Ivory Angels by Rick Seaton

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QUOTES AND REVIEWS OF IVORY ANGELS

Review of Ivory Angels:

Michael Woodhead of Wind and Wire - March 04 Issue

Date: 02/17/04 20:44:34

Ivory Angels: Christmas Carols Reinvented

Seaton Studios (2003)

Christmas comes early this year or, perhaps if you missed it last year, you can recall the joyous season with this marvelous collection of 'reinvented' Christmas carols.

And it doesn't have to be Christmas for anyone to enjoy this CD-the carols are so unlike the carols we normally associate with Christmas that we can delight in the music at any time of the year.

With a sprinkling of light jazz, contemporary pop, new age fusion and a very improvisational feel, Rick Seaton offers charming renditions of familiar melodies that delight, uplift and inspire on the one hand, and that make us pause for reflection on the other.

Just a few observations on some of the eleven pieces-

A sprightly version of "O Little Town of Bethlehem" stirs together fuzz guitar, piano, recorder, drums, and cymbals to yield a very contemporary version of this ages-old song.

"In the Bleak Midwinter" is a passionate piano solo that instantly draws one into a concert setting. Close your eyes and be carried away.

A carpet of synth music introduces "It came Upon a Midnight Clear" which is then carried along by piano, again, as the synth flows in and out to punctuate and enhance further verses on flute. A slight off-beat gives a new and different, but nice version.

"Hark the Herald Angels Sing" presents us with a syncopated beat that further enhances the more contemporary feel of the whole album.

Harp and angelic voices caress our ears with a lovely rendition of "Coventry Carol" and "Away in a Manger", and then the CD rounds out with a rousing, Celtic-type version of "Masters in This Hall".

As I said, the music presented here can be enjoyed year round without a Christmas-type atmosphere, and I look forward to seeing what Rick presents us on his upcoming fall 2004 album.

Rick is an accomplished pianist, organist, composer, and freelance musician working and teaching in the Denver Metro area, and is currently organist at the historic Central Presbyterian Church in downtown Denver.

Web Page: http://www.rickseaton.com

My Favourite: "O Little Town of Bethlehem"

CD Length: 42:26 minutes

--Michael

New Age Music Reviewer for Wind And Wire

http://www.windandwire.com

and Synchronicity Magazine

http://www.synchronicitymagazine.ca

Woodhead & Son Creative Enterprises:

http://members.shaw.ca/woodhead

Review of Ivory Angels:

C.W. Ross - Christian Rockers Online

Date: Wed 5/6/2004 12:45 PM

With this CD Rick takes some well known and some not so well known Christmas carols and adds his own unique style of music to them. While in the broadest sense this is piano music the songs have many more layers to them.

The song arrangements are both interesting and invigorating. Some of the more well known carols you'll find on the CD are; "What Child Is This,"

"O Little Town Of Bethlehem," It Came Upon A Midnight Clear," "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," and "Silent Night."

Well, all the songs have a more upbeat sound to them then their traditional versions do my favorite is, "O Little Town Of Bethlehem."

This version of the songs is like a melting pot of sounds that come together to form a musical treat for the ear.

This version of the song has enough tempo to get your grandpa off the couch even after a full day of drinking eggnog!

If you're looking for a new Christmas time release to add to this year's Christmas play list you should find this one to your liking.

C.W. Ross

www.christianrockersonline.com

Quote on Ivory Angels:

David Lanz - Grammy Nominated Artist

Date: Fri 3/12/2004 1:56 PM

Rick's arrangements are very creative and thoughtful. It sounds to me like Rick spent a great deal of time, energy and love in putting this holiday CD together....and I love the title:-)

David Lanz

Grammy Nominated Artist - Pianist (Narada)

http://www.davidlanz.com

Quote on Ivory Angels:

Michael Jones - Pianist (Pianoscape)

Date: Wed 4/14/2004 7:57 AM

Rick does have a wonderful imagination. My response - as you can imagine - was what more can be said about these old favorites that hasn't already been said many times before. But Rick does bring an original captivating and fresh interpretation to these old canons that captured my attention. With performances that are dynamic and bold on the one hand and tender and sensitive on the other he invites the listener to re - imagine the music of Christmas and their participation in its story of blessing in new ways.

Michael Jones

Pianoscapes

Quote on Ivory Angels:

George Winston, Pianist - Windham Hill

Date: Tues 3/30/2004 10:17 AM

Rick Seaton's CD 'Ivory Angels - Christmas Carols Reinvented' has beautiful harmonic and melodic variations on these carols - Great CD.

George Winston

Pianist with Windham Hill

Email Response to CD:

Wayne Gratz, Pianist - Narada

Wed 5/12/2004 3:07 PM

Hi Rick,

Sorry it's taken so long to get back to you about your CD. I got a chance to listen to it today and found your arrangements to be excellent>>>> very original. I also found your piano performances to superb. Sounds like you have had a lot of formal training. I especially like your arrangement of Silent Night and Midnight Clear in 5/4. Out of curiosity, what kind of piano do you record with? Anyway, best of luck with your CD.

Best,

Wayne

Average Customer Review: