Album Notes

The second CD by composer Richard W. Samuels that features the ancient songs of the Jewish mystics. All of the songs on this CD have a deep spiritual essence, and a lyrical beauty that is both simple and deeply moving. Arranged here by Richard W. Samuels, the songs highlight the piano but also bring out the sound of the orchestra to create a music that is fresh and unique. Richard W. Samuels has had a 30 year music career in both Canada and the US, and has performed for audiences on both coasts. With interests that span from classical to jazz to Brazilian and latin, and then into Jewish music; Richard draws from a wide palette to create musical textures that have been called 'sweeping' by the Canadian press. Mr. Samuels has three other CDs; "Green Light" an original Brazilian Jazz CD that expresses the heart of Brazilian song, and draws from some of Los Angeles's finest musicians to create a CD that is original and passionate; "Songs of Our Soul", the first in this 2 part series where the piano is the melodic voice in a musical CD that was called by one Seattle newspaper a 'meditative gem'. Part 2 in this series is the 'live' release of "Songs of Our Soul". The live version features famed world percussionist, Alex Garcia on drums, and sought after acoustic bass player Eric Stiller, with Richard W. Samuels on piano and vocals. This CD again brings to the spotlight these soulful, lyrical hasidic melodies and infuses the songs with the passion of world rhythms.