$16.00
Spirit-Works
Tracks
1. Walking with the Wind
Album Notes (continued)
That’s what the concept behind this album is…So, I hope you will count the grains of sand, revel in the cotton candy floating overhead, see that which lies in the shadows, and reach to the stars while walking with the wind on a sapphire day!
Autumn’s Child
In remembrance of our beloved Shazu
July 9, 1987- October 12, 2001
Autumn’s Child knows that the days are much shorter;
But the content is richer, colors , bolder,
As sun dapples a perfect indigo sky,
And vibrant days bid Summer good-bye.
No longer boisterous sounds of Summer abound,
But a hush, and a peace, settle over the ground.
Now Midas lurks around every tree,
And the shy birds sing their reverie.
There’s a gentle caress in the wind that he feels,
But the seagull’s cry is harder to hear…
The coupling of sand and the sea’s still the same,
But the beaches are empty, only lovers remain.
Chill air pales to a sun that warms, like his Mother,
Leaves rain down to become crispy ground cover.
Autumn’s Child knows this is Earth’s finest hour,
Painted with brushes by a masterful power..
A season for savoring, like, homemade apple pie,
From orchards that sway ‘neath that indigo sky..
A time for the taking, remem’bring “Before”,
A time for embracing every gem in God’s store.
There’s a gentle caress in the wind that he feels,
But the seagull’s cry is harder to hear…
Autumn’s Child knows that the days are much shorter…
A.S.
Reviews
“Ann Sweeten’s Sapphire Days is quite simply one of the most graceful and quietly soothing albums I’ve heard.”
“Very much on the beam new age piano work, this set is well-textured and engrossing throughout making Sweeten a sure bet to be one of those left-field sensations everyone thinks came out of nowhere. A winning adult music bet.”
“Elegant, mellow grand piano music, accompanied by a synthesizer, bearing calm, joy, and a touch of sadness, flows from this CD and makes the heart grow calm. Classically trained and internationally celebrated musician, Sweeten doesn’t intrude on her musical creations, except to be the channel through which they flow as they celebrate Earth, the sun that blesses it, and all her creatures. The music bears hints of the musical masters’ phrasing in the music. I hear notes of Barber, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Brahms; seagulls over the water; a sparrow in the grass; her dog, Shazu, beside her, the sun on her shoulders. This CD is a blessing of sound.”
“If you haven’t heard Ann Sweeten’s music before, you are in for a treat because of her beautiful melodies and command of the grand piano.”
“Sweeten’s music is as intense and passionate as it is reflective and relaxing. Solid technique and a penchant for emotion.”
“If you’re inclined to just kick back and take in some beautiful and relaxing keyboard compositions, Ms. Sweeten’s CD is one of the best piano albums we’ve heard. You can very clearly hear that she’s been classically trained, but her playing style is relaxed enough to convey freedom from convention… You can’t call this music ‘Jazz’, nor can you pigeonhole it as ‘New Age’… because it’s purely/simply ‘Ann’. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for any/all listeners who need something that affirms how much beautiful music, and the mem’ries it can bring, can mean to keeping us all civilized.”
“Sapphire Days, Ann Sweeten’s newest title, continues her tradition of releasing deeply peaceful piano-based instrumentals. As a composer, arranger, and producer as well as an inimitable pianist, Sweeten crafts contemporary melodies that soothe frayed nerves as they heal the spirit. In addition to her sublime work on the piano, Sweeten adds a delicious layer of synthesizers to several tracks. An exceptional choice for gentle movement, yoga, meditation, massage…Sapphire Days is a wonderful gift for the heart.”
“Over the course of four previous releases, Ann Sweeten has crafted a signature sound. From the first time I heard her music, I realized she had a certain way of composing evocative piano music and using her synthesizers to color the music with enough texture to add just the right amount of drama and feeling. It’s a rare talent. Sweeten uses her consummate skill in balancing the acoustic and the electronic. For comparison’s sake I’d draw a similarity to Danny Wright of a long time ago when he displayed the same ability to blend piano and keyboards in an equally impressive way. However, at this point in time, it is Sweeten who sits at the top of the hill when it comes to this subgenre of gentle new age music.”
“Above all else, Ann Sweeten is a passionate human being. She just happens to have an exquisite talent to speak her world experiences through her piano compositions.”
“This is a gorgeous listen… lovely instrumental piano.”
“Very melodic album… the style is almost ‘old school’ classical… .exceptional… “
“This is beautiful contemporary instrumental piano. Her last non-seasonal recording went to Number 3 on the national New Age Voice airplay chart meaning it was one of the most-played albums of modern instrumental music in North America. Ann is quickly becoming the equal of popular pianists such as George Winston, Suzanne Ciani, David Lanz… .With songs inspired by animals and different aspects of nature, Sapphire Days has melodies that quickly sound familiar as they reach out and affect the listener in a primal and earthy manner.”
“A brilliant pianist, Ann’s music will make you rich in seeing things that you didn’t see before. It makes you look inside yourself and reach for your inner child.”
“Her heartfelt piano expertise pays tribute to working in harmony with nature. For a relaxing, yet fulfilling experience, listen to this CD.”
“Ann Sweeten is ripe with emotion throughout this recording and every note is played to perfection, effortlessly enlightening the listener. Each song is a jewel unto itself and I am so honored to have shared this CD with you.”
“From the cover artwork to the music inside, this is one of the most relaxing, soothing, and enjoyable piano albums I have ever laid ears on. The music is beautiful in every way with its soft wispy bellows of sound and stirs of emotions. Sapphire Days has a classical piano touch that is smooth, soft and enlightening. An excellent album..”
“Sapphire Days is an opportunity to slow down and to enjoy the beauty in life. It is a call to just be. Immediately upon hearing the delicate notes I could feel a Higher Power within each song. It is hypnotically intoxicating. Sweeten is a gifted and anointed spirit to be sure. I highly recommend the contemporary songs of Sapphire Days to those who love the piano, those who need peace of mind, and to those who are moved by musical genius.”
“Sapphire Days is pure musical poetry, falling softly on the ear and gently on the soul. Classically trained pianist Ann Sweeten has created an album whose melodies blend magical nuances of passion and serenity to bring the majesty of nature to life. My experience was one of soul renewal as I melted into the magnificent beauty of these heartfelt solo piano compositions. This CD is truly a treasure. I could listen forever.”
“Sweeten brings an air of sensitivity to the classical piano, and she really captures the sense of Sapphire Days in this CD. Perfect for romantic evenings or for bringing cheer to your day.”
“Classically trained contemporary instrumental pianist, composer, arranger and producer, Ann has a lot of talent. This is outdoors music played with eloquence and gentle sophistication very close to the heart.”
“Perfect for the romantic evening or even if you’re just alone wishing for one; some very beautiful chording and orchestration… a lot of it reminds one of the old classic movie days, ‘here’s looking at you, kid,’ that sort of thing.”
“Ann is quickly becoming one of the most popular new pianists around, much in the same vein as George Winston and Michael Jones.”
“Sapphire Days is both inspiring and life-giving.”
“Ann Sweeten aims for your heart and hits the target! Magic abounds… “