Release Date: June 11, 2023
Label: Orange Band Records
Website
Ann
Sweeten has an extensive discography to share with music lovers. Love Walks Through Rain
has
assured a place amongst one of her favorite recordings. She shares her music on
a magnificent Steinway piano with exceptional grace and precision. Ann returned
to Will Ackerman’s Imaginary Road Studios to record her ninth proper album—as
would be expected, the recording production values are beyond reproach.The title would imply that true love can withstand life when
rain comes our way. When we are in a storm, the one person we know that can be
counted on is the one we love or, if we are fortunate, all those we love. In
Ann’s life, she has conquered cancer twice and is currently battling leukemia.
That says much about her resiliency and ability to let love help her walk
through the rain. Her music is beautifully composed and performed with flawless
melodies.
In
addition, the timeless beauty that her piano gives a listener with each track, there
are brilliant guest appearances included such as Charlie Bisharat (Violin),
Eugene Friesen (Cello), Nancy Rumbel (English Horn), Premik Russell-Tubbs (EWI,
Soprano Saxophone), Will Ackerman (Guitar) and Tom Eaton (Bass).
Her
soul's emotional depth and impact in the music is felt strongly. Take “The
Winter’s Circle,” for instance; her piano calls out to you like it is singing
with the angels from heaven. The additional instruments, such as the violin and
cello, are the perfect companions to emphasize the delicate touch of her
fingers on the piano's keys. It is an ode to strong faith and unyielding
spirituality that the artist feels and how it is transformed and envisioned for
the listener to receive. The impact is unquestionable.
You
will notice some changes in the mood and pace with a track like “Red –
Requiem for an Old Friend.” There is
some melancholy with a requiem; however, you can also hear the triumph and hope
in the song. The track runs for 5:58, which is the longest on the album, thus
giving it space for several changes in pace and depth. I did appreciate the
different feelings I went through, and that was the point of the track. One goes
through several emotions when losing a loved one or friend, so the natural flow
of the music and its changes was like an emotional mirror for the creator and
could serve in the same way for anyone. The power of great music and piano-based
instrumentals like those presented on Love Walks Through Rain will show
you how that works so well.
Every
track on Love Walks Through Rain will allow the listener
to use it for healing, grieving, happiness, and sadness. The range of the human
condition is far-reaching, and everyone should stop and listen to any
instrumental music that can touch upon all that complexity.
Ann
Sweeten has created another masterwork of piano instrumentals that will leave
an indelible mark on you. You will be compelled to listen to it more than once;
I can guarantee you that. With everything to gain and nothing to lose now, why
wouldn’t you listen to Love Walks Through Rain?
I
cannot tell anyone what they feel or how the music will be interpreted. I can
promise that the pure emotion of Ann Sweeten’s instrumentals will touch you
somehow. I know how it affects me, and I do my best to describe that in my own
words. I hope that each listener will find peace and healing in this music. I most
certainly did.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- NAMR
Founder
September 26, 2023
Tracks:
01. Valley Greene 4:22
02. Glimmer 5:21
03. Seirios 4:08
04. The Winter’s Circle 5:33
05. Love Walks Through Rain 4:54
06. Red – Requiem for an Old Friend 5:58
07. The Hills of Riversong 5:32
08. The Shadow of You 4:38
09. Through Jasmine’s Eyes 5:12
10. Out of the Fog 4:42
11. Valley Greene Orchestral Reprise 4:26
