Cascadilla

Track Listings

1. Cascadilla Glen

2. Story of Time

3. Rays and Mist

4. Nero's Will

5. Simple Pleasures

6. Dance of the Winds

7. Irises

8. Snow in July

9. The Final Decree

10. Journey into a Pile of Leaves

11. Night in Seville

12. Emerald City

13. Cayuga's Waters

14. Memorial

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Seth Kaufman's debut solo piano album released in a special digitally remastered edition.

Cascadilla,Seth Kaufman,Cascadilla Records,Jazz,New Age

Cascadilla

Tracks:

Cascadilla Glen
Story of Time
Rays and Mist
Nero's Will
Simple Pleasures
Dance of the Winds
Irises
Snow in July
The Final Decree
Journey into a Pile of Leaves
Night in Seville
Emerald City
Cayuga's Waters
Memorial

Product Description

Seth Kaufman's debut solo piano album released in a special digitally remastered edition.

Customer Reviews:

Relaxing solo piano.......2007-03-04

I've been looking for this CD for a while now and am glad to find it on Amazon. I owned two cassette tapes and saw Seth in concert at university. The music is well written, very creative. The pieces will tend to blend into each other - you'll have a hard time matching the names to the pieces. Nonetheless, I ordered this on iTunes and listening to Cascadilla brings me back to my college days.

From Solo Piano Publications.......2006-07-11

"Cascadilla" is a digitally remastered edition of Seth Kaufman's 1993 debut album, which was previously available only on cassette. This beautiful album is comprised of some of Kaufman's early solo piano work, which was inspired by the dramatic gorges of Ithaca in the Finger Lakes area of upstate New York. Seth Kaufman has been one of my favorite artists for some time, and it's always a treat to receive new releases from him. He also recently remastered his second album, "The Blue Light," and released it on CD. These two reissues were designed to coincide with the release of an album of new work, "Compartments," which will be available soon. It is always fascinating to go back to an established artist's early work to see how much he or she has grown artistically, and often there is a dramatic drop-off in the quality of the earlier work which is understandable. With Kaufman, there is no such dramatic difference in the quality of his earlier work. I haven't heard "Compartments" yet, but "Cascadilla" stands as a very strong work in its own right. Complex both musically and emotionally, the music is very accessible and enjoyable on many levels. There are also some beautiful old monochromatic photos in the liner notes that picture some of the areas that inspired the music - a lovely package in every respect!

The CD opens with "Cascadilla Glen," a piece that suggests a tranquil meadow, sparkling water, and the joy of being in the midst of natural beauty. "Nero's Will" is a favorite. It begins with a very gentle, flowing prelude that becomes a bit more percussive, returning to the original theme, and then alternating between the longer peaceful passages and the shorter, more forceful shifts - very effective! "Dance of the Winds" evokes the feeling of warm breezes rather than gale force winds (which rarely dance!), creating a mood that is both pleasant and lively. "Irises" is another favorite, inspired by one of my favorite flowers. Graceful and elegant, the visual is of stately flowers moving with a gentle breeze. "Journey Into a Pile of Leaves" is lively and full of fun with a touch of childlike innocence. My favorite track is "Night in Seville," which is once again built around a series of themes that flow seamlessly from one to the next, describing the peace of the night and the liveliness of nightlife in a major city. Several of these themes seem unrelated, but the piece flows flawlessly and sounds like great fun to play. "Memorial" closes the CD with a passionate tribute that speaks volumes.

"Cascadilla" is a great CD for those who like solo piano with a bit more substance. Recommended!

Average customer rating:

Brilliant and moving
If I could give 6 stars, I would.
from Solo Piano Publications

The Blue Light
Seth Kaufman
Manufacturer: Cascadilla Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Jazz | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Cascadilla
Red Descending
Circling Noon

ASIN: B000A7HF4M
Release Date: 2005-12-15

Tracks:

Stadium
First Moment (a score)
Thursday
Chambers of the Sea
Strolling a Suspension Bridge
Cayuga's Waters (live)
Flight
Dark Blue
The Rainy Years
Cascadilla Glen (live)
Farewells
Sunset Park

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant and moving.......2006-07-15

I had never heard of Seth Kaufman until he played at our Cornell graduation in 1994. After that moving performance, I immediately went out and purchased this album. Twelve years later, I am still moved to tears by the compositions on The Blue Light. I am so glad to that I decided to look him up on the Internet, discovering that he has other albums. I will be ordering them today, and I look forward to listening for years to come.

