Album Notes

Suzanna Sifter
Awakening
Notes from the pianist/composer
(for bio info, please go to "Flowers for You" CD)

1. A CHILD IS BORN This is one of my favorite tunes with its lilting 3/4 and soulful melody.
2. S' WONDERFUL I first heard this tune played by my friend and colleague Bob Winter,in a solo piano context. Since then I wanted to arrange the tune for piano trio.
3. WON'T YOU STAY FOR A WHILE I wrote this tune in Graduate School at New England Conservatory. Theoretically, it involves moving in a sharp direction through the circle of 5ths, either using the major or the relatd minor chords.
4.AWAKENING As the title track to this recording, Awakening expresses the continual process of becoming: a new aspect, the next level of knowing yourself and learning how to live this life. It also refers to the spritual renewal each day offers us.
5.SORROW'S END This title does not refer to the end of sorrow; it expresses as far into sorrow as one can get, to the point where you can not go any further.
6.MOOLIGHT IN VT This standard has long been one of my favorite tunes, arranged here in a medium tempo with the bridge in 3/4



7.BLUES FOR A.D. I had the great honor of performing with the late Alan Dawson, distingused jazz drummer . I was completely floored by his jazz shuffle, so I had to write a tune featuring the drums honoring Alan and his great music and spirit.

8 WAITING FOR GRACE After a particularly loving sitting for meditaion , I felt inspired to sit and play the piano in my office as I waited for my next student. As fate would have it, My student, Grace, never came. Thus Waiting for Grace, with its gospelish feel, was born.

9. WHAT IS THIS THING CALLED LOVE --SEASCAPE I fell in love with 12/8 after a few lessons on 2's and 3's with Dave Holland. Thus came the arrangement to "What is this thing"
I've always liked double time swing, and it kicks the tune into high gear in this arrangement. Seascape is a slower tune in 9/8, continuing my study of even and odd groupings. I imagine a tall ship being tossed around in the rough seas, as the triplets rise and fall...

10. THANK YOU This tune was inspired by the great debt of gratitude I feel for this life. It came to me as I sat in my studio complete with words and its popish feel. Deeply spiritual in meaning, I dedicate this song to the everpresent life force in all of us.

www,suzannasifter.com