Album Notes

Wowing reviewers with its depth, “Meridians” places pianist/composer Valerie Mih on the map as a brilliant new arrival on the scene. Strikingly blending classical, ambient and jazz genres, she adds unique textures of accordion, voice and electronic ambience to her nuanced piano performances. “Meridians” transports listeners to a peaceful and deeply emotional place within.

"The debut CD from pianist Valerie Mih will almost surely earn her recognition as one of the rising stars of contemporary piano music. In a genre marked by many albums that, while artistically worthy, start to all sound somewhat the same, hers is a unique 'voice,' not just for the occasional inclusion of the nontraditional accordion, but also for her unconventional yet accessible way with melodies. Mih’s technique is masterful, rich with nuance and delicate shading regardless of a song’s tempo. Even when the music is fast-paced, it is colored with sepia-toned texture, making this a particularly emotive and fulfilling listening experience."
- Music Matters Magazine

“This is pianist Valerie Mih's second release and, put simply, ‘Meridians’ is one of the standout piano recordings of 2008. With how many CDs in that genre see the light of day yearly, that's a strong statement. There is a rare depth, both an emotional underpinning and a richer aspect to the artist's actual talent and technique, at work here…She is definitely someone to pick up on if you want to hear one of the rising stars in this genre. Highly recommended.”
- New Age Review

"Valerie Mih is an artist who likes to take her work to another level. As a piano player, Mih is blending styles such as classical, jazz and ambient. This pianist’s objective is to literally heal people through her music. The powerful force of healing is dear to Valerie and she wants the listeners to have their own enlightening experiences. 'Meridians' will take you on a wonderful journey full of bright ambience, atmospheric elements along with a sense of mystery and wonder."
- SKOPE Music Magazine

“Valerie Mih is a musician's musician…Well known in both the San Francisco and New York City scenes as a solo and ensemble performer, she blends elements of classical, jazz and new age into a musical tapestry that is part story and part dream. What's most striking about Mih's music is the sense of movement. Classical-style piano pieces that are ambient in nature give the feel of the push and pull you might find on a body of water. Valerie Mih creates some magic on ‘Meridians’. The music flows like time flows around us. Never pushing too hard but always pushing, pulling and cajoling us to where we need to be.”
- Wildy’s World Music Review

“The titular track starts off ‘Meridians’, and despite the fact that the piano is the key element to the track, the addition of atmospheric elements to the track is what makes the composition into something spectacular. Mih may have debuted last year with her ‘Sacred Sound’ album, but the compositions that are commonplace on ‘Meridians’ sound as if they were composed by someone that has been releasing albums for decades. There is a tremendous amount of possibility for Mih in the years to come, and I believe that she has shown listeners a brilliant glimpse of what is to come through the whole of ‘Meridians’. Make it a point to pick up ‘Meridians’, see Mih at any places that she may be performing, and get in on the ground floor.”
– Neufutur Magazine