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| Ann Sweeten's Journey to a Place in the Sun by Ginny Shea  "Classically trained pianist Ann Sweeten has an ear for nuanced melody and a tremendous talent for bringing such magic to life, " says New Age Retailer. "Exquisite piano playing…radiant bliss." Grand pianist and composer Sweeten has been hearing kudos like this throughout her career, which now encompasses six albums, countless awards, and lots of touring. Her previous discs, Sapphire Days and Reflections both charted high on Instrumental Radio lists, making them two of the most played albums of modern instrumental music in North America; her music also airs in eleven different countries.Sweeten's new album, A Place in the Sun, takes her artistry to a new level. A deeply personal work, it's a musical story of healing and hope, full of passionate melodies awash with lush orchestration and natural beauty. The album, which many have said is her best work yet, manages to be relaxing and soothing while at the same time soaring and exhilarating. The reason for this emotional depth is that these compositions illuminate in very intimate musical terms Sweeten's personal journey through breast cancer. While the liner notes, written by Sweeten, describe the artist's (and patient's) journey in great detail, it's the music itself that goes beyond simple notes. Like all great contemporary instrumental work, A Place in the Sun transcends the musical and embraces the spiritual, the beautiful, and emotionally elegant. "If you haven't heard Ann Sweeten's music before, " says a critic in Jazz News, "you are in for a treat because of her beautiful melodies and command of the grand piano." But Sweeten's abilities aren't simply limited to playing and composing. On the new album, she also serves as arranger and producer, which makes her accomplishment even more formidable. "Technical composition, " says Linear Reflections, "only to be expected from a background in classical, is blended with originality and passion, delivering pianist perfection." Three-time music award nominee (NAR Lifestyle Music Awards 2004, JPF Music Awards 2004) and ASCAP Popular Awards recipient for the past four years, Ann Sweeten is quickly making a name for herself, and the masterful A Place in the Sun will help her cause immensely. A well-rounded artist—Ann is also an environmentalist, animal activist, trained ballet dancer, and actor, rock singer, and now breast cancer survivor—Sweeten is just now beginning to hit her stride with a breathtaking new album that not only sounds beautiful, but represents an incredible journey, one the pianist would love for you to accompany her on. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |