Robin Meloy Goldsby - Songs from the Castle (15 tracks) +Album Reviews

Conjures beautiful memories

R. Kyle | USA | 03/26/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Songs from the Castle" is one of the most beautifully played collections of solo piano I've ever heard. Robin Meloy Goldsby's got a magical gift, the ability to stir memories and emotions with those 88 keys.

Eleven of the songs of the 15 are her own compositions. The sound quality on this CD is stellar. It will be one of the half-dozen I take to the stereo store to test out audio equipment in the future.

I feel completely inadequate to the task of describing the music here, but the following are three of my strongest impressions.

This CD reminded me of the first music I remember--my Mom playing piano. Mom also played "Pachelbel Canon in D", not as well as Robin, but I remember her smile whenever she heard the song.

"First Snow" reminds me of traveling up into the Smokies to Johnson City, TN one March and seeing snowflakes falling as big as half dollars. They were inexpressibly beautiful, chilling, and exhilarating at the same time. That purity rings in the notes from Ms. Goldsby's Steinway.

"Magic in the Night" conjured the images of my first sight of fireflies. I ran around my Grandma's house trying to find 'Tinkerbell.'

Music, like mirrors and magic, is strictly up to the listener's interpretation. Just listen with your mind and heart open and see what this CD brings you."

Invisible palaces and cherished memories

Amanda Richards | Georgetown, Guyana | 03/08/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the ideal CD for those times when you just want to de-stress with a glass of wine and a good book, and of course have some soothing and relaxing instrumental music playing gently in the background as you settle back in your favorite cushy chair.

This is also the ideal CD for those times when you're at the office with paperwork all over your desk, deadlines looming, and the contents of the in-box blocking out the light from your overhead fixture.

Other times you should listen to this CD:

1. When putting kids to bed

2. When putting yourself to bed

3. As soon as you get up in the morning

4. Morning commute to work

5. Evening commute from work

6. As soon as you get home from work

7. Sundays

8. Saturdays

9. The days in between

Times you probably shouldn't play this CD:

1. Teenager's parties (unless you're not-so subtly hinting that it's time for them to pack it in)

2. Band practice (unless you're not-so subtly hinting that it's time for them to pack it in)

3. Other people's piano recitals (might give them a complex)

4. Rock concerts (you're already deaf anyway, so don't waste your time)

Robin Meloy Goldsby performs these songs at Schloss Lerbach, which is a castle in Germany near Cologne, so these are really, truly, "Songs from the Castle".

Eleven of the tracks are new compositions, the rest being standards beautifully translated and arranged in her unique style. You'll recognize "Legends of the Fall" (James Horner) and "Greensleeves", but the one that really strikes a note with me is her wonderful performance of "Pachelbel Canon in D: Variations on a Theme" (and I'm not even a classical music fan)

The multi-talented Ms. Goldsby is also the author of Piano Girl: Lessons in Life, Music, and the Perfect Blue Hawaiian and the soon to be released "Rhythm" (You can read an excerpt on Amazon). This is her third CD, and one I'd recommend without hesitation.

Amanda Richards, March 8, 2008

"

The Soundtrack of her Life Touched Mine

Michele Cozzens | Cloud 8 | 03/05/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"BEAUTIFUL. It's the word that keeps coming to me through every chord, and every romantic melody. I've been listening to Robin Meloy Goldsby's Stineway for weeks now as I work alone in my office. It's added a serenity to my daily routine that keeps coming back to the word "beautiful." I find the solo piano compositions to be both dreamy and grounding. Perhaps that's the nature of the piano...the flighty right hand dancing on the high notes, and the deep, emotional bass played with the left...but there's a rich tone to this music, which makes me feel very happy.

Michele Cozzens, Author of A Line Between Friends and The Things I Wish I'd Said."

Lovely music

Marcia L. Ferguson | 12/01/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was so pleased when I listened to this CD - it's absolutely wonderful. The familiar music is special, but the original pieces are outstanding. Highly recommend to anyone and everyone who wants to listen to beautiful piano music."

From MainlyPiano

Kathy Parsons | Florence, OR United States | 03/30/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Songs From the Castle" is Robin Meloy Goldsby's third solo piano release to date. A pianist who spent many years playing in finer hotel lobbies and lounges in New York City, Goldsby is now spinning her musical magic in European castles. Hence the title of this exceptionally good CD. In our recent interview, Goldsby said, "It has always been my goal to play music that is subtle enough to blend in, but substantial enough to hear. I make my living staying in the background, but I keep myself stimulated by making harmonic choices that aren't obvious." This quote does a very good job of summing up Goldsby's approach, which is elegant, flowing, and always beautiful without ever being cloying or overtly commercial. She has a very strong musical voice which is uniquely her own - full of emotion and expression that is genuine and from the heart. Of the fifteen tracks on this CD, eleven are original compositions and four are covers.

"Songs From the Castle" begins with James Horner's theme from "Legends of the Fall," a piece that Goldsby has made her own - a wonderful opening! "Lerbach Nocturne" refers to the castle where Goldsby currently performs. The piece is graceful and serene with just enough majesty to create a sense of mystery and wonder. "First Snow" is much lighter and more playful. "Feed the Birds" is a haunting arrangement of a song by Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman. Dreamy and wistful, this is one of my favorites. For those who still crave a lovely version of Pachelbel's "Canon in D," Goldsby's is one of the best. "Magic In the Night" is a bit jazzier as it sparkles and swirls without a care in the world. "Lisa" is another favorite. Bittersweet and deeply-felt with a graceful flow, it says so much without getting too complicated. "RDM Ballet" suggests fluid motion accented with ribbons of color. I really love this one! "Water Lily" and "Magnolia are pure poetry. "The Lady Plays (for Marian McPartland)" closes the collection with an elegant tribute to one of the great ladies of jazz.

"Songs From the Castle" is one great piano album! Give your ears a treat and check it out. Very highly recommended!"

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	Robin Meloy Goldsby Songs from the Castle Genres: Blues, Pop, Broadway & Vocalists Track Listings (15) - Disc #1 Legends of the Fall You Love Me Lerbach Nocturne First Snow Feed the Birds Pachelbel Canon in D: Variations on a Theme Magic in the Night Lisa RDM Ballet Mountaintop Water Lily Winter Lullaby Magnolia Greensleeves The Lady Plays (for Marian McPartland)
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