Release Date: April 25, 2025
Label: Independent
"All Is Not Lost" begins with a soft
piano intro, setting the stage for an emotional journey. As the orchestration
emerges and takes shape, accompanied by a violin, the music becomes a conduit
for introspection. The rise and fall of the music mirrors the ebb and flow of
emotions, creating a dramatic scene that will resonate with the listener.
"Beneath the Harvest Moon" starts similarly, with a soft
piano intro that sets the tone for the track. The gorgeous stringed violin adds a new dimension of color and emotion to the mix. Lisa's
touch on the keys is elegant and a testament to her reverence for classical
music. The high production values are evident, giving the listener a layer of
assurance about the EP's overall sound quality.
"Dancing Between Worlds" begins with a different
tempo, albeit faster than the previous tracks, but just right. The rhythms are sublime,
and the tone is crystal clear as the orchestration once again enhances her
piano leads. The track has an exciting and regal element, leaving the listener
filled with emotions as if they have reached the summit of a long climb to a
mountain top. Metaphorically, either an actual mountain or a long-standing
challenge is finally completed. I should be watching a documentary
film about the vast wonders of nature.
"Remembering You" sounds like a love song about
whatever or whomever the subject matter may be. Of course, it starts
purposefully and carefully to bring that emotion to the forefront. In any case,
it can bring both sadness and joy. Those two emotions are found in the keys as
Lisa's fingers tell the story with clarity and feeling. This time, I heard some
jazz elements interspersed, which was interesting.
"La femme Sur Mer" means Signification. It's the
shortest track on the EP, clocking in at 2:25. The description of 'short and
sweet' is perfect. It captivates the senses with the romanticism of days gone
by, transporting you to another time and place. All great music can do that,
and Lisa achieves it effortlessly.
"Carousel of Life" is a prolific track title, the
longest at 4:26. While it conveys the unpredictability of our lives, it offers
moments of pause to reflect on what it means to each listener. As the closer,
it takes a step away from the previous tracks, focusing on the romantic side of
life, which can encompass many aspects. It begins with the sound of a clarinet,
not an accordion. Every time I hear it, I think of the boats in the canals of
Venice, evoking the romanticism of Europe. Lisa's acoustic piano is like the
flowing water of those rivers, leading the way as all the other elements are
blended in for a complete listening experience. The orchestrations are also
superb.
I found it interesting how the tracks were synced consecutively,
with the shortest and the longest. This, in turn, demonstrates the broad range
of skills and effects of Lisa Swerdlow's piano expertise. You pick out how her
playing is separated, and the additional sounds blend nicely, without removing
the show's star. This is a credit to the production and mastering process.
Dancing Between Worlds may be short-lived compared to a complete release. However, the quality of each track far outweighs the time involved. Every note is carefully placed within each track, and each track is different in sound, texture, mood, and color. It will please you and keep your interest from beginning to end.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR
Reviews Founder
April 24, 2025
Tracks:
1. All is Not Lost (4:07)
2. Beneath the Harvest Moon (4:05)
3. Dancing Between Worlds (3:16)
4. Remembering You (3:05)
5. La femme Sur Mer (2:25)
6. Carousel of Life (4:26)
