taught myself. About 4 years ago, I heard Jim Brickman for the first time. I was BLOWN AWAY! I never new that the piano could be so beautiful. He inspired me so much, I started teaching myself how to play, and now I am starting my new album. What an inspiration. All of his Albums are incredible. I have shown this CD to alot of my friends, and no matter what kind of music they like, just about all of them really enjoy it. I could recommend it to anyone, no matter what their taste in music is."
I love this CD!
Daniel Ward | 01/17/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the perfect CD to relax to! I've been to a couple of Jim Brickman's concerts. He's absoultly wonderful. he makes you laugh so hard and then listen to a wonderful piano piece. It's so beautiful. I love his other CD's too. KelseyA82@hotmail.com"
Pleasant background for reflective thought, intimate times
Neal C. Reynolds | Indianapolis, Indiana | 09/04/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is a good and likeable album. I've used it for contemplative thought and it works out quite well although the vocal as the last track does bring one back out of one's revery.I don't find any one of the 10 solo piano tracks outstanding in either a good or a bad way. They don't bear deep, concentrated listening. But they are good for lying back and letting your mind go where it will. And they're equally good for intimate conversation.Brickman fans should enjoy it and will probably appreciate the fact that most tracks are the Brickman piano only, other than mild string accompaniment."
Beautiful Melodies
Yow Cheun Hoe | Singapore | 05/10/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD has the depth to keep you refreshed and feeling romantic each time you listen to it. Following the quick-capturing first track, "Angel Eyes," Jim Brickman goes on making each track a beautiful melody to surround you with comfortable and intimate feelings.My own favorite pieces in this CD include "Looking Back" which is in a calm retrospective sentiment, "If you believe" which I found uplifting, and "All I ever wanted" which is very soothing. The sixth track, "Little Star" is actually another version of the children song "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," which Jim Brickman has made it so serenading.The title track, "By Heart," which Jim Brickman put it the last, is special with the female vocal, Laura Creamer, that is very energetic in delivering emotions."