Orchard is one of those (rare) CDs that, once it ends, makes you want to hit play again and hear the whole thing over once more. Though every track is beautiful upon  first listen, they somehow get even better each time you hear them, a bit like a mystery continuing to unfold. The tracks evoke the beauty of the natural world and manage to be both contemplative and energetic--the perfect accompaniment to writing, working on the computer, crafting, cooking or just hanging out, relaxing.
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"Orchard" was given to me by a friend and the more I listen to it the more I love it.  Alicia has a beautiful way of expressing herself both in her compositions and in her playing. This music calms my soul and fills the inner well after a long day at work. It renews and restores my energy and makes me a better person to be around between the time I get in to my car and the time I leave it.
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“Orchard” is pianist/composer Alicia Bessette’s follow-up to her 2002 debut, “Reservoir.” “Orchard” contains eleven original solo piano pieces, most of which are full of longing and introspection – sometimes quiet and contemplative and sometimes fiery and passionate. A self-trained pianist from an early age and also a writer, Bessette effectively tells stories using the language of music and paints vivid pictures with the colors of sound.  Her complex harmonies and intricate rhythms may make the music a little less accessible for some, but repeated listens will open up the music, revealing its secrets and inner workings. 

“Orchard” begins with the quiet and beautiful “Semuhenna,” which refers to an old hiking trail in New England. Very tranquil and contented, it’s a lovely beginning. In French, “Revenant” means “returning,” but in folklore, a “revenant” is a visible ghost or a corpse who returns from the grave to terrorize the living. There is nothing dark or threatening about the music, so the title must refer to a return of some sort. Gentle and thoughtful, it’s quite an uplifting piece. “Hamadryad” refers to a nymph that lives in trees. Light and playful, this is a favorite.  “Treetops” is another favorite with its dreamy mood and softly swaying rhythm. “Cliffwalk” has an energy that suggests wonder and the trill of being on the edge. “Telling (Isn’t Easy)” is a charming piece with a simple, but heartfelt melody that speaks a simple but emotional truth. I also really like the mysterious yet playful “Doorkeeper” and the way its melody evolves through a series of variations on the theme. “Hawks In the Orchard” is my favorite track. Beginning softly and peacefully, the birds must be coasting effortlessly on the wind currents. As the piece develops, the pace picks up, becoming lively and animated – almost dancelike – winding down to a slower conclusion. “I Never Left” feels like it carries the truth and honesty of a soliloquy. Passionate and expressive,  it brings this fascinating album to a close.

“Orchard” was worth the six-year wait between albums, but we’ll hope Alicia Bessette’s third album will come a little sooner! Recommended!
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Alicia Bessette once again captivates the listener with her brillance and charm taking them to a better place.  She embraces the simple beauties of life and interprets them in song.  Her gift becomes ours. Original yet familiar...extrodinary yet gracious.  Reservoir & Orchard...can't have one without wanting the other!!
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