VIENNA TENG: Waking Hour

Vienna Teng

Waking Hour

© 2002 Marketed by Virt Records LLC under exclusive l (824003100327)

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As featured on LETTERMAN and NPR. Waking Hour takes listeners on an emotional ride through gentle piano ballads to multi-layered productions with lush landscapes.

tracks

1 The Tower
2 Momentum
3 Gravity
4 Daughter
5 Between
6 Say Uncle
7 Drought
8 Enough To Go By
9 Unwritten Letter #1
10 Eric's Song
11 Soon Love Soon
12 Lullaby For A Stormy Night
13 Decade And One

notes

"I've heard the entire CD and there's not a dud on this. You get your money's worth here" - David Letterman

"That Norah Jones chick ain't got nothing on self-described "music geek" Vienna Teng." (San Francisco Examiner)

"Teng's voice and piano skills will knock you out." (Sports Illustrated)

"sharp and poetic...smart and layered songcraft" (Washington Post)

"pure poetry...Teng's deep lyrics work because of her appealing and distinctive melodies, which immediately grab your attention and make you want to hear more." (American Songwriter)

"she is like a child of Chopin and Sarah McLachlan" (San Jose Mercury News)

Acclaimed San Francisco-based singer/songwriter and classically trained pianist Vienna Teng's music defies any attempt at simplistic classification. Far from being pressured into studying music, Vienna asked for piano lessons on her own, at the tender age of 5. While she delved fully into classical works by composers such as Bach and Chopin, she was drawn more to the act of improvisation, and in expressing the ideas that were emerging in her own imagination. She wrote her first song at age 6, and had an album's worth of instrumentals composed by age 16. As if the challenges of collegiate life weren't enough, she released a 4-song EP at Stanford and finished recording the tracks for her first full-length album before she graduated.

Her compositions range from gentle piano ballads featuring pristine vocals to multi-layered productions with lush landscapes. Waking Hour features explorations into not just pop, folk and rock, but also new age and world beat stylings. The album's 13 melodic songs take listeners on an emotional ride through the haunting, the ethereal, and the comforting.

As a result of her captivating live performances, Vienna has earned increasing recognition from the press and a dedicated fan base throughout the country. Highly unusual for a non-major label artist, Vienna performed on the Late Show with David Letterman and was profiled on NPR and CNN. She has opened for Shawn Colvin, Joan Osborne, & more. Waking Hour was co-produced by David Henry (Cowboy Junkies, REM, Josh Rouse) and features guest musicians Will Kimbrough (Kim Richey) and Craig Wright (Steve Earle).

reviews

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  • A fine prelude to her later works.
    author: david

    I love this disk. Having already bought Warm Strangers, a disk I keep in heavy rotation, I was eager to hear Vienna's earlier works. The simple production and orchestration of Waking Hour provides a glimpse of the smoother, more mature sound Vienna achieves with Warm Strangers. It's like hearing the bud before the blossom.

  • Music that touches your soul
    author: Karelia

    The first time I heard "Soon Love Soon", I was brought to tears. Then I listened to the album and realized the passion behind Vienna's music. Who can withstand being carried away by her lofty and melodic voice and the way she plays the piano ever so gracefully. Vienna displays her God given talent in this album, and I believe that everyone should take a moment to listen and see for themselves. I ensure you you will be swept away and will not be left unchanged after hearing this album.

  • Great album
    author: Amy Irene

    Smooth, lyrical, and just all-around good. Vienna Teng does an excellent job on her debut album.

  • Sounds Just As Good As Her Sophmore Album
    author: Raquel

    Vienna continues to amaze me with her music I absolutely love her songs on this album and the stories she paints with her lyrics. Gravity and Between are absolutely amazing and Tower should have been a chart- topping single. I love her voice, I love the way she crafts the songs- this album is a true gem.

  • Stunning, simply stunning
    author: Jason Dufair

    The raw emotion and connection you feel listening to Waking Hour is stunning. I heard her music on Radio Paradise (radioparadise.com) and it just JUMPED out at me amidst the rest of the otherwise decent stuff they play. She writes a ballad like no one can. I guarantee you'll be singing "Soon Love Soon" in your head for months on end after you hear it once.

  • Beautiful
    author: Whitney

    Not only is the music beautiful and Vienna's voice amazing, but her lyrics are what keep me coming back for more. Each song tells a story or paints a picture, especially Daughter, Say Uncle, and Drought. This is a purchase I'm glad I made!

  • Every song a gem
    author: Don Loftin

    I first heard Vienna perform these songs at the Point in Bryn Mahr Pennslvania. I went home and bought the album. It is one my all time favorites. There is not a single bad song on the entire album. Her song "Soon Love Soon" rates right there with John Lennon's "Imagine". You can feel her heart in her song "The Tower".

  • I will recommend this cd to every friend I have.
    author: C.L. Miller

    From the first song, it will draw you into it and not let you go. I can't play it enough or hear it often enough.

