Search - Danny Wright :: Do You Live Do You Love

From Solo Piano Publications

Kathy Parsons | Florence, OR United States | 07/10/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Danny Wright's newest release brings the listener smooth and soothing piano music to calm and refresh. Even more tranquil than "Soul Mates", "Do You Live, Do You Love" delivers piano serenity with sweet and gentle melodies that float in the air like the lightest of breezes. I usually find it impossible to keep music in the background, but something about this album keeps if from being intrusive in any way. The pieces are all lovely and very worthy of close listening attention, but after a few minutes, they tend to blend into whatever else is going on, providing a quiet and inviting backdrop. Nine of the eleven tracks are original. The cover tracks are beautiful arrangements of Dvorak's "Largo" from the "New World Symphony", and "The Friendship Theme" from "Beaches" (DeLerue). The title track is perhaps the most distinctive of the songs, with its bittersweet and searching melody on piano and string washes in the background. I also really like "River's Edge". The somewhat melancholy melody suggests soul-searching and looking for answers while gazing into the flowing water of a river. Anyone who has done this by any body of water knows how the rhythms mesmerize and sometimes even caress the mind, bringing a sense of stillness and peace. Several titles such as "Heaven's Love", "A Time to Heal", and "New Hope for Peace" suggest that they may have been written after the 9/11 tragedy with deep thoughtfulness and comfort as their themes. They succeed well in uplifting and bringing solace, as does the album as a whole. You won't find any pianistic pyrotechnics on "Do You Live, Do You Love", but if you are looking for musical sunshine or the perfect CD for unwinding and de-stressing, they don't get much better than this!"

Not My Favorite

elizabeth robison | Tucson, AZ United States | 09/18/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Danny Wright is one of my favorite musicians, but I did not like this album as much as some of his past albums. It showcases his remarkable talent in nine of the eleven tracks. Although very soothing and relaxing, I found that the pieces in this album had a tendency to sound the same as you listened to its entirety, other than the two non-original compositions. I prefer his albums that have an orchestral accompaniment over some of his solo albums. If you are a Danny Wright fan you will probably like this; however, I would not recommend this for your introduction to him. It's a good, but not gripping album."

Good Introduction to an Incredibly Gifted Pianist

Kathy Parsons | 09/25/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm afraid I cannot agree with the review that states "this is not a good introduction to Danny Wright." If you like covers, then granted, you should purchase one of his previous releases that showcase non-original works. But if you are looking for beautiful, heartfelt original compositions, Do You Live ~ Do You Love will meet your needs and then some. Danny truly puts everything into his playing and you cannot help but feel the genuine love he has for his art and for creating music that touches the listener."