“When Shadows Talk” by Fiona Joy Hawkins |
Album Review by New Age CD and New Age Notes Radio Staff
There’s a synergistic relationship between light and shadows. Shadows are formed when something blocks the light. We’ve had plenty of shadow aspects over the past five or so years. But the good news is that from the midst of all darkness, the light – and great music – eventually emerges.
After many trials, tribulations, and obstacles, Fiona Joy Hawkins’ new solo piano album, “When Shadows Talk” is one of the things that emerged, and it is quintessential musical storytelling that explores both inward and outward expressions.
In order to write the 12-track album, Fiona says she went into a self-imposed lockdown to discover and explore her creative center again. This allowed her to explore what lies beneath the surface. . .”that which is often passed over or suppressed, both personally and in the context of broader community discussion.” The result is outstanding.
For those that do not know, for a number of years, Fiona Joy Hawkins has produced original ethereal music to soothe the soul. She has played at New York’s Carnegie Hall, the New Orleans Jazz Museum, Sydney Opera House, Grammy® Museum and over 30 concert halls in China. She has also been featured on Echoes/NPR Radio. Inspired by Chopin & Mendelssohn, Fiona’s song ‘Grace’ was featured on a Grammy®-winning album in 2014.
The album begins with the calming, lullaby-like, “Stasis,” which quickly brings the listener to a sense of equilibrium. Following is the somber, “The Ghosts of War Are Marching.” The song imagines the ghosts of those soldiers, women, and children who died in wars, coming back to life. Sensitively played and composed, this gives us food for thought.
A favorite on this album is the melodic and slowly flowing “Lave and Snow.” The quiet and lovely song was inspired by Fiona’s fascination with the volcanic eruption near Grindavik, Iceland. She spent many hours viewing footage of this eruption on YouTube and she subsequently visited Iceland and its volcanic sites to record video for the album.
“Angel’s Message,” also quietly flowing and melodic was inspired by a painting that hangs in Fiona’s house, “The Angel,” by David Vivian. She happened to catch a glimpse of it in the mirror while she was playing her piano. It’s like someone or something vaguely familiar from the shadows, yet we can’t quite put our finger on it. Love this.
From the shadowy realms of childhood sometimes emerges dreams long given up or repurposed into something else. In this case, “The Lost Ballerina” is about Fiona’s childhood dream that was lost when she was 10 years old. She was told she was too big to ever be a proper ballerina. The piece is just beautiful, speaking to us poignantly of shadowy dreams long put away, but never quite forgotten. This is very beautiful in so many ways.
Some other highlights from this album: I found it thought provoking that “In The Deep” is 2:22 in length. The quiet and contemplative song is about the deep dive into our shadowy depths that it takes to create true musical artistry. The angel number “222” represents balance, harmony, and faith and can be interpreted as a message to trust in the universe, maintain a positive outlook, and have faith that things will work out for the best. Interesting.
“In The Mirror” is the lullaby for the angel’s reflection in Fiona’s mirror. This is delightfully melodic and a fitting tribute to our unseen, yet sensed, angelic friends who are always there, somewhere.
“The Journey” was originally written by Fiona in 2010 and recorded in 2011 with many layers of instrumentation, rhythm, and vocals. The song is about Fiona’s tumultuous journey. This is the solo piano version, and it is wonderful and evocative.
The album closes out with two emotionally moving songs. ”Hitting The Glass” is about a brown bird that flew into Fiona’s window while she sat playing her piano. When she rushed outside, she discovered the bird had broken its neck and subsequently died. The song is sad and somber, as to be expected, yet with a lovely grace. Great use here of lower and upper piano registers.
Now, is there more to this story? More that emerges from shadowy depths? Is there life or hope after death? “The Brown Bird” tells us softly and poignantly all we need to know. A truly fitting ending for a beautiful album. Now, I will tell you the real ending. Just as I finished writing this album review, there suddenly appeared behind me on my windowsill, a bird. It was a small quail, knocking at my window. I went to take a picture of it, and it quickly disappeared into the shadows. What do you think of that?
Get “When Shadow’s Talk” here: https://linktr.ee/fionajoymusic
Bandcamp: https://fionajoy.bandcamp.com/album/when-shadows-talk-album
PR & Broadcast Promo:
Beth Ann Hilton
www.theBCompany.com
