Release Date: August
12, 2016
Frida Kahlo was a muse, feminist, lover, survivor and
painter who transformed her suffering into transcendental art. That I think is
quite enough for another artist to be inspired by and it definitely unfolded
that way for Starr.
The opening track is the eloquent and haunting title track.
It is beauty in disguise as the tone is set to bring you back to another world.
Believe me it does. The rhythm is notable with Starr’s piano playing sounding
simply gorgeous, there is no other way to put it.
“When Doves Cry” is lovely tribute to Prince. A lot can be
said with no words if the music has enough of spirit and the flow takes you
downstream, which it does. The river of music just flows into the ocean of your
soul as you remember one of the most talented and charismatic entertainers of
our time. A fitting tribute to a true star.
Two tracks in and I am completely sold, absorbed with this
music. After learning more about Frida it was easy to appreciate the music
more. Although I must say if I knew nothing I would have still enjoyed this
project immensely.
Starr is a true virtuoso taking her music to another level
to dedicate her work to another artist. Her movements are founded in the realm
of classical and presented with an impassioned new age flair and preciseness.
The transitions she makes within one song is extremely emotional and quite
brilliant. You can feel the music.
“Hardly Touching” is absolute perfection on the ivory keys,
a story given life through sound not words. Starr said “It is about artistic
inspiration coming from another plane, another universe…” How could you not be
moved by that statement and not find the reality of it after hearing the song?
The music lifts you up higher and higher into the ether, it is a magic carpet
ride to the clouds and beyond. Simplistic and delicate as the morning dew
dropping off a rose, it paints so many colorful pictures in your mind.
Those are a few examples of what to anticipate from a
superb rendering of instrumental piano music. The recording is solid from
beginning to end and the flow felt so natural.
Solo piano music does not get much better than The Heart of Frida and I could not say
it any more succinctly than that. This is clarity of vision and inspiration
brought to your ears, heart and spirit through the fingers of Starr Parodi.
Surely this recording will be receiving more accolades then I could possibly
give it. If there is such a thing as musical perfection, then this is as close
as it gets.
5/5
Stars
Key
Tracks: The Heart of Frida, When Doves Cry, Hardly Touching
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
September 6, 2016
Founder of:
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews