"Think On These Things" is the 1991 debut release by pianist/composer Lisa Downing. Containing twelve original piano solos, this early work is an impressive expression of many moods and experiences. The Colorado native began piano lessons at the age of ten and continued her music studies through college, where she earned a degree in Traditional and Non-Traditional Music with Keyboard Emphasis. She has been a piano teacher to students of all ages since 1977 and owns Vision Quest Entertainment, her record label as well as a talent agency. Downing is one of an exclusive group of artists who have lived and breathed music their whole lives, and her mastery of the piano is effortless and vividly expressive.
"Think On These Things" begins with “Universe Maker,” something of an anthem without words. Thoughtful and soulful with an air of grace, it’s a lovely opening.
“Life Giver” becomes more reflective with a beautiful passion and velvet touch.
“Kind, Winsome, and Gracious” is a fascinating piece that conveys several aspects of a beloved friend. Sometimes on the serious side and sometimes playful and fun-loving, it’s a colorful portrait that works well.
“Personal Freedom” has an infectious energy and joie-de-vivre that captivates and uplifts.
“Repentence” goes to the opposite emotional spectrum, conveying regret and melancholy with grace and deep feeling.
“Sometimes Mommy” begins with a few bars of the Brahms Lullaby (a recurring theme in the piece) and takes it in several different directions with a variety of expressive emotions - an amazing piece!
“Twins” is a favorite even though it is very sad. Deeply passionate, every note conveys a feeling of loss.
“Spirit Wind” is also dark and passionate, but reflects hope as well.
The final track, “And Early we Will Go,” is my favorite. Beginning with a simple melody and the sound of birds, the emotions grow as the piece evolves and then the piece very gradually trails off to nothing. It truly is amazing how powerful a simple melody can be.
"Think On These Things" is a fascinating introduction to the music of Lisa Downing. Check it out!
Kathy Parsons/MainlyPiano.com
"Think On These Things" is the debut CD of composer and pianist Lisa Downing. The album consists of twelve tracks that reflect deep emotional states of the artist. With amazing skill at the piano, Lisa explores many feelings within each piece: joy, strength, sadness, nostalgia. The album is melodically very rich and powerful in terms of emotions that manage to penetrate the listener, the same emotions that once brought this work to life.
"Universe Maker" opens the CD. It is a delicate piece, which sometimes sounds strong and vibrant with a dark and angry tone. This flows slowly and with great excitement, inviting the listener to take a few minutes thought. It is fantastic!.
But the melody of "Life Giver" loving is. It is a piece with a soft start that becomes cool and emotional. With powerful feeling, Lisa gives life to a strong melody that provides great optimism for the listener. A Breath of Life!
"Kind, Winsome, & Gracious" conveys joy and freshness. This track, whose voice rises in the top of the piano with boldness and passion. Meanwhile the left hand strums chords to accompany the cheerful melody. It is a fascinating piece that draws a smile on the listener. It's fun to imagine how Lisa's hands move on the keyboard from one side to the other to give life to this frenetic piece. Fantastic, sublime! One of my favorites!
"The Secret Place" is intimate, and beautiful. The nostalgic character of this track follows a slow course, and sometimes becomes strong due to continuous touch ups and chord progressions of chords played with the left hand. This piece is extremely beautiful and so emotional that shakes the soul. Wow!
"Personal Freedom" is synonymous with power and freedom. This song is a good example of the domination that Lisa has over the piano. The piece is powerful and energetic; capturing the listener's attention at all times with incredible and rapid progression of the skillful and determined strokes of left hand chords. A masterpiece ... What energy! Another of my favorites!
One of the saddest parts of this work is entitled "Repentence." With a disconcerting start of rapid arpeggios of chords, the melody breaks through with pain and anger. It is a moving piece that plays a dark lament. Although sad, it's another of my favorites! Wow!
"The Song In My Heart" is passionate and full of color. It is a piece that is cheerful and friendly also romantic, and emotional. The bittersweet melody of great beauty where Lisa allows her emotions to flow freely and give life to this piece from her heart. I love it.
With a top that resembles a famous lullaby "Sometimes Mommy" is a track that sometimes sounds delicate and tender, playing the notes of the Brahms lullaby, while sometimes it is energetic and passionate. It is a fascinating and beautiful piece!
"Twins." is painfully sad. With anger, Lisa is shares her sadness in a grief filled melancholy melody that is sometimes soft, but at times, becomes enraged. It is a mix of emotions that shares great sadness with the listener through moments of intense pain. Beautiful piece,...amazing.
"Spirit Wind" keeps a great sense of liberation. With a mysterious beginning, the melody becomes intense, an beautiful, conveying a strong sense of optimism and courage. I love it.
"Self Acceptance" is simply beautiful. It is a piece dedicated to Lisa's friend. Smiling and graceful, has a strong consoling character. Every note and every chord will give life to one of the loveliest parts of this work, a subject that captivates, and clothes with its warm melody. Another of my favorites!
A distant singing of birds begins "And Early We Will Go.", It is a simply breathtaking track thanks to an exciting and heartfelt melody. With a slow course in the beginning, the piece becomes faster. And with a nostalgic mood, and thrilling ending which is able to bring tears to the eyes of the listener. Impressive. Beautiful and amazing end to this wonderful album!
"Think On These Things" is an amazing debut album, where in only twelve tracks, Lisa touches all your emotions, providing them with a startling mastery of her own beautiful and heartfelt voice. It is a work of deep and intense music to which the listener will not feel indifferent. "Think On These Things" is a highly recommended album.
Alejandro Clavijo/Reviewsnewage.com
