Review from “Whisperin & Hollerin”
By Adam Harrington, www.whisperinandhollerin.com/reviews
Southworth's "At the End of the Day" has the fragile beauty and soulful depth of a painting; every note is a graceful stroke of the brush. Labels such as "New Age" or "jazz" cannot aptly describe the haunting, evocative qualities of these gorgeous instrumentals... What makes Southworth's piano playing so engrossing is the emotional pull they create; they simply draw you in unlike many of her peers who keep their distance, letting us admire the sounds they create but not feel them. The healing element of "At the End of the Day" is probably its greatest strength. This is the perfect record for tired or downtrodden souls, an antidote for the pains of the world. Full review
Review from Ink19 - 1/07
By Kyrby Rain, www.ink19.com
Carolyn Southworth is one of the finest pure musicians I've ever heard.
I can't believe I would ever use that line, but I'll say it again and again to anyone who will take the time to listen to me. This is a trip through Southworth's world and it is very worthwhile time spent. Somehow after listening to this fine work, I feel a greater sense of calm, yet an incredible, life-affirming sense of excitement and wonder. Few artists make me want to know them more, to know everything that makes them tick. Carolyn Southworth is one of them.
As a reviewer of music, I hear a lot of good material, but I also hear a lot of really bad stuff. Of course I cannot pick when I will find that bad music, but it always sneaks its way in. Carolyn Southworth's music is a treasure. She is good -- really good, especially for this normally clinical "new age" genre.
I had a really rough meeting one day. I felt like a Marine Corps recruit the way I was being grilled. It was extremely harsh. I went home to do some reviews, put in this CD and I felt an instant sensation that everything was going to be alright. "In The Wake of the Storm" in particular sealed the deal on my renewed well-being. For that, I thank her
Review from New Age Reporter, 10/12/07
by RJ Lannan, www.newagereporter.com
"I listened to Carolyn Southworth’s new album At the End of the
Day and it brought back memories of an album called Desert Visions. Then
I had the sense to look at the liner notes and see Paul Speer's name on
the list. Now it all makes sense. Carolyn’s music is the stuff that
the 80's were made of and that is a good thing. After all, it is the music
that got the whole thing started. Soothing piano, mellow keyboards with
gentle woodwinds, placid guitar and lush soundscapes are the key to the
moods of At the End of The Day. There are quite a few New Age veterans on
the albums as well. As I said Paul Speer makes an appearance as guitarist
and producer and Nancy Rumbel breathes life into all sorts of woodwinds.
Additionally, Doug Barnett plays on bass, Richard Warner on sax and Steve
Hill on drums
The title cut At the End of the Day is music that says goodnight to the sun and good evening to the moon. It welcomes the stars and gets the dreams going. Speer does those wah-wah riffs he is noted for and the piano just waltzes around him. A great beginning.
Silver Lining starts out with a sort of haunting Celtic feel and what a joy it is. It definitely has an impression from the past. Sometimes we forget that although life is more than rough, there are little pleasures and tiny miracles happening all around us. The smile of a child that you do not know, the light that never dims in your grandmother’s eyes, or the hand that is extended even though nothing is asked. Sometimes you are so happy about silver linings that you cannot wait for the next stormy day.
From the BYU musical drama Abinadi comes one of my favorites called In My Fondest Dreams. Carolyn puts her heart into every note on this one. Overall the calming tune has that pastoral sense that Rumbel is so famous for and her double-reed oboe meanders gently in the lead. It is a tune for the rare "what if" moments of your life.
After the storm has passes and its destruction is all around you, it is hard to hold onto even a modicum of hope. Sometimes it is so faint that it cannot be seen with the naked eye, but the heart is more discerning. In the Wake of the Storm is a song of faith. It is the anthem for all the Katrina victims that still hope for solid ground under their feet, a quiet heart and peace of mind.
Nocturne is the best cut on At the End of the Day, hands down. It has a touch of classical piano elements and echoing flute a la Rampal. It is a dramatic tune that gives the sense that it is time for the stars to wink out and the dawn to stretch her rosy fingers above the horizon. Tomorrow is another day and another adventure.
Carolyn Southworth’s new music has a warm, familiarity to it that
for me made new memories and jogged a few old ones. Her songs are the soothing
of the soul type that bears repeated listening. So when your day has just
about beat you to a frenzy, put on Carol’s music and tell the sun
goodnight."
Review
from Solo Piano Publications - 6/11/2007
By Kathy Parsons, www.solopianopublications.com
“At the End of the Day” is Carolyn Southworth’s debut CD, but it certainly doesn’t sound like a first release! Produced by David Lanz’s former collaborator, Grammy nominee Paul Speer, and accompanied on several tracks by woodwind artist, Nancy Rumbel (of Tingstad and Rumbel), “At the End of the Day” could easily be mistaken for a Narada release from that label’s heyday. Speer’s guitar is so distinctive that I might have guessed that a few of the tracks were early Lanz/Speer material. Anyone nostalgic for that sound will absolutely love this CD! However, this is not an impersonation or copycat music. It is a flawless collection of deeply personal compositions for piano and other instruments (keyboard, oboe, English horn, bass, percussion, sax, flute, and guitar - almost all acoustic). Strong melodies and passionate playing make this a standout album for concentrated listening or to accompany a long drive, a cozy fireplace, or just chillin’. Along with being an accomplished pianist/composer, Carolyn Southworth is a violin and piano teacher, plays violin and viola, directs choirs, performs, and composes for a wide range of musical ensembles...............
I usually try to not compare artists and their work, but I really think
fans of David Lanz’s early music (and there are a LOT of them!) will
love “At the End of the Day.” Carolyn Southworth is a wonderful
discovery, so check her music out! It’s available from www.carolynsouthworth.com,
cdbaby.com, and amazon.com. Recommended!
Full
review
Review
from "erasing
clouds" collected scribblings on music, film and other obsessions.
January 15, 2007,
By Michael Sutton www.erasingclouds.com
"Washington State-based artist Carolyn Southworth composes sumptuously melodic instrumentals that film vivid images in the brain. This is soundtrack music with a poet's ear. On "Highlander," a homage to Southworth's Scottish origins, and "Silver Lining" Southworth conjures images of wide-open spaces, wisions of raindrops falling on emeral trees and vast miles of land. Her piano playing is delicate yet dramatic; they can drift across the ears with the plaintive walk of tear-filled clouds, like on "Once in a Lifetime: and "In the Wake of the Storm," or stoll with uplilfting self-confidence ("Sideways," "Where Eagles Soar"). Whatever moods they are conveying (which is open to interpretation), the overall effect is a relaxing, engaging one. Produced by Grammy nominee Paul Speer with Southworth herself, the CD sounds utterly pristine; there isn't an awkward note or recording flaw on it. However, the studio slickness doesn't detach fthe listener from the feelings that Southworth is attempting to get across."
Interview
with "Shotgun
Reviews", May 15, 2007
By Michael Sutton & Kyrby Raine, www.shotgunreviews.com
"Carolyn Southworth: A New Age for Mind Movies"
Southworth will convince you that New Age music can have a heart.
She will win you over not with words, but with the plush, elegant kisses
of her piano. She produces soundtracks for the mind, letting your subconscious
unreel scenes of its own. It’s no surprise that Southworth is from
Washington State because her atmospheric pieces capture the Pacific Northwest’s
exotic natural beauty. Southworth discussed her work further with Shotgun
Reviews.
Shotgun Reviews: Some people have a negative view of New Age music, mistakenly believing it as a cold, emotionless genre. But your compositions have a soothing effect that cannot be denied. How do you translate those feelings of calmness into arrangements that are involving and evocative?
