Release Date: December 20, 2014
Label: Independent
Seasons
of the Heart is a journey that begins with a memory.
Bitter and sweet, the days of our lives are full of winters and springs. Of
summers where we dance and stark autumn moments when we grieve. In this
beautiful celebration of the artist’s memories we walk with her through some of
life’s most personal moments. Produced by Will Ackerman at the legendary
Imaginary Road Studio, this album is also graced by Jill Haley (English horn), Charlie
Bisharat (violin), Eugene Friesen
(cello), Jeff Haynes (percussion), Noah Wilding (vocals), Tom Eaton (bass), and
Michael Manring (fretless bass) and of course Reneé Michele at the helm of the piano.
“Gone” is the devastation of a loved one’s passing. The
loving memories of a life well spent, but the absence where there once was a
presence. Some voids simply cannot be filled. Fluid piano movements and tender
whispers call out to those we love in remembrance and thankfulness that our
lives touched, if only for a moment.
“Forgiveness” is an evocative piece that tears into the
tender places in the heart where some of the deepest emotions dwell. Who has
not been hurt by a loved one or been the one to cause the pain? Love is a scary
and beautiful thing, much like the resonating melodies presented in this piece.
Careful piano movements and string presentations delve deep. Tear stained
cheeks and eyes that smile through the pain that only true love can cause bring
the joy of forgiveness.
“Seasons of the Heart” is an all-encompassing voyage
through the dark hour of the soul and back to light again. Our lives, like this
vision of melodic wonder, are rife with challenges, hurts, victories and
celebrations. Love, life and laughter walk with us even as death and
unfortunate events bring us to our knees. The seasons change and with it the
ebb and flow of our inner tides. Poignant piano playing combined with
multi-instrumentation brings out the deep emotion that only Reneé Michele can.
She finds the perfect note and spins her song, leaving us breathless with the
beauty of truth.
Our lives truly are seasons. Memories come to us from the
summer and winter of our lives. Some are bountiful and some haunt us with
broken promises and hurtful actions whether from ourselves or others. In true
artful fashion, Reneé Michele takes each feeling and brings it to the surface
in melodious fashion. These are the seasons of our lives; the sun, the moon,
the seasons…new beginnings and bittersweet endings. It is the breath in our
bodies and the secret smile on the lips. It is music. It is…life.
4.5/5
Stars
Key
Tracks: Seasons of the Heart, Gone, Forgiveness
DanaWright, Sr. Staff Writer
January 7, 2015
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews