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Creekside | Lisa Drake
"Creekside" is a collection of piano songs with instrumental backgrounds, composed and performed by Lisa Drake. With a combination of piano, strings and other soothing sounds all done on a state of the art digital piano, she is able to create music that warms both the heart and the soul. "Creekside" is perfect for a rainy day, a quiet evening with a book or day of creative play in the art studio.
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List Price: $19.00
Our Price: $15.00
Order by mail 
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1. Supernova Sample: Stream | MP3
2. Winds Southwest Sample: Stream | MP3
3. Balalaika Serenade Sample: Stream | MP3
4. Little Mary Sample: Stream | MP3
5. Creekside Sample: Stream | MP3
6. Dandelion King Sample: Stream | MP3
7. It Takes Two Sample: Stream | MP3
8. Rhythm of the Garden Sample: Stream | MP3
9. Tranquility River Sample: Stream | MP3
10. Cleo Sample: Stream | MP3
11. Lullaby of Bertland Sample: Stream | MP3
12. Someday Sample: Stream | MP3
13. For Adam Sample: Stream | MP3
Reviewed by Kathy Parsons
"Creekside" is an extraordinary debut from Indiana pianist/composer Lisa Drake.
A classically-trained professional pianist in Tennessee and Indiana for twenty-five years,
Drake's music has the style and grace of an artist who is completely comfortable with her
instrument. Some of the pieces are lightly orchestrated, and some include one or two other instruments,
nature sounds, and one brief children's vocal. The mood varies from piece to piece, but is consistently
tranquil and relaxing. The music would create a beautiful backdrop for other activities, but deserves
to be listened to intently to savor the nuance and elegance of a top-notch artist.
The CD was recorded on a state-of-the-art digital piano, but the music more than makes up for the
non-acoustic instrument.
The CD opens with "Supernova", a graceful, classically-influenced piece that includes strings in the background that make the piece soar. Filled with longing and wonder, it's a lovely beginning that promises great things to come. I love "Winds Southwest", a darkly mysterious piece with some bluesy touches. Intense and swirling, it paints a vivid picture. "Balalaika Serenade" is the only cover piece. Composed by Irene Rodgers, piano and balalaika ( a Russian guitar) combine to create a wistful, playful duet. The title tune is another beauty. With nature sounds in the background, this gentle piano solo depicts a setting of perfect peace and contentment. Even the sound of thunder and rain doesn't dispel the bliss, and the innocence of a child singing "It's raining, it's pouring" brings a smile. A great piece! "It Takes Two" is passion set to music with a slightly Spanish flavor. "Cleo" is the most orchestrated piece on the CD. With strings, guitar, percussion, and an interesting rhythm track this very soulful piece would be great in a movie soundtrack. "Lullaby of Bertland" is a bit jazzier and has some interesting harmonic changes that are never jarring. "Someday" is a bluesy musical daydream that looks inward and comes from the heart. "For Adam" closes the set with another heartfelt piece that seems to be saying, "Farewell, I'll miss you." Strings add poignance to the lovely piano melody.
"Creekside" is excellent from start to finish, and I can't wait to hear more from this exciting new artist.
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