Silhouettes of Love

Following on the heels of their fantastic collaborative holiday recording, Forever Christmas, pianist David Lanz and vocalist Kristin Amarie have once again joined forces and lovingly crafted Silhouettes of Love, a richly melodic album of thirteen romantic songs addressing both love found and love lost. The music adheres mostly to pop motifs sometimes leaning toward a more orchestrated approach and an occasional dash of jazz textures (such as on "Our Illusion"). Now and then, some world music influence also surfaces, as on the instrumental "Amore Eterno Redux." Besides Lanz and Amarie, the album also features a number of guest artists, including violinist Charlie Bisharat, guitarist Peter White, and Gregg Karukas who handles the keyboards. As on Forever Christmas, Amarie's voice is heavenly, whether she is softly singing of her true love or sorrowfully mourning one who appears to have got away. Lanz (who co-composed the album with Amarie) has always crafted beautiful piano melodies going back to his breakthrough recording, Cristofori's Dream, and his adroit touch on the ivories is as delightful as ever. When they appear, the guest artists all contribute in special ways, adding spot on application on their assorted instruments. Silhouettes of Love is a testament to the real life romance of Lanz and Amarie which only serves to enhance the music's and lyrics' sincerity all the more. True love is obviously good for their creative spirits and listeners everywhere will reap what this wonderfully talented couple has sown.

A master alchemist could not have come up with a more perfect blend of elements than the chemistry created in the music of David Lanz and Kristin Amarie - pure magic! Along with a truly all-star cast of musical accompanists, their new album, “Silhouettes Of Love” is a stunning synergy of new age, smooth jazz, neo-classical influences, and more, which transcends it roots to produce an innovative sound that breaks new ground for these talented artists - a piano icon and a rising star. While Kristin's previous solo release introduced her impressive vocal abilities, this album with David Lanz takes it to a new level and reveals an artistic interaction that is greater than the sum if its parts. The opening track “The Soaring Heart,” is most appropriately named, as it’s ascending melody perfectly captures this feeling of its title. Of particular note in this piece is the beautiful interplay between Kristin’s wordless vocals and Charlie Bisharat’s violin as they weave in and out in unison, harmony, and counterpoint. On the next track, entitled “The Promise,” Kristin Amarie steps into the spotlight as an enchanting storyteller on a haunting ballad that is supported by lush orchestration with a cinematic ambience. Her voice has a clarity and purity that works equally well in quieter wistful passages as well as in more epic climactic moments. While all the songs on the album are emotionally evocative, the title song is particularly so, with Kristin’s whispery vocals and David’s elegant piano that ventures slightly into a bluesy feel at times. As the song evolves, percussion, bass, and some soft acoustic guitar add a mellow jazzy vibe as well. The intro on a track entitled “Amore Eterno Redux,” features David on piano and synthesizers before flowing into a richly orchestrated movement with a bit of a Spanish flair. I will say, I don’t know how many times in the course of this album I marveled at the intriguing and unique chord changes that David came up with that added so much interest to the songs and took them in unexpected and delightful directions. Other aspects of this recording that I’d like to shine a light on are the orchestration and arranging. From delicate passages to epic movements, each song is perfectly put together, enhancing the beauty of the songwriting and taking it to the next level all together. This album presents a new experience to listeners who may be familiar with David from his solo and instrumental work and Kristin, whose previous recording had more of a global flavor. “Silhouettes of Love” is a romantic masterpiece that is exquisitely crafted and perfectly produced to capture the sound of two hearts beating as one.

beautiful album touches the soul:)