Lawrence Lougheed: Press

For this listener the title of Lawrence's release invokes a pastoral image of a proper "English Tea Time" held in a proper fantasy garden. Please keep in mind that I mean that in a vintage or classic sense and not something as extreme as the Mad Hatter's Tea Party. More on par with a relaxing discourse with the woodland's Elfin inhabitants.

This CD is, in all truth, everything that was right about the early, vintage, New Age Instrumental music without the cute, syrup like, quirky voicings of early synthesizer patches. Lawrence's finely crafted musical tapestry voicings are extremely rich and vibrant and lend soothing support to his highly melodic pieces.

One must ponder the very nature of what I would term "Tone Poems" designed around multi-timbral melodies that wind and weave throughout each track. His music is detailed and finely crafted while at the same time retaining the heart and soul of the artist's voice within each track. One feels the playful tug of "déjà vu" in that the melodies dance fleetingly close to ones I can sense having heard as a child. Only I am sure that it is an active imagination enjoying a fanciful musical flight while sitting in an English Garden sipping Tea.

The lions share of tracks feature Lawrence's "Tone Poems" voiced through a gorgeous sounding piano patch that richly defines the many moods of the melodies. All in all "Time Shadows" is a welcomed excursion into the fine art of vintage New Age Instrumental Music.

It's hard to believe a recording so well-done (from a compositional and performance standpoint) and professionally engineered is a debut release from an artist's home studio, but that's exactly what Time Shadows is. Even allowing for the fact that Lawrence Lougheed has made a career of music (as a teacher, instrumental/choral conductor and organist), I was still impressed with this CD. The music on this album (romantic, lush, and sweeping, using piano and synthesizers) has many potential pitfalls that other artists (on their first efforts) can (and do) fall into. However, from the instant accessibility of the compositions to the extremely high quality of both sampled "real" instruments and spacier more electronic-sounding keyboards, Lawrence has paid utmost attention to the details of producing music both high in quality and also sincerely heartfelt and enjoyable from the first listen.

If you like the recorded works of artists like Robin Spielberg, Suzanne Ciani (from her latter period), Kevin Kern, or Benward Koch, I'd find it hard to believe you wouldn't like this disc. Mixing solo piano numbers with piano and synths and even some synth only tracks, the songs on Time Shadows are either a) dreamily slow and serenely romantic, b) spacy in that "classic" new age manner, or c) gently playful and ever-so-slightly upbeat. However, there is no schmaltz on this album that I could discern. Even when Lougheed dials up the drama, through either his use of synth strings or a louder and more forceful touch on the piano, he shows excellent taste and exercises proper restraint (lest the music cross over into histrionics or sugary-sweet cotton candy).
Which is not say that Time Shadows is anything less than "pretty." Ambient music this is not, although some tracks flirt with the spacemusic genre (such as "The Dawning," one of my faves, featuring liquid-silk strings, synth-vibes, and spacy keyboard textures; or "Touch the Stars," which has a haunting feel to it, as synth bells, synth calliope, and dramatic lower washes impart a slight feeling of mystery amidst the beauty).

Some other cuts worth mentioning include the strong opener, "Shades of Mystery" (a showcase for Lougheed's biggest strength, i.e. the balancing of electronic keyboards with his expressive piano playing), "Dream Voices" (lush strings, choirs, and pillow-soft textures, drawing favorable comparisons to Liquid Mind or the more electronic side of Dean Evenson), and "Moonlit Journey" (a solo piano number that is one of the more melancholic tunes here, approaching a Tim Story-like sadness at times, although nowhere near as minimal in structure).

When all is said and done, there isn't a true "weak" track on the CD (although I'd have put the lively synth number "Fantasy Dance" somewhere other than the last cut). Cynics may wrinkle their nose at Lawrence's unabashed romanticism, his classically-influenced piano playing, and the almost palpable positive energy on this disc, but people who enjoy traditional "new age music" or beautiful (and there's no better word to describe these melodies than that) adult contemporary music (played on piano and electronic keyboards) will delight in this new gem of a release.

Recommended - and well done, Lawrence!

Canadian pianist/keyboardist Lawrence Lougheed has created a beautiful debut recording of original music. The pieces are both melodic and often ambient, blending into a soothing but not numbing mix. I am often reminded of Suzanne Ciani's earlier electronic work as I listen to "Time Shadows" although this is definitely not a copy-cat or wannabe recording. Each piece stands alone, but the CD as a whole is seamless and carries a quieting mood with romantic overtones.

Classically-trained and a music teacher with an extensive career, Lougheed shows his roots with an in-depth understanding of music and which instruments work together best to bring out the full potential of his compositions. "Time Shadows" provides a serene backdrop for other activities, but is complex and interesting enough to deserve the listener's full attention. Far from being "ear candy, "Time Shadows" is a rich blend of emotionally-charged pieces with an optimistic attitude. The pieces range from solo piano to space music, and also include pieces in a very "classic" new age style. There is a wonderful variety of styles, and yet the mood is pretty even throughout.

