From MainlyPiano.com
Kathy Parsons | Florence, OR United States | 05/19/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ann Sweeten's "Sapphire Days" is quite simply one of the most graceful and quietly soothing albums I've heard. "Soothing" often implies ear candy, but that is definitely not the case here. A classically-trained pianist, Sweeten's themes of nature and saving the environment and animals come from the heart, expressed gently but fervently. The pieces sound deceptively simple, but each is a perfect little gem. The pace and overall feeling of the album is consistent enough to sustain a mood or meditation, but treat yourself to listening to this music carefully and then let it carry you away to a peaceful, tranquil place - a "sapphire day!" All thirteen tracks are original, played on a Steinway grand piano, and Sweeten adds some synth washes for color and ambiance which are never obtrusive or distracting.
I really like this whole album, but a few of the pieces are exceptional. "Walking With the WInd" opens the CD with a wistful, dreamy piece that is both leisurely and passionate. The title song is optimistic and graceful with an absolutely gorgeous melody. "Smoke" is a little moodier, and describes wispy swirls of smoke as they rise and float away as well as the surges of smokey billows - very effective! "In the Shadows" is also a bit darker than the other songs, but is so evocative - this is my favorite of the collection. It is very introspective and bittersweet - I love it!
"Sapphire Days" is Ann Sweeten's fifth album to date, but it is the first that I have heard. I'm really looking forward to getting better acquainted with this artist! Very highly recommended!"
Very nice instrumental piano
CollectedSounds | Minneapolis, Minnesota USA | 02/21/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is a gorgeous listen. There are no vocals here just lovely instrumental piano.Sweeten's fingers dance over the keys in a way that makes me want to close my eyes and image gliding across a ballroom in a huge dress with jewelry dripping off me (and I'm not even that girly).The tracks have names like "Walking with the Wind", "In the Shadows", "Thin Ice" which make me feel more like I ought to be picturing nature or wilderness instead of ballrooms, and maybe the next time I listen I will. But for now this is just what I need."
Created in tribute to those precious, wonderful days
Midwest Book Review | Oregon, WI USA | 03/06/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Sapphire Days is the latest music CD album by classically-trained instrumental pianist Ann Sweeten. Created in tribute to those precious, wonderful days "sapphire days" that are meaningful, poignant, cherished, and which linger in our memory through all the remaining years of our lives. Emphasizing that every day has a potential to be a "Sapphire Day", these passionate and evocative pieces draw out the twin sides of contemplation and exhilaration in life. Tracks include Working With The Wind (4:00), Sapphire Days (3:01), A Prayer For Shazu (3:40), Solitude (3:17), Smoke (2:51), In The Shadows (4:14), Cotton Candy Skies (5:28), White Spirit (3:56), Arrow (3:29), Grains of Sand (4:23), Autumn's Child (2:54) and Canopy Of Stars (4:29)."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1