Laura Sullivan: Reviews

Born Virtuosos is a brand new piano-learning course created by Laura Sullivan, a teacher, composer, and recording artist whose original music has been distributed internationally. Laura and I became acquainted several years ago in conjunction with the Whisperings Solo Piano Radio community of pianists, and she asked me earlier this year if I would proof-read Level 1 of her new method. As a private piano teacher for the past 30+ years, I have had the opportunity to look at and test out a variety of new methods with my students, and I have to say that "Born Virtuosos" has impressed me far more than any of the other methods introduced during my own time as a teacher.

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Though the renditions are not self-composed, Sullivan once again focuses on a loose theme of folk songs whose origins are America and Great Britain. The two most prominent tracks are “Scarborough Faire” initially featured on the Simon & Garfunkel soundtrack "The Graduate" back in 1968 and the well-known “The Water Is Wide” that also features a prominent vocal rendition from Sullivan. However, the most startling vocal interpretation comes courtesy of the angelic interpretation of the American folk song “Shenandoah”.

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American singer and composer, Laura Sullivan, who has established a well deserved high rating on her albums Pianoscapes for the Trails of North America and Mystical America, turns to the subject of folk music in her new album. Folk music should be understood as traditional songs and songs of Scotland, Ireland, England and America. One look at the track list is enough to understand that we will meet with time-tested hits, the interpretation of which is included in the repertoire of a huge number of many different groups and artists - indeed, Scarborough Faire and She Moved Through the Fair not only performed idle.

Sullivan, whose main instrument is the piano, came to the case simply and tastefully - from under her gentle fingers fly and with ringing tones in the air, bright pastoral motifs, easily recognizable subjects in a minimal arrangement of sintezatornyh string of parties, bells and flutes. Incidentally, this seems to be the first album of Laura's, on which she sings - in this case it is not mandatory, pure angelic voice is not strong, although it is pleasant and well combined with the instrumental parts. Close to Home - a nice, cozy home-album, filled with a breath of fresh air and the aroma of fruit, as displayed on the cover. Enjoy the relaxation.

(Text translated from the original in Russian).

Close to Home begins with the traditional Shaker melody, Simple Gifts. Performed on keyboard, Sullivan keeps her arrangement simple and uncluttered - a lovely opening. She Moved Through the Fair is a dark and haunting Irish song that Sullivan has orchestrated with layered voices, flute, keyboards, and simple percussion; the effect is mesmerizing. The Ash Grove is a charming instrumental track that is lively and lighthearted. Sullivan’s adaptation of Red River Valley is a bit more orchestrated with layers of keyboard and wordless vocals - graceful and peaceful - a favorite. I also really like her beautiful and dreamy version of Shenandoah, which is full of longing and tenderness. I have always loved Scarborough Fair, and Sullivan does it up right. Keyboard and background vocals keep it simple and straightforward yet still deeply emotional. The Water Is Wide has been a very popular and much-recorded song the past few years, but Laura’s lovely singing makes it sound like the song was written just for her - another favorite track. Sullivan closes the album with a gentle lullaby of All Through the Night, with some new lyrics undoubtedly adapted for her little girl - a sweet and loving “good night.”

If you are looking for some new takes on familiar songs with ethereal vocals as well as fluid instrumentals, check this one out!

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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Mystical America is named one of the top CDs of 2004.

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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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