Industry Reviews
Review/Interview by Stephen Cairns, Piano Heaven, England, August 30, 2006. "There is something exciting about discovering someone new on the New Age Piano circuit who blows the listener away with their magical piano playing. This is most certainly the case with Karen Marie Garrett's second CD, one that features mainly original compositions.
Tip-Toe Dancer opens the twelve track CD, and what a gorgeous way to begin. I am not famed for my dancing, but this piece makes me want to get up and start dancing around the room! The melody is simply beautiful from start to finish. It is dedicated to one of Karen's friends, Kathryn, who was obviously a source of inspiration to Karen with her frequent ballerina dances for family and friends. This track has been extremely popular, and Karen Marie Garrett is rapidly making quite a name for herself in the music circuit.
Whereas Tip-Toe Dancer is a most uplifting piece, the second track, Lake Ewok Muse, is most mournful. It combines piano and cello to devastating effect. As Karen explains herself in the linear notes, "This improvisational piece followed a sunrise meditation beside Lake Ewok at the Skywalker Ranch. The serene setting of the lake and the wildlife were breathtaking."
The third track, Simple Things, is another favourite. Very delicate, as perhaps the title would suggest, it is lovely to listen to from beginning to end. Welcome B is yet another special track, in a CD that is full of highlights. Another beautiful melody that the listener will want to hear time and time again.
Tracks 7 through to 9 pay homage to the great Erik Satie with three pieces: Gnossienne No. 1, 2 and 3.
The founder of the legendary Windham Hill Records empire, Will Ackerman, produced this album, and Karen clearly feels indebted to him. She dedicates the album's tenth track to her mentor. "Will's Song" is another improvisation. Whilst warming up the concert grand in the studio, Will was being interviewed in the Green Room. A melody suddenly came Karen's way, which she developed there and then. She quickly asked the engineer to start recording, and the second cut became the complete song. In her dedications, Karen says, "To Will: Thank you for helping me find where the music is coming from and to not be afraid to share the music I feel with others." With clearly genuine appreciation and admiration in equal measure, she goes on to say, "Thank you for becoming my mentor; this project would not have been possible without you."
The CD closes with a reprisal of the second track- this time solo piano. It is gorgeous.
This really is an outstanding CD. I give it my highest recommendation and feel blessed to have discovered it.
There is also excellent news for fans of Karen- a new CD is in the pipe-line and is scheduled for a January 2007 release. Once again, Will Ackerman will be the producer, ensuring the recording is of the highest quality.
Piano Heaven, England, Interview with Stephen Cairns, August 30, 2006
Karen Marie Garrett’s third CD, “Allure of Sanctuary” has made a big impact on audiences worldwide and has attracted much praise from listeners and critics alike. Karen, a full-time composer from Washington State, is currently busy working on her new album, “IT’S ABOUT THE ROSE”, but kindly took time out to answer some questions relating to her work.
S.C. Firstly, congratulations, Karen, on your CD "Allure of Sanctuary". You must be happy with the public's response to your album....
K.M.G. Thank you! I’m delighted with the response to "Allure of Sanctuary". The comments from listeners have been amazing! Touching people emotionally with my music is my ultimate goal, and it is so rewarding to hear from them.
S.C. I love the entire CD, but there's something extra special about "Tip-Toe Dancer" It's beautiful! Would it be fair to say this is the track that has generated the most response? As you were putting the CD together, did you think "this will be the one..."?
K.M.G. Thanks, Stephen. "Tip-Toe Dancer" has generated the most response so far. As you know, the inspiration came from a story Kathryn, a friend of many years, shared with me about her childhood. During gatherings for family and friends, she would ‘Tip-Toe Dance’ pretending to be a ballerina to entertain them. I hoped it would be a special song for listeners, and I'm delighted with the overwhelming response.
S.C. "Allure of Sanctuary"- it's an intriguing title. In the CD's notes you say "The Sanctuary" is a retreat for artists in Washington. I'm assuming your addition of "Allure" means you found it an inspirational place in terms of creating music?
K.M.G. Yes, I wrote the composition ”Allure of Sanctuary" during a stay at “The Sanctuary”, a visual and performing artists' retreat founded by Cynthia Hayward. It is a beautiful and secluded place where I felt liberated.... hence the title.
S.C. At what age did you start to play the piano? Was piano playing part of your family life as a child? Did you create your own compositions?
K.M.G. The family purchased a used upright piano so I could begin lessons at five years old. Mother loved piano, and greatly influenced my studies. She played as a child, but was reluctant to play in front of us. My father and brother did not play piano; they were deeply involved in sports. And honestly, other family members did not have much of an opportunity to use the piano- it was seldom unoccupied by me.... I loved it! The constant piano music eventually became a sound issue to my father and brother, they tired of listening to their TV sports programmes through earphones. So the piano and I were moved to a large family room on the other side of the home. The room was redesigned as a studio apartment, and I was in heaven then able to practice at any hour without disturbing anyone. I did not begin composing until much later.
