Search - Sandy Owen :: Boogie Woogie Rhythm and Blues

From Solo Piano Publications

Kathy Parsons | Florence, OR United States | 07/01/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD absolutely blows me out of the water! I find it fascinating how many so-called new age pianists got their start by composing boogie woogie piano as kids. David Lanz and Spencer Brewer both immediately come to mind, but neither has recorded much in this style, although they will occasionally play it in concert. Sandy Owen did the music world a huge favor by committing some incredibly good songs in Boogie Woogie and Rhythm and Blues styles to tape and CD! This is good-time music through and through, and pure joy comes through the speakers, causing a reaction of toe-tapping and head-bobbing no matter where it hits. I discovered Sandy Owen earlier this year when his amazing double CD "One Late Hour With a Steinway" was sent to me for review. I knew I had found a new favorite artist, and I can't wait to get into the rest of his collection! Back to "Boogie Woogie Rhythm and Blues"! Owen is joined by Paul Carman on alto sax, brother Ted Owen on percussion, and Steve Crum on trumpet and fluegelhorn - and what musical magic they make together! If this CD doesn't quicken your pulse a little, you probably don't have one! This is music to stir the soul, raise the spirits, and make you grin from ear to ear. Consummate musicians, they make it sound so effortless and spontaneous. I really don't have favorite track on this CD - they are all so good. Owen's solo pieces ("Beanface Boogie", "Balboa Boogie", and "Boogie D. Lux") demonstrate his remarkable chops and show how colorful solo piano can be. The ensemble work soars and swoops on the upbeat pieces and slinks around on the bluesy stuff. The CD is sixteen years old as I write this, but the music is timeless. It just doesn't get any better than this, and if I could rate it ten out of five stars, I surely would. Grab it if you can find it!"

If you ever find it anywhere, grab it!

Kathy Parsons | 07/18/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album has that "pick you up and throw you across the floor" attitude. It's fantastic for piano music and jazz lovers. I was drawn to it in a record bin back in about '86 and decided to give it (and Themes in Search of a Movie) a try. I still adore the melodies and rhythms and instrumentation! It can't be beaten. It also cannot be found. I've transferred my album to tape, and that's what I play to preserve the album, because it's not on CD yet (as far as I know). However, my new car radio doesn't play tapes, only CDs, so I may have to get a CD recorder just so I can get a copy of this album on a CD. Or, it'd be easier if it were re-released as a CD. (Of course, if I really had my way, the sheet music would also be published, but I'm not going to be greedy -- I'll be satisfied with the CD.)"

Mandatory listening for all piano buffs and players alike

Kathy Parsons | 06/17/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"So there I am, minding my own business at a community/college radio station, looking for something different that my station manager would approve of (or rather, disprove the least) and this new album jumps out at me, Island Groove by Sandy Owen. Having spent many years playing the piano and posessing a deep love for "boogie- woogie" I about went nuts. Lord only knows how many times I played cuts off of that album per 4hr shift, but I definately exceeded the parameters set by the station. Oh well. Now move to many years later, here I am with a cd player and my only link to that music my broken vinyl copy which I refuse to throw away, that and a worn out tape which I'm afraid to put into my deck. If you like boogie woogie, or even just great piano playing. This is truly a must. The man is a master at weaving great rythms and his time changes just leave you wishing it were you playing these songs. From the Grinder to the cooler, more laid back Island Groove, this is one ride you never, and I do mean NEVER want to get off of. So now I just have to sit and dream of the day they re-release this masterpiece. I played piano for many, many years, and a lot of friends used to tell me they wished they could play like me, and here I was always dreaming that I would sound like this, riding the infinite groove. If you find it, grab it. Period."