“Dancing Between Worlds” by Lisa Swerdlow
EP Review by New Age CD and New Age Notes Radio Staff
Anyone who has ever lost a partner, spouse, or friend, knows that after our beloved has departed, we seem to find ourselves attempting to navigate some indescribable space where we are left with the loss – where did they go? – as well as the equally weird feeling of having to redefine our entire earthly existence without them. I had a grief counselor tell me once, “Well, you do still have a relationship. It’s just a different kind of relationship now.” Okay, that was somewhat helpful, however, one does indeed find themselves “dancing between worlds” trying to get to solid footing and to prepare for whatever comes next.
Lisa Swerdlow, an extraordinarily gifted pianist and composer – one of the best in our genre – recently lost her wife of many years and so also finds herself in this odd and uncertain place. Her newest release, the EP, “Dancing Between Worlds,” is a multi-faceted tapestry woven of solo piano and piano with orchestration. The orchestration by Doug Hammer on three of these tracks is truly exquisite as are these six compositions. And Lisa’s piano playing skills are just superb in every way.
Emotionally evocative, quiet, yet supremely passionate and grand in all the right places, the music here brings a great sense of peace to the soul. And while poignant, contemplative, and wistful, there is also a sense of great hope and optimism for moving forward in life. This EP is a must-have for all piano music lovers.
The beautiful and emotional “All Is Not Lost,” opens the album. This is a gorgeous reflection of resiliency and commitment to picking up the pieces of a life forever changed by death. This is piano perfection and a favorite right from the top.
Following is the softly dramatic, “Beneath the Harvest Moon.” The emotional piece depicts that space of grief where life can, and does, at times, feel tenuous and fragile after the loss of a life partner.
Next is the heartfelt and flowing title track, “Dancing Between Worlds.” This piece was inspired by lucid dreams where Lisa saw her wife and felt such joy at reuniting with her. The lovely and graceful piano melody is enhanced with beautiful orchestration. Wondrous.
“Remembering You” is a thoughtful solo piano piece that is an ode to Lisa’s departed soul mate. There is a great balance between the lower registers of the piano and the upper registers here, which makes this composition quite nice and memorable as well.
“La Femme Sur Mer” (which translates from the French to “woman by the sea”), is another quiet solo piano piece, which is both poignant and introspective. Here we are reminded that there is great beauty in solitude.
Lisa closes out the 22-minute album on an upbeat mood with the fun and joyful “Carousel of Life.” Again, beautifully composed and played, with fabulous orchestration by Lisa, here we are invited to remember the beauty and joy that still exists even in life, even in difficult times. And so it is.
Releasing on April 25, 2025 (there’s also a pre-save), you can get it here: https://www.lisaswerdlow.com or your favorite streaming service.