S.C. "Allure of Sanctuary" is your third CD, your first two ("Pensare" and "Classical Serenity") being collections of pieces from the likes of Bach and Sanucci. Are you classically trained? Do you play any other instruments?
K.M.G. Yes, I'm classically trained, and love classical music. I do not play other instruments at this time.
S.C. Do you enjoy the work of other pianists in the genre? When you have the time (?!) what do you enjoy listening to?
K.M.G. I do enjoy other pianists' works and genres of music as well (instrumental and vocal). I do not have much time to listen to music, but when I do, I enjoy most all well performed music.
S.C. You clearly feel indebted to your producer, Will Ackerman. Securing his services is quite a coup! How did the relationship come about?
K.M.G. I asked him on two occasions if he would listen to my recordings and he said yes! I have always admired Will and his great works; he is a truly brilliant and exceptional man of our time. I'm honoured to be working with him.
S.C. .... and I understand a new CD is in the works? Can you say anything more about that?
K.M.G. The songs on the new CD, "IT'S ABOUT THE ROSE" are all original compositions, and this work is one of the most creative and challenging projects of my career. I look forward to sharing it with listeners in January 2007.
Will has issued a press release -
“Karen Marie Garrett’s previous recording, “Allure of Sanctuary”, offered an abundance of melody and emotion, making it truly a remarkable debut. Her latest recording, “It’s About the Rose”, presents an absolutely stunning evolution in musical styles, textures, virtuosity and emotional depth. She has not departed from what worked so well for her in “Allure of Sanctuary”, but has simply dug deeper to create an even richer experience.” Will Ackerman, founder of Windham Hill Records, Windham County.
S.C. I wish you well with your new recording! I can't wait to hear it! I'm really pleased its entirely original material. Finally, I can't end this interview without asking you about your Furry Friends! I take it you're a fan of dogs....
K.M.G. Thank you, Stephen! We're excited about the new recording "It's About the Rose".
The Furry Friends / Children subject has turned into so much fun. The [sleeve notes for the] song "Simple Things" on the Allure of Sanctuary CD mentioned furry children as an inspiration because they add so much fun and love to our lives. Listeners began to write and send pictures about their furry friends, so we started a photo album on my website, www.kgpiano.com . It's true I am especially fond of dogs, and I can't imagine life without a dog! Currently Abbie, a beautiful three year old black Labrador, is in charge of the house!
Piano Heaven www.piano-heaven.co.uk
Tip-Toe Dancer opens the twelve track CD, and what a gorgeous way to begin. I am not famed for my dancing, but this piece makes me want to get up and start dancing around the room! The melody is simply beautiful from start to finish. It is dedicated to one of Karen's friends, Kathryn, who was obviously a source of inspiration to Karen with her frequent ballerina dances for family and friends. This track has been extremely popular, and Karen Marie Garrett is rapidly making quite a name for herself in the music circuit.
Whereas Tip-Toe Dancer is a most uplifting piece, the second track, Lake Ewok Muse, is most mournful. It combines piano and cello to devastating effect. As Karen explains herself in the linear notes, "This improvisational piece followed a sunrise meditation beside Lake Ewok at the Skywalker Ranch. The serene setting of the lake and the wildlife were breathtaking."
The third track, Simple Things, is another favourite. Very delicate, as perhaps the title would suggest, it is lovely to listen to from beginning to end. Welcome B is yet another special track, in a CD that is full of highlights. Another beautiful melody that the listener will want to hear time and time again.
Tracks 7 through to 9 pay homage to the great Erik Satie with three pieces: Gnossienne No. 1, 2 and 3.
The founder of the legendary Windham Hill Records empire, Will Ackerman, produced this album, and Karen clearly feels indebted to him. She dedicates the album's tenth track to her mentor. "Will's Song" is another improvisation. Whilst warming up the concert grand in the studio, Will was being interviewed in the Green Room. A melody suddenly came Karen's way, which she developed there and then. She quickly asked the engineer to start recording, and the second cut became the complete song. In her dedications, Karen says, "To Will: Thank you for helping me find where the music is coming from and to not be afraid to share the music I feel with others." With clearly genuine appreciation and admiration in equal measure, she goes on to say, "Thank you for becoming my mentor; this project would not have been possible without you."
The CD closes with a reprisal of the second track- this time solo piano. It is gorgeous.
This really is an outstanding CD. I give it my highest recommendation and feel blessed to have discovered it.
There is also excellent news for fans of Karen- a new CD is in the pipe-line and is scheduled for a January 2007 release. Once again, Will Ackerman will be the producer, ensuring the recording is of the highest quality.
