Search - John Boswell :: Love

Boswell fans should LOVE this album!

11/14/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's probably inappropriate to jump up and down and shout, "WOW!" about an album as mellow as this one, but (in a mellow sort of way) I'm very enthusiastic about this latest release. John Boswell has the incredible ability to create music that is strongly evocative without being maudlin or cloying and this album, in my opininon, is one of his strongest. There are five cuts of strictly piano solo music in this album for all you Boswell solo piano purists and a variety of ensemble cuts that enhance his piano artistry without being as dominant as in his "Count Me In" album. The single vocal cut on the album, "When You Take My Hand", caused me concern before I listened to it because I was afraid it would detract from an otherwise instrumental artist's true strengths. AFTER listening, however, I only wished I could have had this song to play for my wife on our 20th wedding anniversary earlier this year. I played it for her at the earliest appropriate opportunity and we both became disgustingly sentimental...in a positive sort of way, of course. If it's been a while since you and your significant other have spent time just being with each other with no agenda, a fire in the fireplace and your favorite mellow beverage (I recommend hot chocolate), buy this album and do it NOW!"

From Wind and Wire, Issue 13 (excerpt)

Kathy Parsons | Florence, OR United States | 12/08/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have to admit that I expected a lot of cliches from this album, but find that the more I listen to it, the more I "Love" it! It is so sincere, warm, and honest that it deepens with each listening rather than wearing thin. The set opens with "Whispers", a wordless vocal duet with Julie Last and Boswell accompanied by piano - sweet and subtle. The majority of the fourteen tracks are solo piano, and what gems they all are! Boswell's playing style is fuller and more complex than many pianists of the genre, but it is never overblown or showy. "Recollection" is gentle and wistful. "Heartdance" is a swirling ensemble piece with piano, bass, guitar, and English horn. "Love Letter No. 1", "I'll Meet You There", and "Toujours" are piano solos without reproach - what open and pure emotion flows through these simple pieces. Cellist Martin Tillman makes a wonderful duet partner on the gentle and tender "Love", and also plays on "When You Take My Hand". The latter piece features Julie Last singing the lyrics she penned to Boswell's lovely and moving melody. "Absence" returns to solo piano with an aching quality - poignance set to music. "Secrets Revealed" explores the tentativeness and then exhilaration of letting someone really close. "Love" is a winner - don't miss it!"

I needed more piano in my life

David Stanley | California | 06/22/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD arrived today and I am on my second listening as I type this review. I love it. It is just what the doctor ordered. Soft, relaxing, yet never a dull moment.If this e-world has you over amped, distracted, in need of a place to find a few moments of respite; look no further."