Esssence - best solo piano album on enlightened piano in 2014
What a wonderful CD of soothing sounds! You will find yourself relaxing with utter enjoyment and calm. I particularly like the soundtracks "Innocence", "Essence", and "Stillness" on this CD.
I just received this CD and listening to it could feel the tensions of the day draining from me. Very beautiful music and so soothing. I am so glad I found this artist. I am very pleased with my purchase. I find myself listening to this CD a little every day. Best medicine!
You know how you've been busy with something you're doing and you suddenly stop to listen to whatever music is playing? Well, ... that's Renee Michele. You stop. You listen. You think, "Wow, who is that?" Her music has that "something special". That ability to reach in and touch the heart. Love every track (and that's pretty unusual for me).
Essence is Renee’ Michele’s fourth album so far. It is the culmination of many of her experiences, thoughts and feelings transcended to sound. The music is a universal diary that captures life and reveals her emotional imprint within the soul of every note. The songs of “ESSENCE” are messengers that will evoke life's deepest emotions of which we are all connected. As on fan stated: "Now that I have heard the songs on Essence, I can hardly believe it, but I think Reneé Michele has managed to outdo her previous work. Her music is so moving to my soul that I am sometimes brought to tears from the experience.”
Cary in Texas
Essence is the fourth solo piano release from Reneé Michele and her best album yet! Lyrical, graceful, and effortlessly flowing, Reneé Michele’s music is a tribute to the human spirit as well as to the individual people and experiences that directly inspired the music. I have enjoyed all of Reneé’s albums over the past eight years, but Essence is truly exceptional in its emotional depth and musical truth. In addition to being an outstanding pianist/composer, Reneé Michele is an Occupational Therapist and a piano teacher for children with special needs and developmental challenges. She and I had dinner one evening a few years ago, and listening to her talk about her students and the difference she has been able to make in their lives was a profound inspiration that I will never forget. That generosity of spirit comes through the music like open arms, welcoming and accepting, ready to share. Reneé Michele’s classical roots are apparent in the depth of her music, but her style is contemporary and smooth, immediately accessible with new layers unfolding with each listen.
Essence begins with “Believe,” a slow, uncomplicated piece of uncommon elegance and grace - a wonderful way to start! “Yearning” reminds me of sitting in front of a window and letting my mind wander - daydreaming without trying to control thoughts or impressions - leisurely, easy, and healing. “Another Time” also has a very dreamy, peaceful flow that soothes and comforts. “Greensleeves” is a fascinating arrangement of this ancient song. It begins with dark, bold chords that lead into the melody which then weaves in and out of improvisations on the theme, creating something new out of something very old. “The Gift” returns to gentle grace and tenderness tinged with passion. The title track is a favorite and a piece that would work wonderfully in a poignant film soundtrack. Gentle and delicate yet strong and resilient, it goes deep within the human spirit to find its “essence.” “Wow!” about sums it up. I also really love the closing track, “Stillness,” which says so much so simply and elegantly.
Reneé Michele has created a real masterpiece with Essence, and I hope it will give her music the exposure it so well deserves. Essence is available from renee-michele.com, Amazon, iTunes, and CD Baby. Highly recommended!
originally published at mainlypiano.com
