From MainlyPiano.com
Kathy Parsons | Florence, OR United States | 06/28/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
""For the Beauty of the Earth" is the third volume in Bradley Sowash's trilogy of solo piano jazz arrangements of hymns and spirituals. There are ten new tracks and four bonus tracks of previously re-leased songs from other albums. Sowash has a real gift for taking these mostly-familiar church tunes and giving them new life, keeping the melodies intact, but changing rhythms, adding improvisational passages, and infusing them with pure spiritual joy. An extraordinary pianist, Sowash's technique, skills, and heart allow him to freely express himself in many different styles and genres, making him one of the best "piano guys" out there.
"Glory, Glory Hallelujah" has an infectious boogie woogie beat and dances right out of the CD player. "For the Beauty of the Earth" begins traditionally, and then Sowash improvises on the theme, allowing the music to go where it will, with the melody weaving in and out - a really nice arrangement! "Shall We Gather By the River" is darker and more introspective - also very effective. "Just As I Am/ Sanctus" is given a bluesy treatment that really works. "This Little Light of Mine" was a surprise. This is possibly the most improvised of the pieces on the album. I have always thought of this as a children's hymn, and this arrangement has a much more "seasoned" flavor that I really like. "Go Down Moses" is dark, rhythmic, and also very improvised - my favorite track. Other titles include "Doxology," "Amazing Grace," "America," and "By and By."
This is obviously not a standard collection of "pretty" hymns played on the piano. These arrangements are bold and very personal musical statements by someone who knows and understands the piano and the music inside out. I love all three volumes in this series, and kind of hate to see it end. Highly recommended!"
Wonderful reflective solo jazz piano
David Rickert | Columbus, Ohio | 02/28/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Jazz has always had a close tie to religion, from its roots in gospel music and spirituals to the divine musical quests of Coltrane and the Sacred Concerts of Ellington. However, few artists have mined the hymnal directly for source material, and fewer still have then recorded albums that have reflection and meditation as their key goal.
Bradley Sowash has dedicated a large part of his career to playing this music in a jazz context. For the Beauty of the Earth is the third in a series of solo piano readings of religious music, many of which, like "Doxology" and "This Little Light of Mine", will be familiar even to casual churchgoers. Sowash doesn't wander too far off from the melody of any of these tunes, but this is as it should be-he isn't using this music as a jumping off point, but rather a chamber filled with endless new ideas. Triumphant hymns become introspective washes with floating chords and stolid, reverent songs of praise get a kick of stride. He reworks the melodies slightly, adding new melodic ideas to these old hymns, played with a lovely, crystalline texture reminiscent of George Winston with a little more swing.
As wonderful as it is, this recording would sound out of place as background music at a dinner party. Instead, this is a Sunday morning CD, much more welcome with a cup of coffee than a glass of wine. Sowash designs his music to be part of the religious fabric, and in the end whether or not you like this recording depends on your interest in music with this in mind. He intends his playing to be inwardly fulfilling for himself as well as spiritually rewarding for the listener, but at the very least he accomplishes what many jazz musicians sets out to do: take familiar songs and rework them into a pleasant listening experience."
Vibrant piano for active and passive listening alike
R. Breimeier | IL | 04/19/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Ohio's Bradley Sowash is familiar to PBS viewers as a regular guest on "The Piano Guy," as well as NPR listeners who have heard his recordings regularly played on "Morning Edition." A composer, educator, and acclaimed pianist, Sowash has toured concert halls and churches alike for more than twenty years. He's recorded six instrumental albums, but this is his third disc of hymns and spirituals for jazz piano in the last four years-and reportedly his final, since it completes a trilogy. Those who enjoyed Chris Rice's Living Room Sessions albums will love this. Sowash's technique incorporates more jazz, which makes it a more lively experience suitable for active or passing listening. Sowash gives a boogie-woogie feel to "Glory, Glory Hallelujah" while gliding through some bluesy runs in the title track and "Go Down Moses." Other highlights include a breezy, bouncy take on "This Little Light of Mine" and a playfully varied "Doxology." Sowash goes the extra mile by offering more than a pretty collection of hymn arrangements. He remains true to the familiar melodies, yet infuses them with personality for an artistically refreshing worship experience.
(Originally posted at http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/reviews/2005/tenindieartists2005.html)"
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1