Piano Heaven, England, Interview with Stephen Cairns, August 30, 2006
Karen Marie Garrett’s third CD, “Allure of Sanctuary” has made a big impact on audiences worldwide and has attracted much praise from listeners and critics alike. Karen, a full-time composer from Washington State, is currently busy working on her new album, “IT’S ABOUT THE ROSE”, but kindly took time out to answer some questions relating to her work.
S.C. Firstly, congratulations, Karen, on your CD "Allure of Sanctuary". You must be happy with the public's response to your album....
K.M.G. Thank you! I’m delighted with the response to "Allure of Sanctuary". The comments from listeners have been amazing! Touching people emotionally with my music is my ultimate goal, and it is so rewarding to hear from them.
S.C. I love the entire CD, but there's something extra special about "Tip-Toe Dancer" It's beautiful! Would it be fair to say this is the track that has generated the most response? As you were putting the CD together, did you think "this will be the one..."?
K.M.G. Thanks, Stephen. "Tip-Toe Dancer" has generated the most response so far. As you know, the inspiration came from a story Kathryn, a friend of many years, shared with me about her childhood. During gatherings for family and friends, she would ‘Tip-Toe Dance’ pretending to be a ballerina to entertain them. I hoped it would be a special song for listeners, and I'm delighted with the overwhelming response.
S.C. "Allure of Sanctuary"- it's an intriguing title. In the CD's notes you say "The Sanctuary" is a retreat for artists in Washington. I'm assuming your addition of "Allure" means you found it an inspirational place in terms of creating music?
K.M.G. Yes, I wrote the composition ”Allure of Sanctuary" during a stay at “The Sanctuary”, a visual and performing artists' retreat founded by Cynthia Hayward. It is a beautiful and secluded place where I felt liberated.... hence the title.
S.C. At what age did you start to play the piano? Was piano playing part of your family life as a child? Did you create your own compositions?
K.M.G. The family purchased a used upright piano so I could begin lessons at five years old. Mother loved piano, and greatly influenced my studies. She played as a child, but was reluctant to play in front of us. My father and brother did not play piano; they were deeply involved in sports. And honestly, other family members did not have much of an opportunity to use the piano- it was seldom unoccupied by me.... I loved it! The constant piano music eventually became a sound issue to my father and brother, they tired of listening to their TV sports programmes through earphones. So the piano and I were moved to a large family room on the other side of the home. The room was redesigned as a studio apartment, and I was in heaven then able to practice at any hour without disturbing anyone. I did not begin composing until much later.
S.C. "Allure of Sanctuary" is your third CD, your first two ("Pensare" and "Classical Serenity") being collections of pieces from the likes of Bach and Sanucci. Are you classically trained? Do you play any other instruments?
K.M.G. Yes, I'm classically trained, and love classical music. I do not play other instruments at this time.
S.C. Do you enjoy the work of other pianists in the genre? When you have the time (?!) what do you enjoy listening to?
K.M.G. I do enjoy other pianists' works and genres of music as well (instrumental and vocal). I do not have much time to listen to music, but when I do, I enjoy most all well performed music.
S.C. You clearly feel indebted to your producer, Will Ackerman. Securing his services is quite a coup! How did the relationship come about?
K.M.G. I asked him on two occasions if he would listen to my recordings and he said yes! I have always admired Will and his great works; he is a truly brilliant and exceptional man of our time. I'm honoured to be working with him.
S.C. .... and I understand a new CD is in the works? Can you say anything more about that?
K.M.G. The songs on the new CD, "IT'S ABOUT THE ROSE" are all original compositions, and this work is one of the most creative and challenging projects of my career. I look forward to sharing it with listeners in January 2007.
Will has issued a press release -
“Karen Marie Garrett’s previous recording, “Allure of Sanctuary”, offered an abundance of melody and emotion, making it truly a remarkable debut. Her latest recording, “It’s About the Rose”, presents an absolutely stunning evolution in musical styles, textures, virtuosity and emotional depth. She has not departed from what worked so well for her in “Allure of Sanctuary”, but has simply dug deeper to create an even richer experience.” Will Ackerman, founder of Windham Hill Records, Windham County.
S.C. I wish you well with your new recording! I can't wait to hear it! I'm really pleased its entirely original material. Finally, I can't end this interview without asking you about your Furry Friends! I take it you're a fan of dogs....
K.M.G. Thank you, Stephen! We're excited about the new recording "It's About the Rose".
The Furry Friends / Children subject has turned into so much fun. The [sleeve notes for the] song "Simple Things" on the Allure of Sanctuary CD mentioned furry children as an inspiration because they add so much fun and love to our lives. Listeners began to write and send pictures about their furry friends, so we started a photo album on my website, www.kgpiano.com . It's true I am especially fond of dogs, and I can't imagine life without a dog! Currently Abbie, a beautiful three year old black Labrador, is in charge of the house!
Piano Heaven www.piano-heaven.co.uk