Forgotten Dreams - will not be forgotten!
QTPD | 07/05/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm not one that usually writes reviews or has to share my opinion with the world at large; this time is different. This album, is so poignantly sweet and simple. Its understated and complex melodies so beautifully composed by Richard M. Sherman, have woven their hauntingly beautiful stories into my heart. I've listen to this album, now, at least a dozen times - and I am amazed at how I never seem to tire of it. My favorites (today!) are Early Years, Reflection and A Prayer.
I won't go on for days telling you how wonderful this gem is... only listen for yourself and discover something that is intimate; soothing, fun, memorable and inspired. Yes.. inspired. Richard M. Sherman shares his gift of music in the most unexpected ways and doesn't disappoint. He truly knows how to speak to the listener through his music in ways that reach one's very soul. Thank-you to the producing team who recognized that there are those of us out there who would be blessed by this instrumental collection."
A Side of Richard M. Sherman We've Never Heard Until Now - G
Blondzilla8 | SoCal, CA | 07/05/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There are so few occasions in life anymore where we can still experience the joy of being completely and pleasantly surprised.
I am happy to say that "Richard M. Sherman - Forgotten Dreams" falls into this category.
I absolutely LOVED last year's "Poppin' Guitars: A Tuneful of Sherman" Poppin' Guitars : A Tuneful of Sherman (CD/DVD)Poppin' Guitars : A Tuneful Of Sherman and this latest effort from Solid Air Records is another wonderful and unexpected surprise for any Sherman fan.
I (and so many other Baby Boomers) have been a HUGE Sherman Brothers fan since childhood and when getting wind of a reference to "The Sherman Brothers" we probably all immediately think of Disney-high energy, and cleverly composed tunes - both musically and lyrically. Well, guess what? There is SO much we don't know about Richard M. Sherman - on his own, this time around - and he is finally sharing this side of himself and his music in this sublime collection of original piano solos, all composed and played by Mr. Sherman, himself.
The selection of songs takes the listener from light-hearted, lilting, and hopeful ("Early Years" and "Sunshower" and "Caprice") to heartfelt and reflective ("Rain Street" "Reflection") and even a couple of Gershwin-esque tunes ("Twilight Blue" and "Big City"). And not overlooking his knack for the theatrical, the hustle and bustle of "Sunset & Vine" and the contagious and playful "The Flirt," both feel as though they're ready to be heard on a 1930s period piece soundtrack.
The song that really surprised me is definitely the title track. "Forgotten Dreams" gives the listener a peak into a side of Mr. Sherman which has not, until this album, been shared with his legions of fans for whom he always comes through with his "glass half full" musical masterpieces. In this composition, we hear (and feel) some real SEARCHING going on for the artist... and maybe even a hint of sadness. Beautiful honesty comes out in this man's music and as a listener, it's an honor to share it.
The album closes with my personal favorite, "A Prayer." This beautiful and sacred melody will bring tears to your eyes. It feels and sounds as if Mr. Sherman is literally "playing it by heart." Simply gorgeous and ethereal.
If you're a Sherman Brothers fan and think that the music of Richard M. Sherman could ever be considered "predictable" - think again. After forty-plus years of creating the soundtrack for several generations, "Forgotten Dreams" will shed a whole new light on this multi-faceted and gifted composer who is letting his fans in on a side of him and his music never heard before now.
By the way, the album cover art is sensational. The photos of Mr. Sherman as a younger man juxtaposed with more recent shots tell a story unto themselves. We really get a feeling about who this man is and how he got here. Very cool.
"
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1