My new CD has just received a 5/5 review from Alejandro Clavijo, of Reviews New Age (Spain). You can read the original review here (in Spanish): www.reviewsnewage.com/janeellen.html
He also kindly provided an English translation, which is as follows:
‘Following My Heart’ is the fourth publication of piano solos the versatile pianist and composer Jane Ellen, besides being the last work that closes a trilogy of albums that began in 2004 with the album ‘From My Heart’ and later, ‘Seasons of the Heart’. Written in the summer of 2009 (a very tough year on the personal for the artist), ‘Following My Heart’ is composed of fourteen tracks of multiple hues. Halfway between New Age and Jazz, Jane gives us a perfect background music to enjoy a moment of utter isolation, or in good company. Beautiful and peaceful pieces suitable for relaxation, meditation or the most romantic moments, some of them, adorned with beautiful instruments accompanying the piano for Jane.
Accompanied by percussion of Kenn Battat and bass of Sid Fendley, Jane brings to life “Raindance”, the most optimistic and cheerful piece of this album. With rhythm, the piano plays a fun melody, conveying positive energy and Life to the listener. Fantastic piece and one of my favourites!
“Keeper of my Heart” is the longest track on the album, almost five minutes and presents a loving and tender melody with a small degree of nostalgia. The arpeggios in the low area of the piano and the sad melody that draws the right hand, maintain an emotional and sweet conversation. Beautiful!
With nostalgia and melancholy, Jane plays “Vision of the Past.” With a gentle start, nostalgia becomes a painful sadness, a melody that flows slowly offering a disheartening tone to the piece. Tribute for those who are no longer among us.
Some little bells give way to “Garden of Memory”, again, a beautiful and captivating piece that makes nostalgic remembering beautiful moments lived. An amazing piece where the piano is accompanied by a wind instrument that emphasizes more so the feeling of longing. Simply wonderful and exciting. Another of my favourites!
“Deep Peace” is a perfect theme for times of quiet. Hypnotic, soft chord progressions are accompanied by furtive high notes, creating a pleasant environment, ideal for moments of reflection or rest.
A prayer to heaven is launched “High King of Heaven.” A warm and friendly composition that fills the listener of well-being is reproduced by the right hand, while the left accompanies graceful playing chords and progressions. A beautiful piece that puts a smile on the listener. I love it.
With “Colours of My Life” back the rythm. Thanks to the percussion of Ken and Sid Bass, The Jane’s piano returns exciting and waited touch smiling of the beginning. A energetic melody makes this piece is fascinating. Again, another of my favourites! Wow!
The most romantic theme of this work is entitled “Circle in Time”, where Dan Wright accordion joins in harmony with the gentle piano melody that draws Jane. Both give life to a piece with air Argentine italo, a music between from the magnificent tango and the passionate Italian music, all interspersed with images of Bella Italia. Amazing piece, suprising!. Another of my favourites!
“Early One Morning” is lively, where Jane’s piano playing a marvellous melody, rhythmic, accompanied by delicate percussion of Ken and his “hat hit” that follows the piano from start to finish, marking with the low notes of keyboard the tempo of the piece. Not being too fast, the piece is ideal as background music for an evening in good company. Another of my favourites!
“Hold Fast to Dreams” has the most moving melody throughout the album. With great excitement, Jane will give life to a piece that manages to captivate the listener. It’s amazing the feelings that surface when he heard this wonderful piece. Another of my favourites!
“Haven of Stone” draws the heart to an overwhelming sense of loneliness and a feeling of loss. A piece, which gives life the sad arpeggios of the left hand and a brought down melody that draws the right hand. Very depressed.
A touch on the high notes of the piano give way to “Autumn Skies,” a lighthearted piece, with an air of freedom that invites you to dream with a colorful place, bathed with a reddish sky. A beautiful melody that soothes the soul.
“Late at Night” is an extremely calm and relaxed, perfect for start a dream. With a course slow, the melody makes her way to silence, providing a unique sensitivity to the track, delicate, soft. Perfect for moments of relaxation or meditation. Another of my favourites!
A pleasant surprise awaits us in the last track of this work. “Follow Your Heart” is a song endowed with a startling beauty. Sweet and personal voice of Jane appears making perplex to the listener. An unexpected and stunning end for this amazing album. Wow!
‘Following My Heart’ is a work has a unique sensibility. An intimate musical background for unforgettable moments, perfect to enjoy in good company or just to indulge in a deep listening and to rest. It’s amazing! ‘Following My Heart’ is an album highly recommended and is available on Amazon, CDBaby, and iTunes.
