Release Date: February 24, 2015
Label: Indie
Undercurrent is
her 15th proper recording. That is an amazing body of work in a
fairly short period of time. And she did it all in approximately 15 years.
This is instrumental music that moves you. Emotion and a
sense of spirituality breaks through as if it were delivered on the wings of an
angel. If you say the title Undercurrent
out loud or to yourself you understand what it all means once you are immersed
in this gorgeous piano music. Underneath every note in every track is a
feeling, emotion, pain, joy, despair – quintessentially the undercurrents that
run our life and motivate us to make decisions, live and love. The title says
all of that when you make yourself an open book…the pages will turn and you
will understand.
One of the more meaningful songs for the artist is “The
Space Between.” It is about Michele moving 10 miles away from her sister after
living right next door. That family bond and the special relationship one can
have with a sibling is explored. 10 miles may not seem like a long way but when
you are close to a family member it can feel like an ocean separates you. I
understand the emotional pain involved and could feel how real that sadness was
in Michele’s piano playing. The fact that the music is so beautiful does allow
some consolation for the listener and hopefully a purging and healing process
for the creator.
“Starstuff” is elegant and universal. Star dust we are
indeed. I enjoyed the melody in this track, it is purposeful like letting go
and allowing your spirit to soar and explore the universe. It is a perfect
example of how music without words can hold so many meanings for each listener.
Let it take you away, breath deep and transcend all that may be holding you
back. I felt inspired and a few chills came over me while listening.
Speaking of inspiration, “Never Give Up” personifies that
message. Michele receives emails from folks that may be going through a tough
period and they say that her music heals and helps them to carry on and recover.
I can say with complete certainty that is a fact. I felt renewed and hopeful
after listening to this music; it brought me to another place. For this
listener that is the primary purpose of music and if that is accomplished then
it was a success.
Undercurrent
is
a standalone work of art that can be especially appreciated by anyone that understands
the effort that goes into the creative process, whether it be a piece of music,
a painting, or music that paints its own scenery like this fine album so
gracefully does consistently throughout. It is a perfect group of songs with
just the piano and Michele McLaughlin and I could not imagine hearing it any
other way.
5/5
Stars
Key Tracks: The Space Between, Never Give Up,
Starstuff
Tracks:
01. 11,000 Miles
02. Living in Awe
03. Changing Skies
04. Full of Love
05. The Space Between
06. Undercurrent
07. Starstuff
08. Never Give Up
09. Evolution
10. On My Own
11. Melody In Motion
12. Stepping Stones
13. Synesthesia
Tracks:
01. 11,000 Miles
02. Living in Awe
03. Changing Skies
04. Full of Love
05. The Space Between
06. Undercurrent
07. Starstuff
08. Never Give Up
09. Evolution
10. On My Own
11. Melody In Motion
12. Stepping Stones
13. Synesthesia
Keith “MuzikMan”
Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
February 12, 2015
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews