Shawn Skylark
Still Life: 10 Pieces For Solo Piano
© 2007 Shawn Skylark (802237225825)
CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.
SPECIAL: 10% discount if you buy more than one copy of it today!
Composed and performed by an artist who plays with an extraordinary degree of sensitivity, this is a haunting collection of tender, evocative and romantic piano melodies.
tracks
try this
genres you will love
By Location
Recommended if you like ...
links
notes
I was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1953, and grew up on Long Island. I have early memories of lying in bed at night, upstairs, listening to my mother play the piano. She did not remember much from her childhood lessons, bits of this and that, some Chopin... The spinet piano was out of tune, but I couldn't tell. I listened, in the dark, and I knew that I would play the piano one day.
My first experience with piano lessons at the age of eight was enough to make me give it up forever. I played by ear, and reading the notes was like trying to write with the wrong hand. I gave up lessons, but not playing. I learned chords, and rhythms, from the popular songs of the time. When I wasn't in school, I was playing the piano.
I've played keyboards in bands off and on since the seventh grade. School dances... beach clubs... long summer days practicing in Bruce Mandaro's basement. I learned to tune pianos while in college in Yellow Springs, Ohio, and that career has sustained me for 34 years. I love being a piano tuner, and I am fortunate to have the opportunity every day to work on some of the greatest instruments ever built. But when I am finished; when all the harmonics are lined up, and the piano is at it's best, I play. That is when I practice. Because no matter how technically proficient my tuning is, I never really know the instrument until I play it. I take five minutes here, ten minutes there, and so, while testing the piano, learning it's touch, finding it's voice, I work on my music.
Eventually, of course, I did learn to read music. When I was 19 I studied piano and composition briefly in London at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Wherever I went, I found a piano. Strangers would offer to let me come to their homes and play while they were at work. Music schools always had practice rooms. There were always pianos looking for a temporary home, and I was there to provide it.
When my first marriage ended, I was twenty eight, and that is when I started finding my way as a composer. Some of the themes I began during that period have continued to evolve, as I continued to evolve, until they grew into the music I still play today. During my 30's I spent eight years in Los Angeles, working in a couple of bands, one cover, one original. I love classic rock and roll, but when I write I reach into the deeper feelings, the place where, on a good day, passion and longing find balance with tenderness and hope. My best music comes from this place. Great music somehow manages to say something essential and true about life. Better than any poetry or prose, it reaches directly into our hearts and echoes back something that grounds us and helps us remember the elusive and beautiful things that make life worth living. I have tried to write the music of my life; I think I have succeeded.
I am happy, because finally, at 54, I know who I am. I am my son's father, and being his father is the best and most important thing I have ever done. He is without question the most wonderful and extraordinary person I have ever known. I am my wife's husband, and working to have a great marriage is the hardest and most rewarding challenge there is. Without her I would not be who I am, and I cherish her beyond words. I am an artist, and grateful for the gifts I have been given. I am proud of how hard I have worked, year after year, to find my style and my sound. I am a piano tuner, a rancher, a friend, a boss, and, though they are gone, still a son, because in every way my Mom and Dad are still with me. I think they would be proud, too.
reviews
Please log in to review this album.
We waited a long time for this album!
author: Donna ComarFor years I told Shawn that he should make an album. He finally did and we love it! We listen to it all the time.
A brilliant light and my friend
author: Grant TaylorShawn is one of the most brilliant lights in the music world. His melodies and lyrics touch us at the deepest places of our soul and remind us of what was and what can be. 15 years after hearing him, I am still moved to tears by his songs and will continue to be moved the rest of my life. You are a true treasure Shawn.
Still Life
author: Lee Reid and Michael WagnerShawn is truly a Master of his music and his Trade. I am so thankful he has released his music so I can enjoy him more than every six months when he tunes my piano. I bought 2 CD's so I could give one to my Mother. I certainly hope he has many more releases to come. Bravo Shawn, Bravo
Still Life: 10 pieces for solo piano
author: Robert S MichalskeShawn's CD album is fantastic. I order two right away to have one for a friend. The music played on the Bosendorfer 225 Grand is absolutely exquisite. Shawn has and is my piano tuner for a very long time. He is a great musician!
Still Life
author: april wiseI love the CD - initially bought one and, once I heard it, ordered three more for friends. It's soothing and a balm to the soul to listen to. April
- author: george
I first met Shawn as my wife was afraid to be alone with an unknown person in the house. I watched as he tuned our piano. He explained that his tuning mechanism would get the keys only close and the final round through the tuning protocol was really "by ear". His story of apprenticeship and learning piano brand idiosyncrasies were compelling. At the end, he played "She Cries Alone". He said that he couldn't really play, but was being quite humble. "She Cries Alone" is the single saddest piece of music I have ever heard. On another tuning occasion I asked him if he would play it again, and he played "She Cries Alone", but as I now know from his song list it was not the 1st variation he played the first time. He said his mood was not as sad that day, but it was "She Cries Alone". Not the 1st variation. Unfortunately out children lost interest in the piano, and it sits unplayed, so needs no tuning. Congratulations Shawn! I wish you only success and hope you go platinum. George Cook
Incredible
author: Kim MorucciWith my husband, I was fortunate to have the great honor of attending the release party of this CD. Because I consider the artist a great friend and part of my family, I thought that it would be difficult to be objective. I was delighted to find that it wasn't. Shawn's music truly is a life story from the heart. It is enlightening, enriching and enjoyable. Somehow after listening you feel energized and relaxed at the same time. I have always considered Shawn and his family truly special people, and now, consider Shawn one of the great artists of our time. My husband, who is more of a traditional rock music fan truly enjoys Shawns' music. It reaches all who are willing to just open up and listen. Shawn, thank you for sharing your talent and love of music with us. We love you