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Window To The World
or, Buy MP3 downloads in the Laurie Z. Online Store, via PayPal
Song Titles 1. The Explorer [Preview] 7. Folk Hero 2. Summerland 8. City Lights 3. A Reflection of Ourselves [Preview] 9. The Waterfall [Preview] 4. It's a Jungle In Here 10. Just Beachy 5. A Night At The Improv 11. Promise To Forever 6. Window To The World
This masterful debut album by Laurie Z. features upbeat orchestrations, sonic excellence, and has a strong melodic flow that engages you from the first song. Wonderfully rich instrumental music composed and arranged with all the instruments performed on keyboard by Laurie Z. This captivating release is equally suited for active listening or as an enriching complement for any occasion.
Song Descriptions: | |
1. |
The Explorer - [Preview] |
This was the
first song written expressly for this project. The explorer is the composer,
and the listener is treated to a musical journey of melodic interest
and intricacy. |
|
2. |
Summerland |
Originally written
as a solo piano piece, this song came to life as MIDI channels were
reassigned and experimentations abounded with percussion and melody. |
|
3. |
A Reflection of Ourselves - [Preview] |
Many consider
this piece to be the album's highlight. Reflection is an introspective
and sensitive piece, and consists of three distinct parts. The middle
section, or "middle hymn", has a spiritual feel to it. Although
the acoustic guitar throughout the piece sounds authentic, the artist
played the "guitar" from the keyboard. |
|
4. |
It's a Jungle In Here |
Picture yourself
floating down a river in the Amazon, as you experience all the apects
of the jungle around you. This song has a "soundtrack" feel
to it - imagine the movie which could accompany this song! |
|
5. |
A Night At The Improv. |
This piece resulted
from an evening at a benefit performance in which the author participated.
As each comedian awaited their turn backstage to perform, the collective
anxiety could be felt for miles. The buildup started each time anew,
and this song is the result. |
|
6. |
Window To The World |
The weather
outside was beautiful, and inside the studio it was cold and quiet.
The composer's link to the outside world was through the studio window,
and beyond the window, life continued as busy as ever, unaware of the
creative process going on inside. Every artist has experienced the feeling
that many things demand their attention outside, but once inside the
studio, there is only one focus of energy - that of the creation of
music. |
|
7. |
Folk Hero |
A simple folk
melody that recurs with differing instrumentation. The center section
is a sweet interaction of melodies in a slightly more somber moment,
but the main melody will stay persistently in the listener's mind. |
|
8. |
City Lights |
And now for
something completely different! This song was originally called "Midnight
With The Heebie Jeebies", the H.B.'s being the keyboardist's backup
band, and the horn guys appearing to create a full-blown jam session
after their own gigs were done. |
|
9. |
The Waterfall - [Preview] |
Picture yourself
in New Zealand, a beautiful country where waterfalls abound from every
crack in the mountains surrounding you. It is December, and the snow
is melting, bringing beautiful and relaxing sights and sounds from all
sides. |
|
10. |
Just Beachy |
A light song
with no deeper meaning than a trip to the beach! Fretless bass and bikinis
- quite a combination!. |
|
11. |
Promise To Forever |
A love song,
but not a wimpy love song - full of the strength of two divergent souls
promising to come together and be willing to put their love for each
other first. This track is the final "bonus cut", and it has
a very "live" feel. |
|
What The Reviewers Say: "I find myself gravitating toward Window To The World… over and over. When I’m working, it’s soothing and uplifting, in the background, having a calming yet inspiring feeling for me. I feel ‘nurtured’ listening to it! Yet it’s fine in the workplace without distracting productivity!"
~ Sheryl Roush, Author and Motivational Speaker
"The rhythms are upbeat, the songs original, the recording rich and sensual. An enormous talent."
"Energetic, lushly stylized synth music by a virtuoso artist with a lifetime of music to back her imagination. Her classical background is beautifully evident in "A Reflection of Ourselves", featuring piano keyboard interweaving with acoustic guitar rhythms. It's hard to tell that these are synth and not acoustic instruments. The subtle flowing beauty of Laurie's compositions is showcased in "The Waterfall" with delicate phrases, a beautiful closing to a richly satisfying album. She keeps the sound layers in a perfect balance, creating richness without chaos or loss of the integrity of each sound and rhythm… Always rich, moving, upbeat."
"I can see why this album is among CMC's most popular. Laurie Z. is an artist with popular appeal, creating a tuneful blend of classical, modern jazz and new age. I listened to "Promise to Forever" about eight times in a row when the CD first arrived! All the tracks from this CD are in rotation at WSUP."
"This soothing release draws the listener into a sonic environment that flows seamlessly from one theme to another... Laurie Z. is creating expansive, texturally rich new age soundscapes."
"Laurie Z., on multi-synthesizers, weaves sophisticated compositions pulsating with heart and rhythmic vitality."
"The title "Window To The World" describes this album perfectly. Composition after composition opens the window a little further. You're taken on a journey, mood by mood, to exciting new places, times, and feelings. You'll find yourself in the Amazon floating down a river, in New Zealand relaxing in the mountains, at your favorite beach taking up the sun, and most importantly, within yourself enjoying your thoughts. Personally, I found the journey most enjoyable. I find myself playing it over and over again, never getting tired, and always wanting more. From a musical point of view, the use of instruments is exceptional. Sounds flow smoothly, mix perfectly, and have an excellent touch of realism."