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Shoshannah - News & Reviews

Professional Reviews of Deepheart Awakening CD

Deepheart Awakening CD by Shoshannah

CD Review by Kathy Parsons, Solo Piano Publications

"Deepheart Awakening" is Shoshannah's second solo piano release this year and her fourth album to date. It is quite different from "Soul Journey" in that more of the music on this new CD is composed rather than improvised. Shoshannah's 2000 release, "Gifts From Heaven," is her most popular release so far, but that could easily change with "Deepheart Awakening." Each composition portrays a specific Biblical or historical event, and much of the music has a cinematic sweep. A child prodigy who was classically-trained beginning at a very young age, Shoshannah's pianism is dazzling. Although her classical background is clear, her music is highly original with jazz influences and the occasional use of traditional Jewish themes and melodies. Some of the music on "Deepheart Awakening" is "reinvented" from Shoshannah's first CD, "Sanctuary." The music is very powerful, often soothing, and sometimes joyous, and it stands completely on its own with or without knowledge (or even interest) in the historical events being depicted. One of the wonderful things about instrumental music is that the music is open to each individual's personal interpretation and can "mean" whatever he or she wants it to mean. The variety of playing styles on "Deepheart" makes it fascinating from beginning to end. A pianist with amazing skills and a top-notch piano can make pure listening magic, and Shoshannah does just that.

The CD opens with "Exodus From Egypt," an improvisational arrangement on Israel's national theme, "Hativka." It tells of the Israelite slaves coming out of Egypt into spiritual liberation. The piece has an infectious energy and sense of excitement. "Splitting Sea Miracle" has a feeling of urgency, describing the Israelites quickly leaving Egypt. Shoshannah very effectively uses a long series of glissandos to depict the parting of the sea and the people walking through the miraculous split in the ocean. "Miriam's Desert Dance" is a lively and joyous celebration of new-found freedom. "Manna from Heaven" is a graceful improvisation. Gently flowing and absolutely gorgeous, this is one of my favorites. "Matan Torah" begins very quietly and simply, expressing the sounds of a "still small voice." The thirteen-minute composition builds near the middle, becoming more passionate and celebratory, and then trails off as quietly as it began. My favorite track is the title track, which Shoshannah calls "a transformational piece." It tells the story of Moses and the Israelites reaching out to the Heavens for forty days with "apologetic tears, which brings about the Divine forgiveness expressed through the receiving of the Tablets from Sinai." The piece begins almost as a whisper, with open spaces between the notes that are allowed to ring. The next section remains quiet, but is deeply personal and soulful. As the piece evolves, it becomes stronger and more confident, and then goes back to the previous melody and rebuilds strength, becoming beautifully flowing. "Clouds of Glory" is the second improvisation on the CD. The clouds referenced were used by the Israelites as a guide and compass showing them where to set up camp. The piece is gentle and light, with just a touch of bittersweetness. "Hope" concludes the CD with a fourteen-minute tour de force. Dedicated
to the artist's mother, who is a holocaust survivor, the piece is a tribute to all holocaust survivors "with the idea that the soul has an
eternal and Divine connection and its spirit never dies in spite of all
the human horrific evil experiences." The music evolves through many themes and emotions, some triumphant, some tragic, all very deeply inspired.

"Deepheart Awakening" is a stunning listening experience and I highly recommend it! It is available from cdbaby.com

October 2, 2006
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Many of Deepheart Awakening Melodies were derived from Shoshannah's very first CD, Sanctuary. Here is a lovely review of Sanctuary/Deepheart, by New Age Reporter, re-published by Sources Magazine.

Sanctuary CD by Shoshannah

Sources Magazine Review and New Age Retailer

The other day I was listening to Shoshannah's "Sanctuary" album while driving through some of New York State's most magnificent scenery. It was an experience of pure joy and beauty for nature's artistry and Shoshannah's music complemented each other completely.

Rich masterful, deeply expressive, "Sanctuary" is a moving solo piano work by a gifted and inspired composer/pianist.

Shoshannah takes us through the full range of human emotions... from delicate bird-winged strokes to chords of sweeping power and depth. Her piano is both powerful and sublime, passionate and reflective. It fills me to overflow.

Described as a combination of Old World beauty and New Age vision, "Sanctuary" blends Classical, modal Hebraic melodies, impressionistic harmonies and Middle Eastern rhythms into such themes as hope, forgiveness, and compassion. These compositions are focused highly visual, melodic and healing. "Sanctuary" is not background music. It deserves our full listening attention.

Of all the excellent selections on the album, most notable are "For-giving", "A Waltz from Heaven (Adon Olam)" and particularly "Hope" - a deeply moving piece that beautifully expresses the yearning, struggle and ultimate triumph of the human spirit.

Shoshannah began composing at the age of six and hasn't stopped since. Now she offers us a special gift. In a world of dissonance, Shoshannah offers a musical sanctuary of Beauty, Harmony and Love.

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