a unique and truly moving collection of contemporary piano solos
author: Streams-of-Time.net - Joshua
The album has an overall slow to medium pace, which works extremely well with the the compositions. I found myself just listening to the album, being enveloped with the music, that I sometimes didn't realize that tracks had changed.
"True North" works well as relaxing background music when working, reading, spending time with family and friends, or just relaxing after a long days work. The music paints a picture as beautiful as Straugh's cover art, a painting by Straugh himself, aptly named "True North".
I'm awarding "True North", a unique and truly moving collection of contemporary piano solos, Streams-of-Time's above average rating, 4 out of 5 Stars.
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Complex piano melodies played with grace and passion
author: Streams-of-Time.net - Nancy
Music to chase away the grayest of winter days and shine forth with the warmth of spring! Michael Straugh truly enthralls listeners with the passion in his playing in "True North." He's composed, arranged and played a collection of beautiful instrumental songs which are truly the music of life. Complex piano melodies played with grace and passion to delight the senses.
Perfect music for relaxing on a Sunday Morning or any time a pleasant atmosphere is required; "True North" would be great for play in charming cafes, gift shops and art galleries.
My therapeutic massage clients have found it very enjoyable to listen to while receiving massage, and leave in a relaxed and happy mood. Michael Straugh demonstrates, in a beautiful way, how the power of music can change our mood, and our lives.
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almost reminds me of George Winston
author: Streams-of-Time.net - Jack
"Against the Shore" almost reminds me of George Winston. "If Only" has a very meditative tone, music for a walk through the Northern woods. "The Kiss" may be my favorite on the album. A hesitant piece, peaceful.
This would be an album to have playing during a dinner party, or as the background to a romantic evening.
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marvelous job in blending Contemporary and more Classical compositional idioms
author: Streams-of-Time.net - Frank
In "True North", Mr. Straugh presents a collection of works for solo Piano. Although thoroughly contemporary in nature... Each composition in this CD is meant to paint a musical picture in the mind of the listener. A technique especially well demonstrated by the French Impressionist composers Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel.
Mr. Straugh, in the opinion of this reviewer, has done a marvelous job in blending Contemporary and more Classical compositional idioms into works that are at once captivating upon first listening, yet contain layers of complexity where one may hear something a little bit different each time.
For those who enjoy Contemporary Piano music, "True North" will make a welcome addition.
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