DOUG HAMMER: Solace

Doug Hammer

Solace

© 2007 Doug Hammer (796873007160)

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Contemplative solo piano, melodic and improvisational, comforting and warm.

notes

Doug Hammer is a highly sought-after musician, composer, producer, arranger, and engineer. Music has always played an important role in Doug's life, as he was called to it at a very early age. He showed musical interest at age three and began piano lessons at the age of six. He had some wonderful teachers in contemporary and classical styles of music.

He began composing songs (mainly pop) while in high school and then went to Berklee College of Music in Boston on a partial scholarship to study songwriting, commercial arranging, and jazz. He helped put himself through school by doing solo piano gigs at local bars, restaurants, hotels and at Boston's Faneuil Hall. He learned a lot of standards and contemporary songs that way. Because of his composing skills, he gained a lot of studio experience at Berklee, as the music production majors needed material to record.

Doug has always enjoyed the recording and production process and later decided to open his own project studio and production company, Dreamworld Productions. During this time, he was getting involved with accompanying many local singers. In time, they would also work with him in the studio. Doug would add production and engineering to his list of abilities. His company grew and later included his wife Emmanuelle's graphic design talents, which now became Dreamworld Productions and Design. They moved north of Boston and built and opened a larger studio in 2000 which includes a Schimmel concert grand piano.

Doug works on a variety of projects such as CD's, jingles, soundtracks for film, TV, and radio, and music for corporate events. He produces countless local artists in many different styles, including cabaret, pop, rock, folk, jazz, R & B, african, and classical. He also produces guided meditation CD's with various speakers.

Doug has been composing his own music as well, and at the end of 2007, his debut solo piano CD, Solace, was finally released. Doug has also just released Baby Music 1 and Baby Music 2 which are solo piano improvisations created for the births of his two sons. Each CD is a 78 minute piece which creates a quiet, peaceful landscape, sometimes melodic and sometimes contemplative. Doug has also just released Noêl, a solo piano Christmas CD which includes original arrangements to many Christmas standards, as well as a new original Christmas song.

Doug’s music has been getting both internet and radio airplay all over the world, including Spain, The Netherlands, Canada, and all over the US. Doug’s music has been featured regularly on Soundscapes, a Music Choice channel available on a variety of media outlets. Please visit www.doughammer.net for more information.

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  • Recommended!
    author: Kathy Parsons

    “Solace” is Doug Hammer’s first solo piano CD, and a beautiful beginning it is! Hammer started playing the piano at the age of three and started lessons at six, going on to graduate from the Berklee School of Music. Hammer has his own production studio near Boston called Dreamworld Productions and Design, and has worked with many musicians as well as the media with commercial jingles, voiceovers, and film and video scores. Many years in the making, “Solace” is the first of several solo piano CDs in the works, and is clearly the work of an accomplished composer and musician. Serene, soothing, and uplifting, Hammer keeps a consistent mood throughout the CD that is a suitable backdrop for other activities, but each piece is strong and individual for the more focused listener. The pieces in the first half of the album seem to be a bit more classically structured while the second half is more spontaneous. The CD begins with “Unfolding,” a tranquil piece with a gentle flow and a beautiful melody. A few scattered notes in the deep bass of the piano provide drama, but not jarringly so. “Sunrise” has a quiet, optimistic grace that grows as the piece evolves. “Flying High” provides a very calming effect with its rubato flow and open structure. “Gabrielle” is a tender piece that spills over with peaceful contentment. “A Warm Place In Winter” has a high snuggle factor. Its warm and inviting comfort brings a smile and a sigh. “Emmanuelle” is a tender love song that conveys both gentleness and strength. “A Dream I Once Lived In” is one of my favorite tracks. Reflective and somewhat bittersweet, it paints a vivid picture of experiences from the past. I also really like “Soliloquy.” As the title implies, it has the clarity and honesty of a personal truth. “Sorrow” is the standout track for me. Very spare on notes but full of poignance and deep emotion, it feels like a late-night session at the piano, playing in the dark or by candlelight. This is the kind of piece that reminds me why I love the piano so much. “All These Moments Will Be Gone” shares quiet musings at the piano. Reflective and sincere, it seems to come from the depths of Hammer’s soul. “The Way Things Must Be” is more resigned, but without negativity. “The Road Home” is unhurried, but moves forward with a gradually intensifying sense of anticipation and excitement, bringing the CD to a rich and satisfying close. “Solace” is indeed a very promising debut, and we’ll look forward to whatever Doug Hammer has up his sleeve next! Recommended! Kathy Parsons MainlyPiano.com

  • author: Maeve Spain

    What a terrific surprise to get this gorgeous CD in the mail. Every song lovely, each theme so fully explored. The listener is drawn gently in and then lifted on Doug's musical journey, which seems as philosophical as it is emotive. Those who know this fine bandleader and gifted vocal accompanist, are knocked out to hear what the man says in his own voice. These are moving compositions delivered by a master of his instrument.

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