Reviews

Feast of Joy & Love


Pianist, Laura Sullivan, continues her tradition of making great music with a romantic-dinner-inspired theme CD. This one, Feast of Joy and Love, features Laura’s keyboards and vocalizing, along with violin and saxophone, on 12 wonderful tunes. Some are Laura’s interpretations of Bach and Beethoven; others are originals. “Albinoni’s Secret Smile” is outstanding; other notables are: “A’la M’Ode to Joy”, “Waltzing with Beethoven”, and “Morning in the Meadow”. A thoroughly enjoyable, beautifully produced CD.
Anne Williams, New Age Retailer
     

Laura Sullivan has outdone herself on this purely romantic album. It is a musical celebration of passion that only lovers can know. When you hear this music, you will know that love is to be shared in order to be requited.
RJ Lannan, New Age Reporter       Click Here to Read Full Review

For the first time Laura sings in addition to performing the music, plus five of the tracks are her arrangements of classical music. Her voice is very good, making one wonder why she hasn't sung on albums until now, and suits this kind of music perfectly. Fans of Laura's music won't be disappointed to encounter the usual combination of piano as lead instrument complemented by other instruments. This time we hear violin, saxophone, percussion, and various effects; and as always the piano playing is refined.
Dene Bebbington, Melliflua
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Continuing to intertwine her classical roots with her organic new age acoustic approach, this is another solid excursion from a musician that is fast becoming one of the genres most beloved pianists.
Michael Debbage, Solo Piano Publications
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 “Feast of Joy and Love” is pianist/composer Laura Sullivan’s fourth release to date, and I think it’s her best so far. Consisting of seven original compositions and five arrangements of classical melodies, this CD exudes warmth and feelings of contentment and joy… Laura Sullivan has outdone herself with “Feast of Joy and Love”!... Highly recommended!
Kathy Parsons, Mainly Piano      
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I enjoy the warm sound enhanced by angelic voice and lush instrumentation. Light, playful music moves through evocative tones, creating a soothing, intimate and personal journey that is so easy to share with the loved ones.
Marius-Christian Burcea  
RFI Romania

Feast of Joy and Love representa un paso adelante en la carrera musical de Sullivan y un disco perfecto para todos aquello amantes de la New-Age con predilección por el piano.
Jorge Sergio, Artic Mist  
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Laura lo ha producido con arreglos precisos: suave percusión, violín (Anthony Blea), saxo (Noel Jewkes), alguna orquestación y unas maravillosas voces que llevan de forma sobresaliente el resultado hacia cotas mucho más elevadas.
Javier Bedoya, Lost Frontier  
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Mystical America


This San Francisco New Age pianist combines serious professional training with a wide-eyed, almost childlike playing style. That's a winning combination. Sullivan's deliberate, keenly felt phrases draw out the texture of even the simplest structures, as though we've been handed some secret key.
Editor’s Review  
See Review on CNET

Of the albums I've heard exploring typical new age themes I can say that Mystical America comes high up in my rankings. Overall it's quite delightful in an understated way, good music for losing oneself in for a peaceful hour.
Dene Bebbington, Melliflua  
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I found Mystical America, a sweet and inspired album full of quiet contemplations, lush vistas and tributes to some of the most ancient cultures in the world.
Nancy, Streams of Time    
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Mystical America will simply take your breath away placing you in a cocoon that will allow you to reenergize with a quiet confidence....The only concern Laura Sullivan should have is how to follow up with this masterpiece. Yes, the album is that good and it is one that will grow on you with repeated visits which is another sign that it will be an enduring gem.
Michael Debbage, Wind and Wire      
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Check out Ambient Visions April 2005 interview with Laura.

Mystical America is named #1 New Age Album of 2004.
After just a few albums, piano and keyboard artist Laura Sullivan has risen to near the top of the genre by composing and releasing music that embraces a warmth, sincerity, and charm head and shoulders above many of her contemporaries.
Bill Binkelman, Wind and Wire

Mystical America chosen as a “Top Pick” by
Solo Piano Publications, January 2005 and Laura is their Featured Artist, February 2005.

