MICHELE MCLAUGHLIN: Reflections 2000-2005, The Best Of Michele McLaughlin

Michele McLaughlin

Reflections 2000-2005, The Best Of Michele McLaughlin

© 2006 Michele McLaughlin (634479304750)

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Beautiful, relaxing solo piano music. All songs have been re-recorded in the studio on an acoustic grand.

notes

Michele McLaughlin was born in 1974 and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was drawn to piano music from early childhood and would play her favorite songs by ear for friends and family. Michele took piano lessons for a very short period of time, but quit when the lessons took the fun out of playing. Shortly afterwards, when she was 8 years old, she was introduced to the music of George Winston and was instantly moved and inspired by his remarkable talent and style. She would listen to his music, and then play his songs by ear. It was during this time that she began composing and recording her own songs.

In the winter of 2000, Michele released her first album, Beginnings, which included 18 of her favorite compositions she had written over the years. The response she received from friends and family after the release of Beginnings was an overwhelming eye-opener for Michele. She was so moved by the positive feedback and response that she was inspired to work on her second album, Elysium. 

This album was a critical turning point on Michele's musical path. It was due to the encouragement and support she received from friends and family that she made it her goal to try to release an album once a year around Christmastime. She has since produced a total of eight albums (Beginnings, Elysium, The Journey, A Change of Color, The Beginning of Forever, After The Storm, Reflections 2000-2005 ~ The Best of Michele McLaughlin, and Christmas ~ Plain & Simple) and is currently working on her ninth, which is due for release in December 2007.

Michele’s music can be heard on several online radio stations, including Whisperings Solo Piano Radio (http://www.whisperings.com) with artists such as David Nevue, Jace Vek, David Lanz, Suzanne Ciani, Wayne Gratz and many others as well as Sky.FM – Solo Piano Radio (http://www.sky.fm) In addition, she can also be heard on Music Choice Soundscapes, the digital music station via local digital cable and satellite providers. She someday hopes to be heard on local and national radio stations as well.

Michele's musical influences include George Winston, Jim Brickman, Paul Cardall, David Nevue, Silvard, George Skaroulis, Jon Schmidt, Kevin Kern, Suzanne Cianni and Lori Line. She has been particularly inspired and moved by the music of George Winston. 

In March 2005, Michele performed her first piano concert in a small venue. She now performs at the Grand America Hotel in their Lobby Lounge, and recently performed with pianist/composer Gary Girouard. Her upcoming performances include a concert on November 24, 2007 at Baldassin Pianos in Salt Lake City, UT with her friend and musical colleague, composer/pianist Jennifer Thomas as well as a concert with her Whisperings colleagues in Fall 2008. It is Michele's dream to someday play in a large concert hall.

reviews

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  • Nice Retrospective!
    author: Kathy Parsons

    “Reflections” is a collection of pianist/composer Michele McLaughlin’s twenty best pieces from her six CDs released from 2000-2005. This music was originally recorded on a digital piano, but was re-recorded for this CD on an acoustic grand. The music is mostly breezy and light, with themes about love, friends, family, and a pleasant variety of other topics. A mostly self-taught pianist who quit lessons because they “took the fun out of playing,” McLaughlin’s music comes from the heart, bringing a bit of musical sunshine to her listeners. There is nothing complicated about McLaughlin’s music (nor does there need to be), and her messages are warm and inviting, describing life and experiences that are mostly on the calm and contented side. The Utah-based composer recently released her ninth album, “Dedication” and is a Whisperings Artist. “Reflections” begins with “I Love You,” a piece with a sweet lullaby quality that could indicate it’s a love song for a child. “Without You” speaks with tender longing and deep love. “Russian Music Box” is one of my favorites. Mysterious and in a minor key, it has an innocent charm. “Just Because” is another minor-key piece that I really like. The swirling arpeggios on the left hand and moody chord changes create an effective mood. “An Evening With Friends” is a very simple piece that conveys warm and caring thoughts. “Enraptured” is a little bit darker and more passionate - another favorite. “A Tale of Courage” is a ballad of strength and perhaps heroism. “Learning to Grieve” looks within, but is more thoughtful than heartbreaking - a lovely, very personal piece. I like the feeling of movement and the mysterious spirit of “The Fairies Dance.” My favorite piece on the album is “The Lonely Ballerina,” which has a more classical approach and sounds a bit like a music box - a poignant and touching melody, played simply and beautifully. “Swept Away” ends the CD with a buoyant, upbeat piece that bubbles over with happiness. If you are new to Michele McLaughlin’s music, “Reflections” is a great place to start. If you have her earlier CDs, you will appreciate the richer sound and resonance of a grand piano. An enjoyable listening experience!

  • Reflections
    author: John Bishop

    Excellent, relaxing and soothing after a hetic day. Close your eyes and for awhile forget the cares of the world. The Happy Farmer

  • Really, really like it!
    author: Vince

    I really like this CD. So far my favorite piece on it is The Beginning of Forever, but all of the songs grow on me more and more as I listen. Other favorites are Russian Music Box and The Fairies Dance.

  • You can feel the passion you have in your music. its beautiful!
    author: Mary

    one of the most beautiful piano cd's i have ever heard. I feel the passion in each and every song and the title is perfect for each song. thanks you

  • author: sally

    Very Nice,peaceful and relaxing to listen to.

  • Beautiful music Michelle ! So relaxing. I love it. Thanks.
    author: vicky rodriguez
  • Loved your new CD
    author: Rick

    Enjoyed it very much. Very peaceful and relaxing to listen to.

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