Still
Orange Band, 2025
9/10
The Salem pianist Ann Sweeten collaborates with Will Ackerman and Tom Eaton for these sophisticated songs that welcome some excellent guests.
“Distant Clouds” opens with the flowing keys alongside Charlie Bisharat’s stirring violin that suits the intimacy, and “Whispers Of Spring” follows with the upbeat piano the recruits Eugene Friesen’s elegant cello via much beauty.
“Waiting For Fireflies” occupies the middle spot and blend the strings with Premik Russell-Tubbs’ rich saxophone in a poetic album highlight, while “Heavens Stardust” allows for Sweeten’s meticulous fingers to draw us in to the sublime grace.
“Autumnal Breeze” and “When Winter Comes” exit the listen. The former illuminates the complicated keys that radiate tremendous color, and the latter meshes the emotive keys with Nancy Rumbel’s touching English horn presence.
A highly enlightening effort of very mature neo-classical and New Age nods, Sweeten’s performance is stunning and the musicians in attendance add much to the thoughtful landscape.
Travels well with: Premik Russell Tubbs & Margee Minier-Tubbs- One-Ness World;