mike.holmes's Full Review: Secret Spaces [Digipak] * by Craig Urquhart
I'll be the first to admit that I'm not very familiar with "New Age" music. As with my own favorite type of music, jazz, I do know that "New Age" is played in many different styles. I found "Secret Spaces" by Craig Urquhart (pronounced "irk-hart") at the radio station where I DJ my weekly jazz show. I love piano in just about any genre, so I thought I give a listen.
Ms. Urguhart started out on piano at 6 in Michigan. He credits Leonard Bernstein's "Young People's Concert" with being a major influence in his life. In 1985, Craig went to work for Mr. Bernstein as his musical assistant. He worded for the master composer until Bernstein's death in 1990.
Mr. Urguhart's influences are many: from Chopin, Debussy, Satie and Copland to pop stars Joni Mitchell, Laura Nyro and Brian Eno.
Craig plays solo piano on this album. He composed all of the songs on the CD which he describes as a "reflective and contemplative album." Here's my take on some of the music:
1. SECRET SPACES 5:24
The opening song certainly sets the stage for the reflective, contemplative mood Mr. Urguhart desired. Played at a peaceful, slow tempo, the beautiful melody is stated and then built upon with exquisite taste. Mr. Bernstein praised Craig's playing and composing abilities and I can see why from just this first gorgeous song. Mr. U never strays far from the original theme but keeps our attention with his use of, appropriately, space.
2. CONTEMPLATION 4:35
I can hear the classical influences in this composition which is a little darker than the first song although it's also obviously conducive to what the title suggests: contemplation. As is bio points out, this song also reflects the "inner journey of the heart"
3. REUNION 4:23
This song is the first of a series of compositions which Craig states "are examples of acts of Love between people and also an individual's soul." I have a little trouble with that description as it seems somewhat contradictory, but this song is certainly beautiful. My only complaint is one that I have frequently stated about "New Age" music: the songs sound too similar.
4. CATHEDRAL PINES 4:53
This song again reminds us of the "healing and contemplative power nature wields in our lives." It again reflects a strong classical influence and is certainly beautiful. I hate to say it, but, other than the fact that this song does feature the lower register of the piano more, it still sounds like the first 3 songs.
5. ALONG THE SEINE 4:30
Having walked along the Seine a few times, I can feel the connection here with the peaceful river scenes I witnessed in the otherwise bustling Paris. Sun bathers strolling, children laughing and playing and a general feeling of calm is what this reminds me of much as the reality of the flowing water did.
6. ROMANCE 4:29
This song starts off quite beautifully with a more complicated chordal structure. With its title, the serene mood of two lovers is obviously the main theme of the song. This is, indeed, a very special moment shared between lovers as they share their lives.
7. EMBRACE 4:33
One thing I'll say for Mr. Urguhart, he certainly knows how to utilize space or silence in his compositions. From the opening "Romance", the lovers are now embracing each other. Craig treats the moment with great gentleness as he plays in a style that reminds me a little of Dubussy.
8. VENETIAN SNOWFALL 5:07
Beautiful use of simplicity in its form and performance.
9. FORGIVENESS 4:15
The opening notes are spaced in a manner which suggests one person moving tentatively towards another in the hope that some transgression will be forgiven. The mood of the song moves into a mode of understanding as it progresses.
10. MEDITATION 5:08
I hate to harp on what I wrote other, but I can see this whole album as one long meditation. The songs, including this one, certainly would help one think about what is going on in his or her life. Another quiet, beautiful song.
11. VIRGINIA MOUNTAIN MORNING 7:19
The last song "celebrates the creative power of being surrounded by a nurturing environment." Craig composed it at the Virginia Center For The Creative Arts.
It might be that I don't have the musical training to pick up on the differences among the songs on this CD. While I certainly agree that the album would be a nice background for contemplative meditation, I'm afraid the songs would put me to sleep after a while. Mr. Urquhart is obviously a gifted pianist and composer but I would like to see some variety to his music.
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