Carolyn Southworth: Music has the power to touch the soul
in ways that no other medium can. To me, one of the most important aspects
of musical composition is the melody. That is the element that will linger
in a person’s mind long after the song has drifted into silence. Having
written some pieces for musical theater, I found that if a melody is strong,
the audience will leave the theater humming the tune, so it’s important
to me for the melody to be quite ‘singable’, even if it’s
just an instrumental piece...............................see
full interview
Following the dream
At 54, new-age composer/pianist Carolyn Southworth finally goes professional
Published Friday, October 27, 2006 in the Deseret Morning News
Photograph: Ron Southworth
"When I realized I could actually make this album, we got a hold of David Lanz," Carolyn said. "We talked awhile and he encouraged me to do a solo piano album. But he also told me that I was the one who needed to make the decision. We were encouraged to contact Paul."
Speer was in the process of making his move from Seattle to Nashville, Tenn., but he agreed to listen to Southworth's demos. "He told me that his move could wait," said Carolyn. "So my album was one of his last Seattle-produced projects."
....CLICK HERE to read the complete article
Island musician’s new album praised by Grammy-winners
By BRIDGET BUDBILL, Reporter
Published Tuesday, October 10, 2006, in the Stanwood/Camano NEWS
Considering all of her musical accomplishments, Carolyn Southworth might
feel entitled to a few “diva” moments.
But that just isn’t the character of the Camano Island musician....CLICK HERE to read the rest of the article
Southworth's album a winner
By Scott
Iwasaki
Published Friday, October 27, 2006, Deseret Morning News
CAROLYN SOUTHWORTH; "At the End of the Day," (Heron's Point)
"Carolyn Southworth has recorded her first contemporary instrumental album, and it can stand alongside such new-age artists as David Lanz, Suzanne Ciani and Tingstad & Rumbel...[it] will appeal to fans of healing new-age music. But it also sets the bar high for fans' expectations." Full review
Superbly crafted. Haunting. Simple Outstanding.
John Reid, Keith Community Radio 102.8FM,
Keith, Banffshire, SCOTLAND
This is a recording of the very highest quality, it is superbly crafted from first to last. The Arrangements and Production are terrific and I cannot praise too highly the quality of Musicianship. It is plain to hear that Carolyn Southworth has Scottish ancestry as the Celtic influence is apparent on several tracks, but nicely stated and never dominating. The Music is haunting, relaxing, and creates images in the mind, all relevant to the titles of the Tracks. I am sure this is the whole purpose of the Album and it certainly achieves this. Simply outstanding, and full marks to all involved. Best Wishes. John Reid, Keith Community Radio 102.8FM, Keith, Banffshire, SCOTLAND
Feedback posted at RadioDirectX , promoting music worldwide
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Fantastic - Peaceful - Very Enjoyable
08-Dec-2006
*Reviewer: recon977
Extremely talented. Carolyn's passion for producing high quality music comes through in her arrangements. Her style is peaceful and smooth.
Inspiring
12-Oct-2006
*Reviewer: relindsay
The world needs more musicians like Carolyn. Her music inspires the soul and tantalizes the senses. After a stressful day; her music brings me back to a spot that I had forgotten existed. God bless Carolyn and her willingness to share her music and creative talents with us.
Wonderfully rich and warm melodies.
13-Jan-2006
*Reviewer: rich04
This music is very soothing and calming, especially after a hectic day.
On an equal footing with Jim Brickman and David Lanz.
Her music is perfectly relaxing.
12-Nov-2005
*Reviewer: White
Shalom
The music delights the listener.
Her style inspires the soul and has a calming effect; good for soul searching.
01-Nov-2005
*Reviewer: melleo
Her music makes the listener look towards oneself, do some soul searching,
reviews the past, due to melancholy feelings the music evokes yet also, lets
you pick out happy moments and treasures these. She has done this as a superb
pianist but more so as hopeless romantic.
*Reviews from Download.com
