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Listener Reviews
of Rich Smith's Music and Performances |
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Please let people know what you think of Rich's CD's or performances and: A special thank you to all listeners, contributors and readers!!! 'From the first time I watched Rich Smith perform, it's so memorable and unforgettable that the impact lasted. It's like when you see a movie and it stays with you for a lifetime. His music possesses a very strong sense of melodic flow, though improvised, as if it was played many times before. I've never seen anything like it. It's soaring, mesmerizing, amazing!' 'Rich Smith is an exemplary pianist/composer whose music excites me with every stroke of the keys. His music is varied and wonderful. Go see him!' 'Rich Smith has the ability to move audiences with his improvisations like I've never seen before!' 'After purchasing "August Sky" on 3rd Street, I listened to it during my hour-drive home. The music literally took my breath away. I was so amazed by the compositions that I stayed in my car an extra half an hour listening to them. It took just that one night on 3rd Street for Rich Smith to become my new favorite composer.'
'Beautiful music, diverse, passionate, original, masterfully played, innovative, very visual and cinematic. Inspiring and uplifting to the soul. You get wrapped up in it and it carries you on.' 'Rich Smith's improvisational skills are absolutely mesmerizing...he takes you on an unforeseen and unexpected journey into a sound world that runs the gamut from classical to jazz to the more popular vein. Listening to Rich is a joy.' '"3rd St. Improv" not only again displays Rich Smith's "great" skills as a Composer and a Musician, but also brings out emotions, feelings... energy! ..... my absolute favorites are: #1 "For Lovers" (Very filled with feeling, romantic... I feel a touch of sadness in it!). #2 "The Dancer" (A sad, beautiful melody at first... filled later with different moods... some of them very energizing!). I also love the last 'passage' of "Romance".... and of course, Rich shows what he can really do with a 'Pianoforte' in "Let's Just Have Fun !".... "BRAVO", "BRAVISSIMO"!!!!' Reviews 'Bravo to the virtuosity and fine musicianship in this new collection of old piano favorites. Rich wows the listener with his extreme ranges from the dramatic to the delicate, the serious to the light hearted, all performed flawlessly in what has become a unique Rich Smith style. There is rich creativity in these interpretations, often whimsical, but always with a sensitivity to the original piece and a desire to take it that step further into the Rich Smith artistry and "Twist."' 'Simply superb! "Piano Sampler with a Rich Twist" is nothing less than a showcase of just how talented Rich Smith truly is. In this CD, he was able to tackle some of the most difficult and well-known classical songs while, at the same time, showing a great depth of understanding, creativity, and thorough enjoyment which makes this CD nothing short of amazing. I can't wait for his next composition!' 'BRAVO, he did it AGAIN!!! 'I love "Piano Sampler with a Rich Twist." The selection of pieces is wonderful and Rich's performances of them are outstanding. I can sense the enjoyment he's having while playing them.' Reviews 'Beyond words~ 'I enthusiastically recommend "The Giant Forest," by Rich Smith. The first time I heard Rich Smith perform live in Los Angeles, I wondered how it was possible to evoke such passion with a keyboard. After two years of listening, I still don't understand how he does it. Needless to say, Rich Smith is an extraordinarily gifted artist who is easily one of the most important talents to appear in this century. This album is a wonderful celebration of life. It's delicious textures are filled with impassioned images that float effortlessly through the mind. If you truly love someone, this music will harmonize the soul of music in your hearts and minds. Give it to someone you really care about.' 'If you love piano and nature, you would love this one... I bought "The Giant Forest" from Rich after I heard his performance. I liked it so much that I bought another one and presented it as a gift to my dearest friend. Listening to the great pieces, I can close my eyes and almost see the forest stretching right in front me. The great inspiration from the soaring hawk, the tenderness and peace from the little chipmunk, are only examples how Rich's music can really touch one's heart. I love it and I strongly recommend it to anyone who has a heart for great piano and for great nature...' 'WOW --- I want more. I first heard Rich in a street musician concert in the Santa Monica area. I was completely taken by his improv that I stood and listened for over an hour. I bought his CD when he was done, thinking this will probably be OK. --- Boy was I surprised. The CD is so incredibly emotional and dramatic. I play it over and over and have become very familiar with the pieces. What talent! What ability to evoke and communicate! I want more!' 'Ladies and gentlemen; Rich Smith is Unique and unparalleled. It is easy to hear the influence of giants of piano music like Beethoven (a nature lover) and Liszt (a virtuoso) in Rich Smith's CD. The harmonies and structure more closely resemble Classical music than the pointless wanderings of new age music. His music commands your attention and allows you to be carried away in its beauty (Chopin), fiery passion (Beethoven) and amazing technique (Liszt). This CD should be listened to fully consciously; not as background filler, but in relaxed concentration. (glass of wine, low light, loved one etc.) Having had the pleasure of performing with Rich, I can vouch for his individual improvisational style, his technique (his ability to read music, unlike most new age piano players) and his effortless creativity. We all look forward to a 2nd, 3rd ...CD.' 'Simply Beautiful Music. I love this CD! I received it as a gift and am so amazed by the simple beauty evoked by Rich Smith and his piano. Rich has a love for music that can be clearly heard and felt with every note. I highly recommend this to anyone who considers themselves a fan of music!' 'VERY NICE MUSIC. A very fine music, to listen alone, or together with a friend or a girlfriend. Great. It's a very special gift!' 'Beethoven would be humbled..... Rich Smith is a genius with a heart of gold and both qualities can be easily heard if you listen to "The Giant Forest." My only challenge with his CD is that I occasionally have to buy a new one because I play it so often. The fact that Rich improvises so much of his music blows my mind away because every note he plays sounds incredibly well planned and richly practiced. The Giant Forest (in addition to anything else Rich produces) is truly candy for your ears.' 'Excellent music! Bought the "Giant Forest" in January 99, its so far the only CD in my 10 disk changer which I never had to replace - you can hear it over and over-its just great music: a must have!'
Reviews 'From the very first note played to the very last, I could not have been more satisfied with Rich 'Going to "Yosemite II" was one of the most fascinating experiences for me. Rich Smith is such an incredibly talented pianist. His music is rich with inspirational messages and captures the beauty of nature. His music literally fills the room and touches everyone who is listening to it. His music is not only breathtaking but also touches and comforts the soul. I LOVED the concert and I really look forward to the next one.' |