JENNIFER THOMAS: Key of Sea

Jennifer Thomas

Key of Sea

© 2006 Tickled Ivory Music (ASCAP) (837101279338)

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This Seattle based pianist and composer introduces you to a whole new world of piano music. With a style somewhere in between classical new age piano and film scoring, her album show an eclectic range of dynamics.

notes

Seattle based Pianist and Composer Jennifer Thomas started playing the piano at age 5, went on to study piano at Brigham Young University. Jennifer won the silver medal in her university's concerto competition, was also invited to perform as a concerto soloist with Salt Lake City's Murry Symphony. She has also worked with the Seattle Symphony, participated with the Seattle Composer's Salon at Benaroya Hall, and was a featured soloist at the Roosevelt Hotel. Jennifer performed with the Salt Lake Temple Square Concert Series for 3 years, and has also performed with various symphonies including the Oregon Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra.

Jennifer began composing music in 2004, combining the sounds of her classical training with modern new age and pop, including down-tempo styles. Her sound has been described by listeners as having the simplicity of pianist George Winston, the sound of film composer Hans Zimmer, with the fire and passion of Rachmaninoff.

To read full bio and learn more about Jennifer, please visit her website http://www.jenniferthomasmusic.com

'“Key of Sea” is a stunning debut from pianist/composer/violinist Jennifer Thomas. Although it is very soothing, Thomas’ music packs a very powerful punch both musically and emotionally. Personally, I found it wonderful to wake up to rather than go to sleep with. Thomas’ technique is flawless and jaw-dropping in its precision and agility. From one pianist to another, wow!...“Key of Sea” is an awesome debut, and presents a very exciting beginning! Very highly recommended!" - Kathy Parsons, Solo Piano Publications

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  • BEAUTIFUL!!
    author: Jesse

    Beautiful relaxing music from sea to shining sea!!

  • Wow!!!
    author: Kathy Parsons

    “Key of Sea” is a stunning debut from pianist/composer/violinist Jennifer Thomas. Classically-trained on both instruments from a very early age by her musician-mother as well as other teachers and professors through college, Jennifer’s lifelong immersion in and passion for music is immediately obvious. As a teenager and young adult, Thomas constantly challenged herself to play more difficult and complex classical music, culminating in winning a concerto competition that allowed her to fulfill a dream of playing the piano with a full symphony. She also continued to play the violin in local symphonies, but the piano is her first love. “Key of Sea” is made up of thirteen original works, some of which were inspired by classical pieces, and the music is a combination of solo piano tracks, piano and orchestra, piano ensemble, and one vocal selection. Although it is very soothing, Thomas’ music packs a very powerful punch both musically and emotionally. Personally, I found it wonderful to wake up to rather than go to sleep with. Thomas’ technique is flawless and jaw-dropping in its precision and agility. From one pianist to another, wow! “Key of Sea” opens with “Beautiful Storm,” an orchestrated piece that features Thomas on piano and violin (how’d she play them both at the same time?); she also performs the orchestrations, which are very natural-sounding. Anyone who has watched a storm come in by the ocean can appreciate how this piece goes from still and shimmering to turbulent and agitated. This is a great opening piece because it demonstrates the qualities that make this a standout album - passionate piano, quiet moments, big cinematic areas, grace, beauty, and an original vision. “Prelude in F” is an energetic piano solo that dances all over the piano celebrating the good things in life. “Release” begins as a flowing piano solo. Light percussion comes in, and then strings, building the intensity. “You By My Side” is a gentle piece of musical contentment. Warmth and love are expressed in every note, and strings enhance the tender beauty of the piano. “Suite Dreams” is based on Bach’s Cello Suite #1 in G Major and Bach’s “Ave Maria,” and features Carolyn Southworth (Jennifer’s mom!) on violin - a gorgeous collaboration! “Old Movie Romance” was Thomas’ first composition. (It is interesting to note that she didn’t start composing until the end of 2004!) Piano and strings once again create and loving and passionate ensemble. “Pure” is a “song for the angels in our lives.” Ethereal voices add innocence and charm to the lovely piano melody. “Red Aspens” is a graceful piano solo that exudes peace and serenity. “Somewhere” is a wonderful piece based on Leonard Bernstein’s song from “West Side Story.” Piano and strings give voice to the passion of the original. I really like “The Tempest,” a powerful composition for orchestra and two pianos. Like the opening track, it alternates from calm to very turbulent and agitated, but is quite different from “Beautiful Storm.” “Sospiro” is the piece Thomas likes to end her performances with. Based on a Lizst etude, this piece clearly demonstrates what a phenomenal pianist she is. Again, wow! “Key of Sea” is an awesome debut, and presents a very exciting beginning! Very highly recommended!

  • 'A Beautiful Storm' is a stunning piece of music
    author: Wayne Dineley

    The album ‘Key of Sea’ by Jennifer Thomas contains beautiful moving melodies. The opening track ‘A Beautiful Storm’ is a stunning piece of music which sounds a lot like film music and is one of my favourite tracks off the album. Another favourite of mine was track 4 ‘You By My Side’, this is a beautiful piece of music which almost brought a tear to my eye. This is an album that you will want to listen to again and again. Buy this CD and I promise you won’t be disappointed. -Wayne Dineley

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