A=Awesome B=Beautiful C=Could be better D=Don't quit your day job E=Enough already F=Forget it,Flush it,@#$^ it
This is a New Age/Classical production and it is a clearly well produced piece of artistry.The artist,Mark Birmingham,like myself is a native Mainer(or Mainiac as we are called by Flatlanders).Mark hails from Falmouth but has also lived in Cape Cod and New York City.
Mark has a Bachelors degree in music from Manhattan School Of Music.He was the winner of the 1976 Soloist Competition-Cape Cod Symphony, and also a finalist of the 1978 Portland Symphony National Competition.Mark has performed extensively as a concert pianist in Europe and North America.
This is Mark's debut release and you can read more about Mark here.
D.C.-Extremely beautiful melody that is entertaining with a warm feel.The intro has a captivatingly haunting air which then manifests into an interesting journey of alluring dynamics.Unbelieveable solo effort.(A++)
C.S.-Very beautiful song.It starts with a dark overcast feel then geniously translates into a more dramatic song with wonderful dynamics.(A+)
TRACK 2
Spring Rain
D.C.-The mood setting of this song generates a feel of a freshness in the air,with new life coming alive with each and every raindrop that falls.The instrumentation is absolutely breathtaking,the crescendo of the strings leaves the listener simply awestruck.(A++)
C.S.-This track is very sad and melodramatic.It definitely gives the feeling of a long day of Spring Rain.The use of some strings adds a drop of color unparalleled in beauty when used in conjuction with the acoustic piano.(A++)
TRACK 3
One For All
D.C.-This a truely masterful arrangement with some fantastic movements.The piano and strings spring into uplifting jaunts and playful little minuets,colored with celtic flavoring from the flute.The talent is simply amazing on this album.(A+++)
C.S.-Another excellent installment of Marks talent. While using the piano as the underlying yet commanding instrument he gracefully adds strings and flutes for an excellent combination."One For All" then transforms into an allegro masterpiece,leaving the listener in awe as they listen to pure talent. The song then transitions into it's original theme and a sort of arrangement on it.Which is quite typical with this album.(A+++)
TRACK 4
Fern Dance
D.C.-This song is a pleasant variation in the use of the electronic use of keyboards.This has a very New Age glow to it,with some interesting percussion,some uptempo strings,and a strong driving melody.This is a very powerful song with a catchy groove.My favorite pick of the album.(A++++)
C.S.-One of the best uses of electric and synthesized piano that I have ever heard.There is still excellent use of dynamics with the natural instruments (flute,guitar,strings,etc.).This song is the missing link that I needed to hear to fill the gap between acoustic and electronic music.With it's complex syncopated rhythms and generous use of dynamic punches,this is a tune that provided some great variety with more insight into Marks talent.(A++++)
TRACK 5
Anna's View
D.C.-Another amazing solo effort by Mark that comes off with powerful intensity.With masterful technique Marks piano work is filled with depth and breadth.The melody line remains constant with some augmentations woven into a titillating piece.(A++)
C.S.-A very beautiful song in the tradition of the first track.Mark tends to favor the "dramatic" genre. This song doesn't really have any transitions into any other moods.It stays the same the whole song with minor tidbits of mello-flair here and there.I think its a statement by Mark to keep it that way.(A++)
TRACK 6
Celebration
D.C.-This would be an excellent tune for a dance company to use as an opening number.It is full of vibrance with a celtic feel at times.The balance of emotional highs and lows in the song make for an intriguing musical transmigration.This is a simply marvelous piece of arranging.(A+++½)
C.S.-This is a full score classical masterpiece! Marks knack for ingenious writing is fully shown here.The complex harmonies,the use of the perfect combination of instruments and the strong use of dynamic emotional ups and downs proves that this piece is well deserving of it's high critical ratings.(A++++)
TRACK 7
The Fountain
D.C.-A very mellow number with some good piano playing.It is somewhat repetitive in the chord progression and lacks much of the depth and dynamics of the previous tracks.The track I feel is very weak and could have used more color.(C+)
C.S.-This track is definitely a slower and less dramatic one than the previous tracks.I actually consider this to be one of the weaker tracks on the album,perhaps because of my high expectations.Mark has more talent than this song provides,although it is still a good number.(B++)
TRACK 8
Bee Train
D.C.-This tune is much fuller and vibrant.This fits the caliber of the album much better.The harmonics and crescendos of all the instruments blend into a climactic melody line.Mark does have some superb piano solos in this tune.(A++)
C.S.-I love the way this album is put together.The songs alternate between slow dramatic songs and fast dramatic songs full of feeling.This is a faster song. The trumpet used on "Bee Train" is the first use of a brass instrument that I have heard thus far on this album.There is a Jaws-esque section that is very well crafted.This track is full of variety.These are my favorite types of songs because they show how good a musician really is.(A+++)
TRACK 9
Sweet Dreams
D.C.-Mellow,very mellow!!Repetitive chord progression make this song weak in content.The melody line is appealing,but the same two chord progression is distracting the attention from the melody line.If the mix would have accentuated the melody the song would have been a stronger tune.(C++)
C.S.-I don't particularly care for this song.I don't know if this number was actually meant to put the listener to sleep.The same two chords are played over and over for a long time.It is really too bad that the album had to end with a track like this.It is a far cry from the excellent tracks that precede this one.(C)
Chris' overall impression:
This is an excellent album.Mark is extremely talented and has a lot of good musicianship qualities.He has very melodramatic expressions and an amazing ear for instrument combinations.I especially like the songs that showcase variety and dynamics,that is something all musicians strive for.The ability to play all genres of music while maintaining the integrity and style of the music being played,Mark provides this effortlessly.I also like the way the album jumps back and forth between slow and fast dramatic songs.This just goes to exemplify my point on Marks talent.The true essence of the expressions,drama and dynamics that this album provides can only be heard,not read in a review.Please get your own copy of this classical garden variety showcasing a wonderfully talented musician.(A+++)
Donna's overall impression:
With the interest in New Age music brought about by Yanni and John Tesh,Mark has his debut release at an excellent time.Mark's album is a masterful piece of artistry.There are pieces of classical music blended superbly with intriguing instrumentation.Mark has a knack for arranging a tune into a story filled with drama and emotion.His arrangement of instruments that fill a song with color,depth,and breadth are pure genious.I've always felt that the state of Maine is filled with talented musicians just waiting to be discovered.Well,Mark is a prime example of what a talented musician is,with his debut release.A review like ours can only tell you what we feel is worth your attention.Only you can be the true critic by listening to the album yourself.So pick up your copy at Marks website or our "Buy The CD's page.
So until next time keep your ears to the tunes, your eyes on the road,and keep in touch with us..
..Donna
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