Search - Laura Sullivan :: Mystical America

From MainlyPiano.com

Kathy Parsons | Florence, OR United States | 01/24/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Mystical America" is pianist Laura Sullivan's most uniquely beautiful work to date. Inspired by the wonder and mystery of various sacred and magical sites around the country, the music is peaceful and soothing, but provides plenty of substance to think about, enjoy, and dream. All of the tracks feature Sullivan's elegant and graceful piano, and others include guitar, keyboards, strings, and flute. Chris Camozzi, Scott Fuller, Mary Pitchford, and Diane Grubbe contributed their considerable instrumental talents to the project, and Camozzi also produced and arranged the CD. The twelve tracks are grouped into four sets of three pieces: Magical Creations, Sacred Symbols, Mysterious Messages, and Nature's Splendor, and the liner notes take us on a fascinating tour with a knowledgeable guide. All of the pieces are original compositions with the exception of "Mt. Shasta," which is a gorgeous arrangement of Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" (Sullivan has included a favorite classical piece on each of her albums). The CD also includes a packet of hand-dipped desert sage incense to intensify the experience.



The first of the "Magical Creations" is "America's Stonehenge," which comes from Mystery Hill in Salem, Massachusetts. A duet for piano and violin, the piece is both mysterious and lighthearted - an odd combination that works beautifully. "Chaco Canyon" comes from a complex in northwestern New Mexico that was the main ceremonial center for an ancient people. Acoustic guitar and piano with some keyboard washes paint a tranquil scene. Part of the complex is a series of roads that go out from the structures in a series of straight lines that extend for miles into the desert. Thought to represent the out-of-body spirit travel of the shamans, the music has a floating quality that conveys peace and wide-open space. "The Serpent Mound" (Ohio) is subtitled "Celestial Harmony." Ambient sounds enhance the gentle warmth of the piano, creating a delicate and serene soundscape. The "Mysterious Messages" pieces all have a light yet haunting quality. They are melodic, but somewhat less structured, and shimmer with gentle elegance - I especially like "The Heavener Runestone." My favorite set is "Nature's Splendor." "Red Rock Country" (Arizona), subtitled "Scent of Desert Sage," is a piano solo with a lovely rolling left hand and a sweet, simple melody. I had the pleasure of hearing Ms Sullivan play this piece on my piano at the Whisperings concert last summer, and it was hypnotic. My favorite track is "Hawaiian Islands: Born of Fire." A bit different from the rest of the album with its upbeat tempo, I really like the energy on this one! The closing track is a gorgeous arrangement of "Moonlight Sonata," a tribute to the majesty and beauty of Mount Shasta in California. Sullivan's piano is faithful to Beethoven's original, with subtle and poignant keyboard accompaniment added.



Laura Sullivan keeps growing and surpassing herself with each new release. "Mystical America" is a marvelous artistic achievement, and should be a treasure in anyone's music collection. Very strongly recommended!"

An Ambient/New Age Piano Masterpiece

medievalcrusadesbabe | Ohio USA | 04/14/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Laura Sullivan is a pianist focusing on the New Age/Ambient style of music. Her latest release Mystical America is a classic example of modern New Age composition and Ambient styling and exhibits her prowess as a pianist to the fullest.



In the tradition of the great New Age piano masters, this CD showcases her piano skills blended with harmonizing instrumentation and orchestration. All but one of the tracks are her own compositions, the exception being an arrangement of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata. The focus is the inspiration found in the American landscape. The CD is divided into four sections, each containing three compositions or a trilogy. Total play time is 1:07



The first trilogy is entitled Magical Creations, and the individual songs focus on Mystery Hill in Salem, MA, and is entitled America's Stonehenge, Chaco Canyon in New Mexico, and Coral Castle in Florida. All three compositions are classical in composition and arrangement, each orchestrated with accompanying strings, producing some very rich and outstanding soundscapes.



The second trilogy focuses on Sacred Symbols. The first track is Bighorn Medicine Wheel in Wyoming, then Tongrass Island in Alaska and finally The Serpent Mound in Ohio. There is a slight change up to the music here, beginning with a more "spacey" introduction or feel to the compositions, and having a lighter, more airy or spiritual feel overall. Again, each composition is outstanding on its own, but the idea of a "trilogy" remains in the connection of the style of each piece.



The third trilogy is entitled Mysterious Messages, and this group focuses on Red Rock Ridge in Minnesota, Pictograph Cave in Montana and The Heavener Runestone in Oklahoma. The compositions appear to be a bit more deliberate, more on the brooding side, creating a darker note to these pieces. This serves to accent the mysterious quality the artist was seeking to achieve, and presents a contrast to the rest of the compositions.



The final set is called Nature's Splendor and focuses on Sedona, Arizona, the Hawaiian Islands and Mt. Shasta in California, Ms. Sullivan's home state. The music turns to deeper and more complex in style and composition. While Sedona is totally piano with no accompaniment, Hawaiian Islands plays strongly to an electronica backfill effects. Mt. Shasta is the Beethoven piece, arranged by Ms. Sullivan and expertly orchestrated. The piece is played with a deliberate pace; giving us a presence that comes with the years Ms. Sullivan lived near this American landmark.



Ms. Sullivan's works are deep, rich, on par with the masters of New Age piano of this style, such as David Lanz or Michael Gettel. Her compositions are complex but not overbearing, and the feel of the material achieves the New Age music standard, to be present, and when focused on, to be fulfilling and enjoyable without being intrusive or arrogant. It should have a soothing effect and sometimes meditative. Ms. Sullivan achieves all this with ease.



This CD has been named #1 New Age recording of 2004, and has been a top pick by many trade publications, Ambient music shows and reviewers. She deserves such honors for this work. This is a first class production from start to finish and will not disappoint the average listener nor the seasoned professional.



A few notes on presentation. The CD contains an insert explaining the artist's view of the locations she has chosen to focus on in her music, which adds insight to the pieces. Also included is a small package of desert sage incense, which is just as rich and relaxing as the music itself. The cover artwork by Johanna Pieterman is also a plus and well worth mentioning. The overall presentation of this CD makes it an excellent work of art.



If you are a lover of piano works, Laura Sullivan is not to be missed. This CD is well worth the accolades it has received so far, and is an excellent introduction of Ms. Sullivan and her work if you have never heard of her before. Be assured that you will be hearing more of her as time goes on, as quality of this kind will not go unnoticed. maf"

Consistent excellence

Bio Prof | Dayton, Ohio | 03/04/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Why doesn't Laura Sullivan's album "Mystical America" receive wider recognition? It is absolutely outstanding. The liner notes are wonderful and the music is top notch. I first heard "Sedona" on the radio and knew that it was a CD that I would like. The CD exceeds my expectations which were high. Every song is enjoyable to listen to and I keep checking to see which one is on because I like it so much. Each song is well crafted and performed. Liz Story's "Solid Colors" was always one of my favorite female piano albums but has taken second place behind "Mystical America". This is a very highly recommended CD."