Windham Hill Piano Sampler

Rating:
Summary: the songs are weak
Review: Some of the featured artists in this sampler include Philip Aaberg, Scott Cossu, Liz Story and Barbara Higbie. I was unfamiliar with almost all of the music in this sampler. Although there is a mix of styles, I think there is a strong jazz influence in at least half of the songs. The rhythms can be a challenge to master, and some of the songs suggest improvisation. Although I tend to prefer impressionistic pieces, some of the songs in this sampler have grown on me and can be quite fun to play. My favorite pieces include: "Engravings" by Ira Stein, "High Plains" by Philip Aaberg, and "Solid Colors" by Liz Story.

Rating:
Summary: Jazz influence
Review: Some of the featured artists in this sampler include Philip Aaberg, Scott Cossu, Liz Story and Barbara Higbie. I was unfamiliar with almost all of the music in this sampler. Although there is a mix of styles, I think there is a strong jazz influence in at least half of the songs. The rhythms can be a challenge to master, and some of the songs suggest improvisation. Although I tend to prefer impressionistic pieces, some of the songs in this sampler have grown on me and can be quite fun to play. My favorite pieces include: "Engravings" by Ira Stein, "High Plains" by Philip Aaberg, and "Solid Colors" by Liz Story.

Rating:
Summary: the songs are weak
Review: sorry but they are and boy did i waste some money i thought since "Narada Piano Solo's" was such an unbelievably strong book that this one would at least be half as good but nah - i found only one or two songs even remotely interesting and nothing i care to spend much time with - i shelved this book the first day - oh well no biggie - thats my opinion as former pro touring musician and current piano composer

Rating:
Summary: the songs are weak
Review: sorry but they are and boy did i waste some money i thought since "Narada Piano Solo's" was such an unbelievably strong book that this one would at least be half as good but nah - i found only one or two songs even remotely interesting and nothing i care to spend much time with - i shelved this book the first day - oh well no biggie - thats my opinion as former pro touring musician and current piano composer

Rating:
Summary: Nice book.
Review: The peices in this book are very pleasant, but many of them are not the most popular pieces published by Windham Hill. (I only recognize two of them.)

Rating:
Summary: beautiful music
Review: What a wonderful selection music from some of Windham Hill's most popular pianists. The pieces are enormously varied. Some are complex and technically quite challenging, others simple and offering more immediate mastery. The chosen pieces reflect the styles of each artist and can be used as a spring board to follow up each of the pianists in more detail. Two of my favourites are the beautifully whimsical and meditative "In This Small Spot" Tim Story and gentle, rythmic "Purple Mountain" Scott Cossu. As a Windham Hill fan, I have a CD collection containing most of these pieces and it is incredibly satisfying to be able to recreate the magic yourself. Not all pieces will appeal to all tastes, but the challenge of such variety is seductive and should provide plenty of pleasurable hours playing.

Rating:
Summary: A Composer's Opinion
Review: Windham Hill Artists are almost always a notch above the rest(ie. Narada, etc.) The feel, rhythms, originality, imagination, and overall composition can't be matched elsewhere. I've been a piano composer for 10 years and find the beauty of this music unforgettable. This music is well worth discovering and exploring further!!!

Rating:
Summary: A Composer's Opinion
Review: Windham Hill Artists are almost always a notch above the rest(ie. Narada, etc.) The feel, rhythms, originality, imagination, and overall composition can't be matched elsewhere. I've been a piano composer for 10 years and find the beauty of this music unforgettable. This music is well worth discovering and exploring further!!!