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By Adam Harrington
There's nothing more fulfilling than closing a musically diverse year with a complete work of art. Carolyn Southworth's "At the End of the Day" (http://www.carolynsouthworth.com) has the fragile beauty and soulful depth of a painting; every note is a graceful stroke of the brush.
Labels such as "New Age" or "jazz" cannot aptly describe the haunting, evocative qualities of these gorgeous instrumentals. Southworth's stunningly rich piano playing already dazzles from the beginning, the poignant melodies that transform the title track into a transcendent, magical piece. What makes Southworth's piano playing so engrossing is the emotional pull they create; they simply draw you in unlike many of her peers who keep their distance, letting us admire the sounds they create but not feel them.
Sideways" and "Where Eagles Soar" are upbeat and shimmering, providing soundtracks for summer days at the beach. Co-producer and Grammy nominee Paul Speer adds spice with his electric guitar on "Where Eagles Soar." But on slower numbers such as "Once in a Lifetime" and "In the Wake of the Storm," Southworth really stirs our senses, opening our ears to the tranquil prettiness of nature. Added elements, such as oboe and flute, give the record deeper textures.
The healing element of "At the End of the Day" is probably its greatest strength. This is the perfect record for tired or downtrodden souls, an antidote for the pains of the world.
- Whisperin' and Hollerin' -www.feeldesign.co.uk
By Kyrby Raine
”Carolyn Southworth is one of the finest pure musicians I've ever heard.
I can't believe I would ever use that line, but I'll say it again and again to anyone who will take the time to listen to me. This is a trip through Southworth's world and it is very worthwhile time spent. Somehow after listening to this fine work, I feel a greater sense of calm, yet an incredible, life-affirming sense of excitement and wonder. Few artists make me want to know them more, to know everything that makes them tick. Carolyn Southworth is one of them.
As a reviewer of music, I hear a lot of good material, but I also hear a lot of really bad stuff. Of course I cannot pick when I will find that bad music, but it always sneaks its way in. Carolyn Southworth's music is a treasure. She is good -- really good, especially for this normally clinical "new age" genre.
I had a really rough meeting one day. I felt like a Marine Corps recruit the way I was being grilled. It was extremely harsh. I went home to do some reviews, put in this CD and I felt an instant sensation that everything was going to be alright. "In The Wake of the Storm" in particular sealed the deal on my renewed well-being. For that, I thank her."
- Ink 19
By Michael Dabbage
With the appearances of Nancy Rumbel on oboe and English horn, Richard Warner on sax and flute and Paul Speer on guitar, one could begin to think this is a Narada label reunion. Actually this is all about a relatively unknown Washington state based piano teacher by the name of Carolyn Southworth who was willing to roll the dice on her debut. Not only does she co-produce her luminous debut with Grammy Nominee producer Paul Speer, but she also composes all eleven tracks of this delectable ear candy that is one of the music industries overlooked gems.
Born and raised in the state of Oregon, after attending Brigham Young, Carolyn married and then relocated to the state of Washington. Perhaps a combination of hard effort along with the inspiration of her surroundings, Carolyn, with a little help from some lofty friends in the music business, has managed to create quite a startling debut. There are no shortcuts here as the production and arrangements are nothing short of what one would have expected from Narada at the height of its zenith.
The album begins with an ending entitled “At The End Of The Day” that will compel you to seek your favorite comfy chair, put your feet up and allow you to sink into a total state of relaxation. With the presence of Nancy Rumbel on oboe, Paul Speer’s ambient background guitar and Southworth’s charming yet graceful piano work will immediately invite comparisons with David Lanz. Nevertheless, Carolyn avoids being a pure impersonator and jumps into the short but playful “Sideways”. As the album progresses so does Carolyn as she explores Celtic themes found on “Highlander” with the flutes of Richard Warner emphasizing the audio visual feel of the rugged green highlands. Aye she is a beauty! In complete contrast, Carolyn takes on a more progressive and somber approach with the challenging moody “In The Wake Of The Storm”. The musical countering between Southworth’s piano work and Rumbel’s oboe is a mystical magic merging of impeccable wonders. To a lesser effect similar results are found on the more mellow “Nocturnal” with Warner’s flute work gently washed in the piano work of Southworth.
Comparisons with David Lanz are unavoidable but by the time you complete your first listen you will realize that Southworth has her own musical voice. At The End Of The Day is nothing short of a pure quality album that has all the trademarks of a big budget blockbuster release. From Carolyn’s most impressive compositions, to the high end production to the top notch musicians that surround her, this highly impressive debut will make you crave for the golden yesteryears of Narada and New Age music…and more importantly more music from Carolyn Southworth.
- Mainly Piano
Reviewed by Michael Debbage
It is very clear by the title of the album that this is a specialty project. But how is this album different from any other lullaby album? It is a very personal project with Jennifer Thomas dedicating it to her first-born, Preston. And to add to the tie that binds, Jennifer extended that collaboration to her mother Carolyn Southworth, keeping it all in the family. But to those of you that may be put off by the specialty label, the album is a double feature, one of which includes some orchestration, resulting in an album that not only has a special purpose but also includes the entertainment factor.
The Lullaby Album includes 3 original compositions from each artist with the remaining balance relying on some very familiar tunes. On the latter, the album opens with the infamous “Brahms Lullaby” with Thomas taking the lead on the arrangement. In complete contrast, Thomas gives “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” a significant makeover thanks to the wonderful orchestration assistance from Jace Vek. As far has her original compositions are concerned there is the warm and fluid “Baby Of Mine” in contrast with the more classically based “Un Petit Nocturne” both impressive for completely different reasons.
As far as Southworth is concerned, her cover contributions come courtesy of the mystical “Old Scottish Lullaby” and the Appalachian “All The Pretty Horses”. But her best original contribution and for that matter the album’s finer moment, is the utterly moving “Unseen Angel”. The song opens with Southworth’s memorable melody that is fleshed out with Jace Vek’s inspirational orchestration, paralleling the emotive tug that John Barry and Tim Janis are more than capable of doing on any given day. Whether in the stripped down version found on the solo disc or with the orchestration, this song alone is worth the price of admission.
Back in 2006 both mother and daughter released their debut albums. Southworth focused on a mainstream effort while Thomas introduced her unique blend of classical trimmings clothed in a New Age mainstream effort, bringing a sense of warmth to her music. Here they have managed to blend their own musical influences to compose a specialty album that also includes an intrinsic entertainment value. With or without child, The Lullaby Album double feature is not only an album of significant quantity but also one of quality material. Whether or not Southworth and Thomas will collaborate again remains to be seen. But there is no doubting that we can expect to hear more wonderful material from these two very different artists.
- Mainly Piano.com
Discography
"At The End of the Day" - Carolyn Southworth (full album) 2006
"The Lullaby Album" - Carolyn Southworth and Jennifer Thomas (2009)
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Bio
Although born in Portland, Carolyn grew up in Pendleton, Oregon, where she began studying piano and violin. Following in the footsteps of her grandfather, who was a violinist, and bandleader, Carolyn began studying the violin as well as the piano at the age of 5. In her high school years she played violin and viola in her high school’s award winning orchestra. It was during this time that she formed a bluegrass band, Blue Mountain Grass, in which she was featured on guitar and fiddle. It was also while she was still in high school where her interest in music composition was sparked.
Carolyn began teaching both violin and piano while she was still in High School. During the summer she also taught guitar and folk music.
Carolyn went on to attend Brigham Young University as a music major, playing in a local bluegrass band for fun on the weekends called the Hobble Creek String Band, as well as playing viola in the BYU Philharmonic Orchestra. She also continued to teach both violin and piano, and has been teaching ever since. She tries to instill in her students, not only the desire to excel, but to also have a lot of fun with their music.
Carolyn married Ron Southworth in 1973 in Salt Lake City. Utah. The couple has four children,and six grandchildren. Only her daughter, Jennifer Thomas, has followed in her musical footsteps, just recently releasing her own album Key of Sea.(2007)
The Southworth’s have lived most of their married life in the State of Washington, where Carolyn has kept very involved in music, teaching, performing and composing. Over the years, Carolyn has published several works for a wide range of ensembles, including small orchestra, duets, trios, and quartets, from choral music to musical theater. In 1989 she wrote the musical score and lyrics for the musical stage play “Abinadi”, (script by Jack R. Jenkins,) which has been performed extensively in the Pacific Northwest. She has directed regional choirs for over 25 years, as well as performing in a Piano Trio (piano, violin & cello) for much of that time. Carolyn is at home with all styles and genres of music, ranging from Classical to Contemporary, from Jazz to Celtic and from New Age to Soft Rock.
Much of the inspiration for the music on her album, At the End of the Day, comes from her love of the water, boating, and the beauty she is surrounded by within the islands of the Puget Sound in Washington State. Carolyn tries to create visual pictures in the mind with the music she writes, inviting the listener to become a part of that picture and experience the depth of emotion that each song evokes. Her music has been described as haunting, evocative and healing, with uplifting, gorgeous poignant melodies. Most of the songs she has written reflect either a place she has been, or an experience she has had, yet the music allows the listener to apply their own experiences to the soundscapes. .
She loves to spend time outdoors with her husband, particularly at the beach, in the mountains, or out on the water, and also enjoys photography and reading. Carolyn and her husband love to explore the beauties of nature, and see what is over the next “horizon.”
Encouraged by her family members to record some of her music, in the spring of 2006, Carolyn worked with producer and Grammy Nominee Paul Speer. The resulting collaboration was nothing short of spectacular. Working with a talented ensemble of several other world-class musicians, including Grammy winner Nancy Rumbel, Douglas Barnett, Richard Warner, Steve Hill and Matthew Burgess, At the End of the Day has the sound and feel that people want to listen to over and over. Whether you are listening to her music to relax after a long day or to accompany you as you are driving in your car, Carolyn’s beautiful melodies and catchy rhythms will have you coming back for more and more.
Her latest musical endeavor “The Lullaby Album” is a joint effort with her daughter Jennifer Thomas. What started out to be a simple collection of lullabies for solo piano, evolved into pieces with full symphony orchestra. “Not everyone gets to work on a project of any kind, let alone something of this magnitude, with one of their children,” Carolyn recently stated. “It was a treat for both of us. We push each other and inspire one another in different ways, and that is great.” The Lullaby Album was inspired by her youngest grandson, who had trouble falling asleep. “We feel that the solo piano disc of the lullabies is perfect for helping children to relax, but the fully orchestrated disc is intended for everyone of any age.”
Carolyn continues to teach both piano and violin, as well as compose. Music will always be a part of her life, and one of her greatest desires is to uplift others with that music. “Nothing can compare to touching someone’s heart with music.”
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