Search - Piano Solo, Craig Urquhart :: Evocation

URQUHART TRIUMPHS AGAIN

Alexander Frey | Berlin, Germany | 08/24/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Once again, we are blessed with another album of music from the soulful pen of the American composer-pianist Craig Urquhart. The title of his latest release is an appropriate one: EVOCATION indeed evokes those moments that most of us let pass by in our lives. I cannot help wonder if Urquhart is, in his gentle way, almost commanding us to stop, notice and savor those precious scenes of nature, both human and animal. Certainly my own listener response was to take the telephone off the hook, sit still and let the music guide me to where it desired.The music on this CD evokes a number of images which will differ from listener to listener depending on his or her own experience. This is what I have always admired about Urquhart's music: it doesn't jab us in a hard, twisting way, tossing us around in an effort to drive home its point. Instead, each work subtly persuades and seduces us into shutting out the world and its daily storms, then takes us to a better, calmer place, a place where our awareness and sensitivities are heightened. "Whale's Lament" is an absolutely heart-wrenching piece. "Strolling" takes us for a pensive walk through a park at dusk. "Blues" evokes the image of a pianist in a dark bar, a lone spotlight fixed on his solitary figure, smoke wafting from the cigarette dangling between his lips, a glass of scotch next to the music rack. "Nocturne" is a portrait in sound of the sadness of love lost. The final work, "Epilogue", is a perfect summation of the music on this recording, a thoughtful ending that seems to say, "This is a glimpse of the journey of life, of that which surrounds you everyday and everywhere. You could possibly miss it if you don't stop and notice." Thank you, Maestro Urquhart, for this journey-and the many journeys we look forward to taking with you in the future!"

From Solo Piano Publications

Kathy Parsons | Florence, OR United States | 01/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Evocation" is a stunning collection of original piano solos by Craig Urquhart. The grace and depth of emotion conveyed in Urquhart's music is a reminder of how profound and colorful the piano can be in all its glory as a solo instrument. The music is accessible and easy to understand, but this is not the sort of music you would use for background music. This is music to be savored many times with full attention, and perhaps in a darkened room without distractions. With nature and environmental concerns as the primary sources of inspiration, most of the songs are minor-key and melancholy, but not without a sense of hope. There is a variety of playing styles and influences, from the light-hearted "Fruhling" ("Springtime" in German) to the tragic "The Whale's Lament"; the collection even includes to two bluesy pieces. Classical influences as diverse as Bach, Chopin, and Satie can be heard, but Urquhart's voice is uniquely his own. The pieces tend to be very spare and uncluttered, but are played with such openness and purity of emotion that each piece packs a wallop. Each song carries a somewhat different message, and yet the album holds together as a strong and powerful whole, creating an unusually satisfying experience from the first note to the last. I played the CD three times in a row because I just didn't want the experience to end. This is a rare CD that won't sit on my shelf once the review is written. It is very difficult to point out a couple of exceptional pieces, as they are all incredible. "Poem" was composed for Urquhart's ailing father, and is a reflection of the peace that came upon his family with the acceptance of passage. It is structured, but has the improvisational quality of a soliloquy or a private and intimate conversation. There is sadness, but also a sense of grace. "Old Trees" is Urquhart's reaction to a world where ancient trees can be cut down for profit. The tale of the old trees is told from the trees' point of view, and is a call for mankind to leave a more reverent legacy. The message is heartbreaking. "The Whale's Lament" represents the singing voice of the whale as he or she makes a lonely journey through the ocean. I can't imagine anyone hearing this piece and not stopping dead in their tracks to listen more closely. "Wind Dance" is a bit more upbeat and rhythmic, but is still pensive and darkly beautiful.This is my first review of 2003, and what a great way to start the year! I wouldn't be surprised if "Evocation" was my favorite album for the year. I give it my highest recommendation."

A Million Bravos!

Victoria Looseleaf | Los Angeles, CA USA | 06/21/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Craig Urquhart is a master through whom music flows. With each new CD he records he brings joy, spirituality and longlasting feelings of love. His melodies - ranging from deceptively simple to hauntingly beautiful - captivate. They can be played over and over again. I adore his work and have given his CDs to all of my friends. Passing along Mr. Urquhart's music somehow helps one get by in a world gone sometimes mad. A million bravos!"