From MainlyPiano.com
Kathy Parsons | Florence, OR United States | 10/25/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
""A Dream Come True" is an eclectic album that showcases a variety of Betsy Foster's composing styles. From love ballads to piano pieces to sweeping soundtracks, she feels equally at home in many genres. One of the things that I found interesting about the layout of the CD is that it begins with five instrumental pieces that are primarily piano and would probably be filed under "new age," followed by five vocals that are in a more pop style, and then five much bigger orchestrations. What ties the styles together is the sincerity and honesty of the music, as well as the deeply-felt emotions. Personally, I like the first five tracks the best, but the whole album is fascinating and engaging, and it's fun to experience such a variety of music on one album. Catherine Styron plays piano and synth on all but two tracks, where Gene Rabbai takes over on the bench. Vocals are performed by Heather Blair Jones and Brian Glenn. Most of the other instrumentation is on acoustic instruments, so this CD has a very full, rich sound.
"Mark's Song" opens the CD with a soulful piece composed after the death of Princess Diana, and later named for Betsy Foster's husband. Oboe and violins combine with the piano to make this an exceptionally poignant piece. "The Christmas Waltz" is light and charming - it is easy to picture bundled up couples ice skating on a frozen lake or pond to this piece. I like the mysterious quality of "Music Box, a duet for flute and piano. "Make A Joyful Noise" starts out as a simple "song without words," but builds into a full orchestration full of happiness and optimism. The five vocals are very well done and enjoyable, but I prefer the instrumentals. I do like "Chances" a lot - the lyrics are kind of different, and Heather Blair Jones makes them very personal. The instrumental version of "Loving You" is very gentle and sweet, with kind of a country feel to it. "Longing" has the sweep of a powerful soundtrack and packs an emotional wallop - what a beauty! "Hope" starts out big and becomes a gorgeous piano piece with accompaniment by a rich variety of instruments, becoming bigger again as the piece develops. "The Highlands" is another departure, with a Celtic feel and expansive style - haunting and lyrical.
"A Dream Come True" is a most impressive debut, and gives us a fascinating sampling of what Betsy Foster is capable of as a composer. I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot more from her in the future!"
THE FIRST HOME THEATURE ARTIST:MAGNIFICENT!!
R. A POKATILOFF | ZION, IL USA | 11/06/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the long awaited release by composer Betsy Foster. There are 15 songs. Five are vocals. The running time is 55 minutes, 10 seconds. The sound, production--by Denny Martin, and graphics are outstanding: very professional. I especially like the 11 page cover booklet, with pictures of Betsy (that span her life), lyrics, song commentary, and credits. The piano is the main instrument. You will hear many instruments that are found in a classical orchestra, plus the usual pop music ones. Heard are pop vocal ballads, movie theme, and semi classical. Most of the tracks sound like a classical orchestra, many with percussion added. I like 13 of the 15 selections. Everyone will love the 4 vocal ballads by Heather Blair Jones, Marlene O'Neill, and Brian Glenn. They are well worth the price of the disc! The fifth vocal is a jazz piece which isn't my cup of tea. The instrumentals I like the best, in that order, are: SHE WILL RISE AGAIN, HOPE, THE HIGHLANDS, LONGING, AND GOING HOME. The vocal selections I like best are: CHANCES; MONDAY MORNING, A RAINY DAY, AND YOU; HAVE I TOLD YOU LATELY; AND LOVING YOU. LOVING YOU is played at weddings. It was made to sound like a folk song by Peter, Paul, and Mary. (Included, is an instrumental version of LOVING YOU.) Also, the piece, HOPE, is absolutely THE BEST composition, classical or otherwise! Nothing compares! Many composers can write complicated charts; not many can produce material with beautiful melodies and great emotion--and Betsy is the best!! This CD would make great holiday gifts. BUY THIS MAGNIFICENT OFFERING!!"
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1