Search - Mary Martin Stockdale :: Timeless

From MainlyPiano.com

Kathy Parsons | Florence, OR United States | 11/18/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Timeless" is pianist/composer Mary Martin Stockdale's third album, and is the first for me. Incorporating the three themes of nature, The West, and philosophies of life into her music, Stockdale's style is strong and assured without being brash or overbearing. Her music has a freshness that suggests some improvisation, but it also has strong classical roots. Residing in Colorado, Stockdale has inspirational beauty all around her, and her impeccable playing allows her to convey whatever message she chooses or feels. Both tender and percussive, this is an artist in total control of her instrument.



"Timeless" includes thirteen piano solos, and all are strong and beautiful in their own right. "Willows By the Stream" is a favorite with its lazy grace and elegant melody - gorgeous! "The Calling" is also wonderful. Inspired by the call of a meadowlark, it also reflects those inner voices that tell us to accomplish as much as we can in life. "Catch and Release" is a fishing term, but also symbolizes moments of our lives, caught for an instant before we have to let them go. Darker and pensive, this piece really reaches the heart. "Raindance" reminds me of some of Robin Spielberg's lighter pieces, joyfully dancing among the upper registers of the piano. "Bluebird Waltz" has this same playful spirit, and is delightful. "Smoke In the Valley" is darker and moodier, and is another favorite. Inspired by forest fires in Colorado a few years ago, it carries a dual theme of death and destruction followed by rebirth and new life. "Falling Snow" finishes the collection on a light, carefree note.



"Timeless" is an excellent collection of personal and expressive piano solos. Recommended!"

Inspiring music for the soul

Jack Straw | Kansas | 10/20/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although I am not a solo piano music lover per-se, I was given Mary's TIMELESS CD by a friend whom I admire very much with regard to their musical taste. This CD seemed to transcend time and space as I was taken to a place where melody and sound breathed life into the music. Listening to Mary's piano is more than just background music, it is a symphony of the mind. As she has the ability to transform the ordinary and make it extrodinary. Listening to her, one can feel themselves taken away to places where nature and music live in harmony. For if Nature had a soundtrack this would certainly be it."

SOME OF THE BEST NEW SOLO PIANO MUSIC AROUND

Jake | 09/28/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Solo acoustic pianist Mary Martin Stockdale is inspired to compose by three things -- nature, The West and her philosophies of life. Her third album, TIMELESS, contains these themes in tunes such as "Willows by the Stream," "Spider's Web," "Bluebird Waltz," "Smoke in the Valley" and "Runnin' Fence," each of which also stand as metaphors for aspects of life. One of the most-played solo acoustic pianists on radio, Mary lives out in the country in the Colorado mountains and uses the world around her for inspiration. She writes strong melodies, plays with absolute confidence, and is not afraid to use every note on the piano. If you already have enough albums by George Winston and David Lanz in your collection, try one of Stockdale's.

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