  • author: CD Baby

    Move over Tori, your identical twin is in town! Seriously, if you love emotive, female piano pop and lush, electronically smoothed landscapes of pure musical angst, this is your lucky day. With a touch of Jewel jangle, this woman soars and sears with her directed, driven musical voice and conviction. If you're looking to enrich your stellar Pop collection and want a warm but yearning mood to overtake you, Vienna Teng is your match.

  • haunting melodies
    author: Jenn

    This CD has songs that will stay with you long after you have stopped playing it. The molodies are haunting and the lyrics touch a cord with people and events we all know.

  • Brilliant!
    author: Frances Hancox

    This CD is incredible. Thirteen songs, and not a dud to be found anywhere. Every single song is great, and every one is different to avoid that annoying "same-ness" some albums have. 'Drought' is a very powerful song, with the drums, bass guitar (I think?) and various sound effects backing up the usual piano and voice. 'Say Uncle' is a much softer song, with only the piano and Veinna's voice giving a more sad feeling to the song. 'Unwritten Letter No. 1' is a happier song, with the guitar and violin giving it an exotic touch. 'Lullabye for a Stormy Night' is what the title says- a lullaby, that could be used to soothe children to sleep. So yes, the songs on this album are very different, which I think is definitely a bonus. The sample tracks above give a good selection, but don't be led to think that they're the only good songs this CD has to offer! And really, the music speaks for itself. If you can listen to the sample tracks without wanting to buy this album immediately, you must have a lot more self-control than I do!

  • in a word... wow
    author: Tom

    This is a wonderful CD, filled with beautiful songs that all have memorable melodic lines. Vienna's voice is perfect for the songs, and her playing is amazingly lyrical. All in all, this is a real gem of a CD, an album you can definitely listen to over and over.

  • Great debut! Wonderful piano playing!
    author: Karen Langefeld

    No regrets here! Vienna has a wonderful songwrting skill. Her songs are passionate and real. Soft vocals provide a relaxing atmosphere, yet still manage to blow you away. Look forward to her next album (which comes out in Feb. 2004).

  • If you do not have this CD...Get it today!
    author: Steve

    Absolutely Outstanding Music. Thank you Vienna for such an ear pleasing CD. I have to believe David Letterman was correct in saying “Not a dud on the entire CD” Vienna you are off to a great start. Also kudos for CD Baby, great place to get music.

  • best album I've heard in a decade
    author: Rebecca Sandler

    Not in ten years have I purchased an album and loved every single song. This album is truly unbelievable and enchanting.

  • Truly wonderful
    author: Jerome

    She choose the right course Music over computer programing, this is truly a purchase you will not regret!

  • WOW - Great voice and Great tunes
    author: Bill

    Hearing Vienna on XM radio was my good fortune. I purchased her CD the next day and I found it to be wonderful. When is her next one coming out?

  • can't get enough of this album
    author: angrumman

    waking hour is a wonderful release. this music makes people turn and listen and holds them through all 13 songs. vienna teng has the smoothest voice full of range, and it's really fun to hear her back herself up on several of the tracks, especially 'soon love soon,' where she sings about 15 different parts. the variations in her songwriting and musical styles is apparent in these tracks. you'll find folk-rock stories, sweet lullabyes and even a waltz. i first saw vienna at the national association for campus activities conference this fall, and her voice and keyboard filled that hall like it was meant for a symphony. the room was dead silent to listen. i was so happy to catch her again in syracuse, and the show was lovely - friendly and intimate. she proved once again how strong this album truly is. watch out for this one. she'll blow you away. thanks vienna!

  • author: amy

    there are some really good songs on this CD. you will not be disappointed! pick up this cd if you like quiet, serene, contemplative music.

  • I get chills
    author: Alison

    I stumbled upon this CD by accident. A very lucky accident! I had never heard of Vienna Teng before, but I hope to hear more from her because this CD is amazing. The music is hauntingly beautiful and I get chills every time I listen to it.

  • Wow.
    author: Noah

    This is by far the best album I've bought all year. Vienna sings great, and her piano playing is even better.

  • I like Ms. Teng's unique style of art, she'll be around for a while.
    author: A. Smith

    I like all the songs, the lyrics are great and you can enjoy the CD over and over again. I look forward to much more of her creative work...

  • Outstanding
    author: Bob Saunders

    Everything about this CD is outstanding. I can't wait for her next CD. One is just not enough.

  • Beautiful songs, honest performances. Well worth the buy...
    author: Ben Patterson

    While the record is a bit heavy on the Tori Amos vibe, Vienna's piano playing is solid, and her vocal stylings are real and believable, similar to Sarah McLaughlin.

  • Amazing
    author: Hero Ngauv

    Beautiful music. Been listening to this CD ever since I got it a week ago. Can't wait to see her in concert the next time she comes to the Boston area.

  • Absolutely fabulous!
    author: Aimee Hirz

    Vienna's CD is one of the best I've heard in a long time. Definitely soul-soothing and catharsis-evoking. I can't wait to see her play all these tunes in Westwood next month! Ultimately, this CD was worth every penny.

