Title: Before Today, Beyond Tomorrow
Label: Orange Band Records
Website
Ann Sweeten has a story to tell. This incredible woman and musician has suffered through 3 bouts of cancer. I found her words inspirational. She does not want anyone to feel sorry for her, she wants positive support and for people to stop and smell the roses of life that abound all around us.
I covered the 2016 release Where Butterflies Dance and
in 2014 Tapestries of Time So now I am ready for the
latest offering Before Today, Beyond
Tomorrow.
Before Today, Beyond Tomorrow is her
story set to music. Words are not necessary with such talent at the keys. The
eloquence and beauty of piano instrumental music reach new heights for the
artist on this release. With everything going on in her personal life she has
found the energy and inner spirit to push herself beyond any physical
limitations and turn into something positive and wonderful.
The
title track is a gorgeous heartfelt melody flowing like a stream of rhythmic in-sync
spirituality. In other words, Ann becomes one with the music and the end result
is extraordinary. “Philadelphia 22” is so emotional and full of the grace of
the heavens. The power of her rolling piano passages finds its foundation in
classical but the soul of the track is all Ann. The addition of the cello,
English Horn, and violin give the tracks another layer that brings an
additional emotive element and that classical sensibility.
There
is sadness in the music however her piano brings out the joy and positive vibes
that are within her and it will heal not only the artist but everyone that
hears it. That is the beauty of this music. The story behind it all is
incredibly real and it will touch many lives.
Before
Today, Beyond Tomorrow will leave an indelible mark upon your
soul. After reading about her tribulations, the music took on a stronger
significance. Just knowing what Ann has been through, her great attitude and
the messages she delivers in the music, it would give anyone pause. I heard the
birds chirping last night and looked at my wife and said “Hear them chirping?
They sound so happy.” That is the purity of nature and all the sounds, smells,
and colors that are all around us. I am so grateful for that kind of awareness
and the gift of this music, all music, that heals and takes me to another level
of reality.
This kind of instrumental music envelops you in a cocoon of
tranquility that cannot be retrieved during a normal busy day. This surely is
music made for those seeking healing that goes beyond words.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
May 27, 2019
Founder of:
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews
Tracks:
01. Across the Midnight Sky
02. Before Today, Beyond Tomorrow
03. Beyond the Clouds
04. The Empty Swing
05. Saying Goodbye
06. Philadelphia 22
07. Vanish
08. Lullaby for Blackie Boo
09. Through Winter Panes
10. Like Smoke Through a Keyhole
Tracks:
01. Across the Midnight Sky
02. Before Today, Beyond Tomorrow
03. Beyond the Clouds
04. The Empty Swing
05. Saying Goodbye
06. Philadelphia 22
07. Vanish
08. Lullaby for Blackie Boo
09. Through Winter Panes
10. Like Smoke Through a Keyhole