Steven Cravis
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Dulin is a Genius
Michael Dulin has made another miraculous album. The track 'Follow the River' alone makes me realize he's reached, but not stopped at, a genius level of composing and performing in his career which is rather impressive considering how mind blowing all his other albums are prior to this one! The song has a playful 3/4 feel yet moves effortlessly through actually quite complicated chord and melody changes, AND even moves comfortably through the genres New Age, Classical, Jazz and even a 'Broadway' show tune type of sound. Promised Land is an ambient smooth jazz production with a driving happy beat that somehow incorporates classical melody runs, and some jazzy improvisations over soulful chords and rhythms. The continuous and infinite connection from one section of this album to the next is an uplifting spiral of joy that can bring tears of joy and thankfulness from Michael's deep spiritual center to the listener, reminding the listener that we are all truly connected in a glorious way. As a musician and composer I am incredibly inspired by Michael Dulin's musical masterpieces.
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Kathy Parsons
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Bravo!
Michael Dulin’s new release, “Follow the River,” is his first release of new original material since his 2003 chart-topping “Atmospheres.” Anyone who has seen Dulin play live knows his virtuosity at the piano allows him to do virtually anything he can imagine on this most magnificent of musical instruments and make it all look easy. A graduate of Juilliard, Dulin is a lifelong musician who has immersed himself in just about every kind of music, from classical works to being a touring member of The Temptations Review, from hymns and gospel music to playing regularly with a group of Southern jazz legends. Dulin can do it all, and this myriad of influences works its way into his music, making it impossible to classify (a good thing!). Most of the thirteen tracks are more classical in style than jazz, and ten are solo piano - just Dulin and his Steinway. The other three are beautifully embellished with strings, percussion, and other instruments for a more orchestrated sound. I have always preferred Dulin solo, so this CD is just my cup of tea, and my favorite of his eight albums.
The title track begins the journey on an energetic and upbeat note, suggesting a sense of adventure as well as fun. Or perhaps the energy comes from the flow of the river itself rather than its followers. Either way, it’s a glorious start! “A Mother’s Love” is a much slower and more subdued ballad with a slight southern accent (Dulin is from Alabama). The middle section becomes more effervescent, and then returns to the original theme. “Farewell” is one of my favorites. Chopin-like in its emotional intensity and tricky passages, it’s a real beauty! “Siren Song” is one of the orchestrated pieces, and is as enchanting as its title implies - almost like floating on a cloud. “Nimrod” refers to a Biblical character mentioned in Genesis as the first hunter, and tells of his adventures and travels. “Regret” is one of my favorite Dulin pieces ever. It begins simply with a lovely melody that becomes much darker and more intense as it develops, conveying a tangle of emotions - a great piece! Dulin has a tradition of including a lullaby on each of his albums, and this time it’s “Teatime for Emily,” a light, carefree piece that suggests the innocence of childhood. A very spiritual and religious man, Dulin expresses his faith and reverence in “Family Bible.” “April Showers” is a lively and colorful ode to spring that celebrates the refreshing rains that come at this time of year. “Promised Land” is another of the orchestrated pieces, and the rhythm tracks give it more of a smooth jazz sound, full of joy and inner peace. The closing track, “Gone Fishin’,” ends the CD with a great big grin. Also orchestrated, this piece is pure musical fun. What an album!
As a reviewer, it is amazing to find an artist who starts out great and just keeps getting better. Not many pianists have Dulin’s ease at the piano (he practices all the time, kids!!!), and as a composer, he has few peers. Give yourself a treat and check out “Follow the River.” I give it my highest recommendation!
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Michael Diamond (www.michaeldiamondmusic.com)
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Review excerpt from Music & Media Focus blog
Having recently reviewed Michael Dulin’s outstanding current release ”Timeless ll, I was interested to go back and listen to the album of his which preceded that – “Follow The River.” While there are some similarities, there are also essential differences. This CD bears some stylistic semblance in that it is primarily a solo piano album with a few songs adding additional instrumentation. However, an obvious departure is that while “Timeless ll is an album of classical piano, with interpretations of Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, and others, “Follow The River” features all original songs written by Michael himself and shines a light on his skills as a composer as well as being a brilliant instrumentalist.
While there are elements of classical music present in this offering, the album exhibits a much wider range of influences including contemporary instrumental, new age, smooth jazz, and a bit of folk/roots Americana. For me, listening to this CD was like reading a book of short stories, in which each chapter spun a different musical narrative along with a corresponding emotional evocation. I was greatly impressed with Julliard trained pianist Michael Dulin’s abilities after first hearing “Timeless ll”, and I am even more so now, having had the opportunity to experience other rays of his creative spectrum.
To read the full review of this CD as well as other reviews, please visit: www.michaeldiamondmusic.com
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