  • soul-quenching
    author: Elly Foyer

    Vienna seems to be almost of a different time. It's extremely rare to find an artist who is capable of combining the power of music with the power of poetry so perfectly that the listener is actually carried by it. Vienna is able to do this with such passion and ability that the result is pure extasy. The power and beauty of some of these songs (Gravity and Lullaby for a Stormy Night, especially,) have literally moved me to tears. I have been telling everyone I know who appreciates good music about her. I have burned this album for two friends, and afterward, they decided to go out and buy their own "real" copy because they wanted to support her. If you are a fan of good music, there is no way you could regret this purchase.

  • Wow!
    author: Eric

    I heard Vienna play live last week -- having previously after listened to Waking Hour for, well, hours!!! Others have said this is an "amazing debut" album. That's an understatement. This is an amazing album regardless of where it will ultmately fit into Teng's future works.

  • Letterman is just the beginning
    author: Alice Marie

    As soon as I heard "Between" and "Gravity," I knew Vienna was special. I'm happy to say the rest of the album has measured up to those songs in exquisite, haunting ways.

  • Beautiful album
    author: Holly Perry, Copperas Cove, Texas

    I saw Vienna's performance on David Letterman, in which he highly recommended the album. NOT that she needed the reviews, her performance of, Gravity, that night, sold me. Now that I have my own copy I can only say, I wish I had heard her sooner! A wonderful collection of songs & music, easy on my ears & something my littles ones can listen to as well! Every track is wonderful. No need to skip any songs on this one! Bravo!!

  • Exactly what your soul is hungry for!
    author: Ginny Wilder

    Rarely does an artist comes along that can use the power of music and the impact of lyrics to physically move the listener through the emotion of the song. Vienna Teng is one of these artists. My heart, my soul, my brain and my ears have been fed over and over by the Waking Hour.

  • Love it!
    author: Priscilla A. Herrington

    I can only echo the previous reviewers, heaping praise on this debut CD! Vienna's clear voice more than does justice to her sensitive and beautiful lyrics. There is hope for the future!!!

  • Awesome
    author: joe dirt

    Take a break from the tired old stuff on the radio, sit down with a favorite drink, and listen to this album. Beautiful songs, heartfelt lyrics, and a voice that is angelic, for a lack of a better word. Forget the reviews and just take a listen.

  • Spectacular
    author: Seth

    Great CD. Music that is a breath of fresh air. For those who know good music, this is one for your collection.

  • AWESOME
    author: Vicki

    This is an absolutely awesome cd. I've listened to it over and over again.

  • Poignant, beautiful
    author: John

    I am not sure where to start the praise for this CD. The lyrics are absolutely great, Vienna's voice is angelic, the piano speaks its own words and makes the whole arrangement just something absolutely phenomenal. I usually can't listen to whole cds without skipping tracks unless it's classical music, but since I got this CD yesterday I'm on my 5th run through it. You feel the emotion in her voice, and you can almost hear a poignant soul in the sound of the piano. This cd has done what very few CDs do, it has touched me, and I don't know that there's more that an artist can hope for.

  • refreshing and soulful
    author: muzac11

    just when i was about ready to give up on hopes of finding meaningful music to listen to came Waking Hour. the lyrics and music provide me with my daily dose of art.

  • A real pearl
    author: Just me

    A CD that you can listen through without stopping and afterwards feel like you can take on the world and come out shining.

  • EXCELLENT!!!!
    author: Kevin - Atlanta, GA

    I can't say enough great things about this CD. Vienna has such an incredible talent with the piano and her voice is breathtaking. This CD is one of those permanent additions to the CD changer....I simply can't stop listening to it. In a time of meaningless music from bubble-gum pop stars, Vienna is a refreshing new talent who writes what she feels and plays it out with her all her heart. I have no doubt that she will be destined for greatness in the music world! Move over Tori & Sarah....here comes Vienna! If you buy this CD, you will not be sorry. Enjoy.

  • Had the CD 48 hours, listened to it 10 times
    author: A new fan from San Francisco

    This is one of those CDs it's hard to get sick of, every track is so damn good. This CD will DEFINITELY give you your money's worth if you like Enya or Sarah McClachlan.

  • Pretty piano & vocal
    author: NN

    Waking Hour is a high-quality debut album. The lyrics and melodies are sophisticated. Many of the songs would fall into the “pretty” category. All were written by Vienna. The piano and vocal are Vienna’s bread-and-butter, but several of the other tracks feature nice arrangements with additional instruments. “Eric’s Song” is a beautiful song about being in love without mentioning Eric or the word love. Very nice - even if you don’t have a thing for Eric. “Decade and One” is a profound song about being 31 (real ancient, eh?). “Momentum” and “Gravity” are among my favorites. Actually all the songs are nice. This is a great album to listen to when one is in a mellow mood. Definitely worth the price of admission.

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