Reviewed by R. Davis & J. Rabushka
Orange Band Records
www.annsweeten.com
Ann Sweeten is an instrumentalist who plays acoustic grand piano with a little gentle synthesizer in the background for color. Her style is a cross between new age (a la George Winston or David Lanz) and classical (she has formal classical training), but she writes all of her own material. There also are hints of jazz and Broadway show tunes reflecting other aspects of her history she studied jazz in college and has acted in many plays). Jazz chords and turns of melody dot the skyscape, but it’s not “jazzy.” Just sometimes she’ll end a phrase on a chord that’s a little out of character for where the melody’s gone before - it gives the music that special touch of individuality. It’s perfect stuff for the romantic evening, or even if you’re just alone wishing for one; some very beautiful chording and orchestration... a lot of it reminds one of the old classic movie days, “Here’s looking at you, kid,” that sort of thing.
Her fifth album, SAPPHIRE DAYS, was primarily inspired by animals and different aspects of nature. Two of the pieces are inspired by stgray dogs she’s taken in. The title tune is meant to capture those days when “not a cloud graces a sky so blue that it aches and the sun seems to sprinkleeverything with magic dust,” according to Ann. She writes memorable melodies and plays with grace and assurance.
Her albums are available in stores, at amazon.com or at her website.
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