If I could give 6 stars, I would. .......2006-05-21

Seth Kaufman is a brilliant pianist. I watched him perform at Cornell when my daughter studied there. I have all his cds - even after 100s of replays, they are magical. Blue Light, amongst his earlier compositions captures the serenity and beauty of the gorges and the area. Circling Noon and Red Descending his more recent work have jazz overtones, Red Descending especially. His music has evolved and each cd makes for a wonderful gift to yourself or anyone else. There isn't a pianist as talented as Seth Kaufman.

from Solo Piano Publications.......2006-02-04

Pianist/composer Seth Kaufman has remastered and re-released his first two albums as a prelude to the long-awaited release of an album of new material in March `06. "The Blue Light" was Kaufman's second release and made its debut in 1994. As with his other albums, there is a variety of playing styles - some serene and peaceful with others being bigger, bolder, and more dramatic. Kaufman's classical training is evident, as is his background in jazz, but his musical voice is his own. Plus, he has playing chops to die for! The music was inspired by various sources, including a one-act play that he scored, literature, and, of course, life itself. I thoroughly enjoyed reviewing "Circling Noon" and "Red Descending" a few years ago, and am delighted that this incredible artist has resurfaced with lots of new (and not-so-new) music!

"Stadium" opens the CD with a burst of pianistic energy. Excitement and a feeling of bigness run through the piece. "First Moment" comes from the score of "Savage/Love," a play written by Sam Shepard and Joseph Chaikin. The piece effectively alternates between themes that are wistful and dreamy to upbeat and anxious, creating something of a dialog. It's a fascinating piece that tells a story as it evolves. "Thursday" comes from a passage in Tony Morrison's novel, "Jazz," that muses about the satisfaction and comfort of that day of the week. Thoughtful and reflective, this piece is almost a ballad. "Chambers of the Sea" is a favorite. Inspired by a poem by T.S. Eliot, themes range from peaceful to turbulent, but the piece is mostly dark, dramatic, and very passionate - I'd love to be able to play this one! "Strolling A Suspension Bridge" switches gears to light and carefree - you can almost feel the warmth of the sun with a gentle breeze blowing through your hair. Another favorite is "Dark Blue," a mournfully sad piece with a lively theme in the middle that keeps it from descending to the depths of despair. "The Rainy Years" blows me away with how its emotional changes flow so seamlessly from one to another - absolutely amazing and utterly compelling. I love it! "Farewells" is warm and a little sad, as the title implies - a lovely piece. Parts of it become very intense, demonstrating several kinds of "farewells." "Sunset Park" features wordless vocals by Mimi Pasek that are layered over the piano - a very effective close to an outstanding album.

"The Blue Light" is an excellent addition to any piano lover's collection. Seth Kaufman is one of the best pianists out there, and I can't wait to hear his new music! Highly recommended!

Average customer rating:

A Masterpiece!!
Wonderful CD
from Solo Piano Publications

Circling Noon
Seth Kaufman
Manufacturer: Cascadilla Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Jazz | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Red Descending
Cascadilla
The Blue Light

ASIN: B0000C1HFK
Release Date: 2003-08-15

Tracks:

Circling Noon
Elysian Fields
Along Prytania
Revolution
Half-deserted Streets
Identity
Become the Blue
Synchrony
Other Places
Slow Motion
Unusual Darkness
The Wine Room
Long Distance
Bloom

Album Description

solo piano

Customer Reviews:

A Masterpiece!!.......2006-02-04

Mr. Kaufman is a genius -- a truly undiscovered talent. "Along Prytania" absolutely captures the essence of driving through the New Orleans Garden District. "Revolution," one of the first pieces he created for this album, communicates the emotional chaos that accompanies the tumultuous transitions of life. This album will not disappoint. It is soothing yet powerful -- a collection which will make one a devout fan of all Seth Kaufman's work.

Wonderful CD.......2005-07-19

I got Seth Kaufman's Circling Noon and Red Descending at the same time and I prefer Circling Noon. It's less abstract and more soothing. Absolutely beautiful compositions.

from Solo Piano Publications.......2004-12-03

"Circling Noon" is an extraordinary collection of original piano solos composed "during a time of transition. Lost among new streets and faces, unusual places, searching for routines and rhythms, I wander around and around an impossible, clear, mystical noon" (quoted from the liner notes). This sense of searching and adjusting, and of finding ones way fills the music with a melancholy and yet hopeful mood. The music was composed in New Orleans, a city of mysteries and unique stories. I could visualize some of the places I visited recently while listening to the music, making it very enjoyable on several levels. From soft and delicate to very percussive, Kaufman presents an amazing range of pianistic touches that make his playing vivid and colorful. He also has a real knack for piecing together a variety of themes to create a rich musical quilt. Some of the music is experimental with jazz and classical influences, and Seth Kaufman's musical voice is unique.

The title track opens the CD with a swirling rhythm and a mysterious feeling. Lively in tempo, this is still a rather dark piece with several themes woven throughout. "Half-Deserted Streets" is a somber, but very beautiful piece with several different themes that come together to become a moving and impressive whole. "Identity" comes so close to the closing chord of "Streets" that it almost becomes a second movement - and this works very well, as the pieces complement each other effectively. "Synchrony" is a bit more upbeat with shifting rhythms and a jovial mood. "Slow Motion" is my favorite Seth Kaufman piece (so far). Quite a bit of the piece is played with some of the piano strings muted with his hand, making it sound like a duet with piano and an unidentifiable string instrument that is being plucked - an incredible effect! The parts with the muted strings are fast and urgent, but the piano part is haunting and dark. This piece alone is worth the price of the CD, but the whole recording is excellent with a wide variety of styles and moods. "The Wine Room" was inspired by an evening at Emeril's Restaurant, and is the happiest piece on the album - obviously a very festive occasion! A bonus track at the end is a reprise of the title song, bringing the CD "full Circle."

I am very excited about discovering Seth Kaufman's music, and am looking forward to hearing more of it. Very highly recommended!

Average customer rating:

from Solo Piano Publications
Beautiful Piano Music

Red Descending
Seth Kaufman
Manufacturer: Cascadilla Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Jazz | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Circling Noon
Cascadilla
The Blue Light

ASIN: B0000C1HFJ
Release Date: 2003-08-15

Tracks:

Fabric of Space-time
Erato
Thunder at Three
Evening Still Young
Distant Heart Sounds
Stillness the Dancing
Opening
Urban Angel
Brass
The Orphanage (score for a silent film)
End of the Universe (Fabric part 2)
Red
Plum-colored Fields
Repercussion
Descending

Album Description

solo piano

Customer Reviews:

from Solo Piano Publications.......2004-12-03

"Red Descending" is Seth Kaufman's fourth CD of original material, and includes pieces composed for theater, dance, and film, as well as specifically for this recording. A dynamic, passionate, and dramatic pianist, I am delighted to have recently discovered his work. The pieces range from the tranquil "Evening Still Young" to the wild and crazy "Urban Angel," which made me laugh the first time I heard it. Being involved with so many different forms of expression, Kaufman's music is a bit more experimental than many other composers', but that also makes it very exciting to listen to. This isn't snooze music by any means, and it contains elements of classical, jazz, and contemporary music. Kaufman's is a unique musical voice, and one that offers more of a listening challenge than many artists. I like it!

"Fabric of Space-time" is a jazzy piece that begins the CD with a bounce. Rhythmic and percussive, Kaufman really puts his piano (as well as his playing chops!) through its paces on this one. Richly varied, this piece is fascinating! "Distant Heart Sounds" opens with the sound of a heart beat played with the strings of the piano muted. A rather plaintive melody enters for several bars, and then the piece opens up with rolling chords and a stronger rhythm. The piece alternates between the quiet and the passionate, almost a dialogue with two very distinct voices; this is one of my favorites! "Stillness the Dancing" and "Opening" are both beautiful pieces that are more on the quiet, reflective side. Then "Urban Angel" (part of a solo piano score for a modern dance piece) comes crashing in! I'd love to see the dance that goes with it! Parts of this piece are very beautiful, and others are playful and discordant - a lot of fun! "Brass" is dark and bluesy, and the style is again very percussive. "The Orphanage" is part of a solo piano score composed for the 1922 silent film, "Oliver Twist." A great piece on its own, it is easy to imagine the figures on the screen moving a little faster than in "real life," and to picture the scenes of a bleak orphanage and its inhabitants. "Plum-colored Fields" was inspired by the Rothko Chapel in Houston, Texas. In the liner notes, Kaufman says "Entering the octagonal chapel is like walking into a magnetic field. Immense, dark swaths of color hang motionless on the walls like surround sound." A sense of vastness as well as openness and awe make this an amazing piece. "Repercussion" is a more darkly reflective piece with sections played with the strings muted with Kaufman's hand. How he gets so many sounds to happen at once is awesome - I'd really like to see how he does it.

"Red Descending" is an incredible album, and Seth Kaufman is a pianist who is fully in control of the piano - from the most powerful chords to the most delicate melodies. A true artist, indeed! There isn't a weak track on this album, and I very highly recommend it!

Beautiful Piano Music.......2004-05-03

I've listened to this album until I've worn it out. It's a series of passionate and intense solo piano pieces. Kaufman succeeds in capturing the listener, and I still find myself being swung by the highs and the lows that form the arc of the album. He is extremely talented.