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.... 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.
Kathy Parsons, Mainly Piano      
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Mystical America has moved to the top of my favorite albums. It's touched my soul like no other music has, and in my opinion has a healing aspect that summons a true inner peace. I'm proud to bestow upon Mystical America Streams-of-Time's most prestigious rating: Top Pick! 5 out of 5 stars! 
Joshua Anderson, Streams-of-Time    
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By turns haunting, serene, softly cheerful, reflective, and somber, Mystical America is the album to by as a gift for people whom you want to introduce to this genre (call it new age or contemporary instrumental or whatever you want to). Unless they hate the piano, they are almost assured of loving this album, simply because it overflows with such wondrous and well-played music. I don't think I have heard a "prettier" recording this year, and surely not a more sincere one. Whether she is performing one of the solo piano selections on the CD (and there are a few) or is joined by one or more of her accompanists, Laura Sullivan has dialed up her talent yet another notch and sits poised to vault to near the top of a genre that for too long has been the pervue of those who ceased being engaging, in my opinion. This album earns my highest recommendation and is easily one of the best albums of 2004.
Bill Binkelman, Wind & Wire 
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Lush, warm beautiful music that just washed over you. Not only is the music gorgeous, but also the production is top notch. Maybe it's because it's that time of year, but this recording makes me feel all Christmas-y and could easily replace George Winston's "Winter" as my must-listen-to Holiday CD.
Amy Lotsberg, Collected Sounds: A Guide To Women In Music 
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Anyone who has enjoyed the new age pianism of
Liz Story or Suzanne Ciani will find a lot to enjoy about Sullivan's second album.
Alex Henderson, All Music Guide 
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Laura’s new arrangements take on a mature vitality and soulfulness that makes you want to listen again and again. You can sit back and close your eyes and in your heart and mind you realize that this music was just the impetus you needed to explore. Mystical America is a worthy companion to anyone’s journey. Discover. Rating: Very Good.
RJ Lannan, New Age Reporter    
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Excellent album this one by Laura Sullivan. "Mystical America" is a precious collection of melodic instrumental themes. The music has a great strength and an emotional beauty.
Hector Jordan, Amazing Sounds    
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Pianoscapes for the Trails of North America


The music brings to mind babbling brooks, majestic sunlight dappled trees, and the easy feeling you get from strolling the forest paths. A remarkably talented artist and one who cares about keeping our planet alive and well.
Laura M. Wandrie, New Age Journal  

This album inspired by the grandeur of the scenic trails of North America is perfect for anyone who appreciates the great outdoors. A wonderful gift for anyone for the holidays.
Devra Ann Jacobs, Mystic Pop Magazine

Wow, gorgeous, just gorgeous. If you are a fan of instrumental piano music whether it is background for studying or a dinner party, or if you just like to play it loud, lay on the floor and chill out, this is fantastic.
Amy Lotsberg, Collected Sounds: A Guide To Women In Music 
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Laura Sullivan’s music shimmers with an effervescent vitality that coaxes you to walk, jog, climb and ride the delightfully scenic trails of the United States. The same trails that have been made famous by poets, presidents, and pedestrians for more than a century. Her music does justice to her subject and every one of the ten cuts is delightful music. The CD case, like a Crackerjack box, contains a surprise. A green, biodegradable paper tree implanted with seeds that you can sow, grow and enjoy. Hand me the potting soil! Rating: Very Good.
RJ Lannan, New Age Reporter    
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Laura Sullivan has assembled a very impressive package with “Pianoscapes.” It is both classical and contemporary, sometimes complex, but always accessible. Laura Sullivan has a flowing playing style, and most of her pieces are quite melodic. A very enjoyable choice!
Kathy Parsons, Mainly Piano    
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Laura Sullivan is on her way to earning well-deserved notoriety as a talented composer, an excellent pianist, and an artist who sees the bigger picture when it comes to our environment. Pianoscapes for the Trails of North America is highly recommended for both piano lovers as well as those who like the fuller sound conveyed by the use of additional instruments on selected cuts. Like a relaxing walk along one of  the trails of the album's title, listening to this album will leave you refreshed and almost certainly in a better mood than beforehand. Recommended.
Bill Binkelman, Wind and Wire   
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There was a run of music inspired by nature sets that were all pretty good but seemed to dry up and disappear about a decade ago. Abetted by pop and new age producer Chris Camozzi, Sullivan continues the best of those set with her piano and imagination. A well conceived set that actually makes you feel like you are hearing the nature she's playing about, this set is the counter part to a series hosted by jazzbo Stanley Clarke. A nice find for open alt.adult ears looking for a new treat.
Chris Spector, Midwest Record Recap

“Really original, professional work.”
Broadjam Staff Reviewer  

“This music is a thanksgiving to the nature that is surrounding us. This is a permission to take a stroll along woodland paths and realize the greatness and generous beauty of the woods... The music of “Pianoscapes for the Trails of North America” is dedicated to paths that wind through nooks of North American woods. Following Laura Sullivan we may walk along serpentine paths, inhale salubrious air, lapse into daydreaming in a green kingdom of Nature. There is a morning freshness and clarity in Laura Sullivan’s tunes as if morning dew drops are sparkling on a green leafage in bright rays of a rising sun... Laura Sullivan’s piano is very expressive. You feel as if you are not a mere spectator, you become a member of a magical movie who is traveling through wonderful sights of America. Laura Sullivan’s music fascinates you from the first moment until the last... it represents a most beautiful example of the best works belonging to new age music.”
Serge Kozlovsky
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Piano Solos


“The music on Laura Sullivan's eponymous CD of solo piano music is more somber and reflective than many piano recordings I receive for review. This is not a  bad thing in the least. In fact, I think the piano is ideally suited (as an  instrument) for painting melancholic musical portraits, and Ms. Sullivan sure can do just that, although, melancholic may be too severe a word to use for some of the lighter pieces here. Perhaps a better choice would be to label her songs as "introspective journeys." While there are some up-tempo numbers (such as the  opener, "Hope for the Sun") many of the tracks on the album are soundtracks for late autumn walks down deserted streets or while strolling through a cathedral of barren trees.

“Dreaming Underwater" is delicate, Sullivan showing a solid command of changing time signatures as she moves from quick to relaxed tempos throughout the song, yet avoiding any trace of confusion or "chaos" in the song. I liked "Selling Water by the River" a lot - it has a  rolling sense of sparkling quality to it, even as the overall mood of the cut is pensive (nice use of minor key notes to counterbalance the song's brightness).

Other tracks include another sorrowful one (aptly titled "Brave Mourning"), the lovely and flowing "Of Land and Sea, of Mortal and Divine," and the last two songs which are perfect closing  numbers: "The Voyage Home," (a subdued and "wintry" feeling piece) and "In Last Hours," the bleakest and most intimate song here on which Sullivan explores subtle dissonance and minimalism while still retaining her natural warmth and accessibility.

A solid debut from a promising talent... pieces rich with emotion taking risky steps away from standard "New Age Piano'" formula. Recommended."
Bill Binkelman, Wind and Wire,
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"This is an amazing album!"
Leonard Ybarra, Programming Director, KSJS Radio Station, San Jose, CA

"A strong and passionate pianist, Laura Sullivan brings a distinctive new voice to contemporary piano."
Kathy Parsons, Mainly Piano
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"The pieces on the CD are very complete and mature. One would not dare to ever change a thing on a Rodin statue. And so appears Laura's work to me. The right music to find spiritual balance and rediscover the beauty within. One can only wait with great excitement for what Ms. Sullivan will present us with her next CD."

Guenther Thallinger, Filmmaker

“If for each artist his close environment gives rise to  inspiration, its repercussion on the music turns out to be more or less obvious due to the personality of the artist himself. In the case of Laura Sullivan, the  underlying pastoral atmosphere of her own compositions is only the reflection of  her youth she spent in Northern California. In a quite country living environment, Laura has discovered life at the rate of the seasons, letting nature guide her from year to year.

Emotionally strong and entrancing, this record is a marvel of sensitivity which will fill your heart with peaceful vibes."
Renaud Rigart, Zoopa Loop  

“Most modern recordings use digital effects, zillions of tracks, and lowest  common denominator melodies to grab listeners' attention. Laura Sullivan refuses  to do business this way. She is an extraordinary pianist and composer. To record her 2003 release, piano solos, Sullivan set up camp with only a few high  end microphones, an amazing piano, and her own simple/ sophisticated style of self expression.

On tracks like "Hope for the Sun" and "Lullaby," Sullivan's delicate melodies  cross stitch the space with feminine grace and expert agility. Then "Calls to Spirit" puts force behind the chords before we're taken on a sweet and sacred  journey with "Dreaming Underwater." Even with these different levels of energy  the music is always soothing, vital, and personal. Without a word ever spoken,  these songs transmit the stories of this gifted composer's heart.

The sweet and silky performances of Laura Sullivan's Piano Solos may be called "New Age" by some but this music speaks volumes without being confined to a genre. Dizzy with passion, intelligence and creativity, the performance and purity of this collection is a dreamy musical treasure. In these days of style over substance Laura Sullivan proves there is still music that operates on a deep and meaningful level."
Jeff Leisawitz, Indie Music Review
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© 2007 Sentient Spirit Records
 

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