Dreaming of Summer is a beautiful recording containing Robin's newest, exquisitely played original piano solos---Robin's first collection of original piano solos since 1996. (And it was worth the wait! This CD is simply Robin at her best.) Copies are available on both CD and Cassette from this site, by calling 800/836-0833, and at Borders Books & Music. And hey, if you are ever in KOREA, you will see this recording in record stores everywhere under the title, "Remembering You"!

Dreaming of Summer Reviews

"I don't know if it's the presence of Steven Miller as co-producer and
engineer (probably the most sought-after engineer for solo piano
recordings) or a new found sense of joy and grace in Robin's life (as a
result of the birth of her child); whatever the reason, this album may
be the finest collection of songs she has ever recorded. These solo
piano meditations on life are soulfully composed and the sound itself is
positively pristine....The music has an emotional and musical complexity that is refreshing;
some of the songs are almost tone-poemish in their approach to structure...
there is a flowing sense of unforcedness that threads it way through the songs on Dreaming of
Summer.

This is Robin's first recording on her new label, playMountain Music
(co-founded by her and husband Larry Kosson) so maybe that is a part of
the equation as well. Album graphics are excellent, liner notes are
copious and enjoyable to read - well, I suppose you could say that for
solo piano fans, this CD is the total package. I know I'm very impressed
with everything here.

The songs I want to single out include the bittersweet-sounding
Wherever You Go, the graceful Forgiving Winter, and (my favorite
cut) the quasi-minimalist (almost Tim Story-like at times!)The 2 am
Gardener. Other tracks of note are the sad Remembering You, and the
delicate yet hopeful Turn the Page.

Dreaming of Summer is a solid and extremely enjoyable collection of solo
piano songs, played with a breezy yet heartfelt sense of assurance by
one of the people I respect most in this industry. Robin Spielberg is
about as real as it gets, folks. Fans of her music will doubtless fall
in love with this CD. And those who just discover her with this
recording will be bewitched as well, I'll bet. All in all, this one is a
keeper - play it on rainy afternoons, during late night musings, or just
when you need the company of a musical friend. Recommended, obviously"!

Review by Bill Binkelman for windandwire.com

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"You could do no better favor for yourself than to head for the nearest record store and purchase Dreaming of Summer. It is an album that will no doubt join your list of favorites and perhaps have you looking for more of her works to add to your collection."

-John Perkins for the Slidell Sentry News 3/15/01

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"Conceived in the winter, when it's cold and grey and flowers sleep in the frozen
ground, Spielberg's latest album whets the bittersweet edge of yearning and
nostalgia. The album notes (and in live performance Spielberg's excellent storytelling
provide intriguing anecdotes describing the genesis of most cuts--but, let it
be said such tales are mere points of departure. Her music is not really
storytelling, but about the emotional connections stimulated by memories.
One piece, "Saving the Irises," was prompted by an account of an iris garden
nearly destroyed by storm, but the underlying sense seems to arise from a
dimension of irretrievable loss, as expressed through key changes and unexpected
shifts in progressions. Indeed, it is the sub-text of her music that invites the
deepest consideration. The final cut, a 'bonus' piece, is Spielberg's way of
working magic with the "Pachelbel Canon in D." She takes confident
liberties with its stately rhythms and well-known fugue, making this
piece truly her own. -
-ALB for New Age Voice Magazine (October 2000 issue)

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"The bonus track alone is worth having the CD for. It is Robin's interpretation of Pachelbel's 'Canon', a popular classical piece....her five and a half minute finale allows for plenty of building on the song's melody. "Wedding on the Mountain", written for actor Willliam H. Macy and his wife Felicity, is another melodic standout as are "One Last Look" and "Turn the Page." "The 2am Gardener" makes good use of minor tones and left and right hand separation to create intriguing imagery. DREAMING OF SUMMER can provide a soothing background at home, work or while driving as the season begins getting cooler this month. She is a wonderful talent..."
City Magazine/Southwest Virginia Arts & Leisure Guide

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DREAMING OF SUMMER
by ROBIN SPIELBERG on playMountain Music

"A dozen new, original piano solos from Robin's gentle hands make a fine bouquet any time of year. This flower-accented package is great for winter-weary lovers of light music. The booklet includes interesting vignettes of the inspirations behind her selections. There's not a disagreeable note, chord, or rhythm on this entire CD. Music trickles elegantly, as from a small stream's easy late spring waterful. 'Flying' , an especially joyous free-float for the soul, arises from the happy wonder of Robin's own dreams of flying. The next song, 'Remembering You,' may be the album's most poignant, and this transition makes a potent statement. Ectasy and sorrow both pay their visit, yet this CD's overriding sensitivity stems from an internal refuge where serenity survives beneath conflicts".
The Napra Review Nov/Dec 2000 Music Issue

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"I have been a big fan of Robin Spielberg's music for quite a few years now,
and am delighted to say that I think "Dreaming of Summer" is her best album
to date. Robin's music has always been full of optimism and strength, but the
life-changing events of the past few years have brought a new depth and
maturity to her composing and playing. I noticed this development the first
time I listened to "Dreaming of Summer", and it became even more apparent the
more I listened to the variety of moods and colors in this compelling
collection of new piano solos... Co-produced and engineered
by Steven Miller, the sound quality of this album is amazing....

Each of the pieces on this CD works wonderfully as a stand-alone work as well
as part of a unified whole. There is a seamless flow to the CD...there is depth and passion
as well as a sense of peace that comes only from surviving some of life's greatest
challenges and emerging with a new wisdom about what is really important - friendship
(Wherever You Go, Wedding on the Mountain, Remembering You), rediscovering the
incredible strength of her marriage as well as her own inner strength
(Because of You), pondering the meaning of life as her infant daughter was
undergoing major surgery (Turn the Page), and seeking the healing power of
flowers and a well-tended garden (The 2 am Gardener, Saving the Irises).
Concert audiences have been asking Robin to record her frequent encore piece,
An Improvisation on the Canon (Pachelbel's Canon in D, of course!), and
Robin included that as a bonus track, giving a fresh new treatment to this
workhorse of a piece.

Sure to be one of my Top 5-favorite albums of the year, I give "Dreaming of
Summer" my highest recommendation for its heartfelt beauty, love, sincerity,
and wonderful piano playing. Robin truly opens her soul with her music, and
it is a joy to behold!
- Kathy Parsons for SoloPianoPublications