As usual, I'm partial to the piano works. "Twilight Moment" is a thoughtful, shimmering piece that needs no accompaniment. Its simplicity and grace are perfect as is. "Reflection" is one of the pieces that reminds of Ciani with the combination of piano and synth voices and instrumentation - very dreamy and wistful. "Moonlit Journey" is my favorite track, and is just gorgeous. "Searching" combines piano and oboe - a wonderful combination. "Follow Your Dreams" is another favorite - a gentle coaxing to do what you love. The changing from a minor to a major key and back again is very effective. Of the electronic pieces, I really like "Fantasy Dance", which reminds me a little bit of Ray Lynch in a playful mood. Joyous and fun, this piece closes the album with a big grin. I also really like "Celebration", which brings to mind a romantic candle-lit dinner more than a big party. Elegant and graceful, this is also a beauty!

"Time Shadows" is a wonderful collection, and I highly recommend it.

Canadian composer and keyboardist Lawrence Lougheed released his debut album entitled Time Shadows in July of this year. I have to admit, upon the first listen, I was immediately skeptical that this was his first recording.

Combining classic new age elements with a subtle hint of more recent electronic techniques, Lawrence Lougheed has put forth some of best instrumental music I've heard this year. With fourteen original compositions, Time Shadows strikes me as the result from a patient artist, one who took his time and went public with his talent when the time was just right. I will say however, if this album came out 5 years ago or 5 years from now, the music contained within would be just as relevant as it is today.

Piano is the weight to which the majority of the music on this album is anchored. Nothing feels rushed or forced as Lawrence plays in an open and friendly style. Some pieces, such as "Moonlit Journey" and "Twilight Moment" are straight-forward piano compositions, while tracks like "Dream Voices" and "Touch the Stars" border on the verge of pure electronica with just enough ambient elements to attract the attention of even the most committed EM fan.

Time Shadows is a mature, comforting journey through the realm of traditional new age music. I know of many artists that are trying to shrug off "new age" as a descriptor of their music, but in this case, that description is perfect. Lawrence Lougheed has absolutely nothing to apologize for here, and I would submit that many established contemporary instrumental artists could learn something from him.

Fans of Kevin Kern, 2002 and solo piano music in general are going to find a lot of interesting territory to cover in Time Shadows. As a reviewer and fan of this kind of music, I can only hope we'll be hearing more from this artist soon.

Have you got your Christmas shopping done yet, or are you going to wait until one of the traditional days, Christmas Eve or maybe Boxing Day? To save you some time I have a suggestion for your musical giftees that also allow you to celebrate a local musician as well as the season.

Some musicians have relied on a large array of performers to record a very professional sounding CD, but these days a composer can bypass the entire performer-interpreter stage and present his or her thoughts to us as directly as in an intimate conversation. Local organist and school music teacher Lawrence Lougheed has done just that in a soothing collection of pieces he has composed and then performed entirely in his own impressive studio.

"Time Shadows" may be new age in style and sound, but the construction of these pieces betrays Lougheed's classical training. Every one of the 14 pieces has a shape and logic to it that I find quite compelling, and I confess to being annoyed by some aimless new age meandering I have heard elsewhere. The sound textures are a constant delight as well; you must hear the very beginning and the final piece to appreciate some of that, but throughout Lougheed switches from classical to more electronic sounds with a good ear for what sounds exactly right.

I know I will be sliding copies of this CD in a few stockings soon!

Every effect, melody, sound, is blended perfectly and seamlessly. The transitions from one piece to the next are perfectly placed. This is a very wonderful album to sit down and really listen to. The overall effect is one of peace and serenity. Perhaps the whole album leads the listener into a peaceful and secure spot only to be taken out into reality, restored and refreshed.

Your CD is very soothing and up-lifting, a very nice piece of work. The more I listen to your album, the more I hear. I can picture water falls, Christmas settings, spiritual and personal serenity, and much much more. Time Shadows to me is a trip through the imaginary portion of my mind unlocked by the movements and textures of your score.

I have been very much enjoying your CD...by the way, the cover turned out fantastic...very professional! Anyway, your CD is on the top of my stack of "faves" and I frequently pop it in when I'm working on an art project. It is so calming, and even inspirational when I'm working on something! The interesting thing I've noticed is that the cats seem to like it too. Whenever I put it on, they both come sauntering into the room, as if wooed by the pied piper, and they settle down on the chair next to the CD player and snooze peacefully while listening to it.

Played your new CD. It's beautiful and excellent - I'm quite impressed!

Your CD is beautiful! It will go in my favourite pile. The piano playing is just right. Orchestrations are clean and clear.

Perfect music for when you need to slow down and look at life with a calm mind. Stunning sound quality.