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Heal of the Hand is Robin
Spielberg's debut recording of original piano solos. First released
independently by the artist in 1993, it was later picked up
by the North Star Music label and became their fastest-selling
album ever. This is the CD that launched Robin's career as one
of today's premier composer/pianists. It remains a best-seller
today.
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Song List:
1. Soldier's Journey
2. Back To You
3. Flower In The Rock
4. Crystal Fountain
5. Return Of A Knight
6. Ireland
7. Montclair
8. Prairie
9. Amy's Lullaby
10. Windows in the Dark
11. Late Night
Matching sheet music folio available!
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Recording Anecdotes:
Heal of the Hand was recorded on borrowed funds in l993.I thought
it would be a good idea to record some of the original pieces that
my fans most often requested to hear in the piano rooms where I
played. My plan was simply to have a CD to sell at my gig. The recording
sold quickly by word-of-mouth and received some fabulous reviews
(see review section of this site). North Star Records picked up
the release in May of l994 and it went on to become one of their
best-selling recordings of all time (#1 for both '94 & '95).
I signed on with them to make six more records.
What I remember most about making Heal of the Hand is sitting at
the piano in the recording studio in my Dad's lucky flannel shirt
with a little stool next to me. On the stool was a bottle of apple
juice and a package of Fig Newtons. I did the whole session (6 hours)
with Fig Newtons and apple juice as my only sustanance. I don't
get nearly as nervous at sessions now, but I still make sure there
are plenty of Fig Newtons on hand! That's my 'good luck' snack I
suppose.
Another thing I remember about the early days of this recording
is the afternoon the UPS truck drove up and delivered box upon box
of the finished album.This was a bit scary. When I had ordered 2000
CDs. I had no idea there would be so many boxes! The boxes took
up my whole apartment. My roommate and I hid them everywhere--under
the sofa, behind the chairs, in the basement, in closets, on top
of the refrigerator, underneath tables. My roommate assured me that
I would be rid of these boxes in a few months--not to worry. I didn't
believe her, and I remember feeling very nervous that I would never
in a million years be able to get rid of 2,000 copies of Heal of
the Hand. That was 70,000 copies ago...
RS
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Heal
of the Hand Reviews |
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What the critics are saying about Heal of the Hand...
"...this ain't just mood music, bub. Pretty
as Spielberg's music is, there's enough fire in the playing and rigor
in the writing that it bears up under close scrutiny, something that
puts her safely in the class of Liz Story or Philip Aaberg."
- MUSICIAN MAGAZINE
"Spielberg has a fine way with a melodic line,
and her picturesque compositions make for entertaining listening."
- MILWAUKEE JOURNAL
"This album is subtitled 'beautiful piano solos',
and it isn't hard to see why. Lilting, romantic, sometimes nostalgic,
these pieces go straight for the heart and then stay there. Extremely
moving...evocative, beautiful."
- SOUNDMIND MAGAZINE
"Heal of the Hand is a collection of 11 original
piano solos that all bear the mark of Spielberg's delicate touch.
Her Steinway piano, alternately forceful and lilting, is the sole
voice. Each of the pieces is a soothing, wistful foray into musical
portraiture. Compelling...gorgeous...enchanting"
- Donald S. Deane, ESSEX JOURNAL
"Robin Spielberg's Heal of the Hand is sure
to transport you to a 'mind-place' of simple, happy, refreshing times.
It's pure delight to listen to...an enchanting release"
- Gloria Reiser, INTUITIVE EXPLORATIONS
"...Her hands can heal a troubled heart and
mind as evidenced by this 11-song exercise in tranquility, perfect
for those days when you just want to relax and watch the snow or leaves
fall or the flowers bloom. I especially like 'Montclair', a loving
tribute to my birthplace...".
- AQUARIAN WEEKLY
"This gorgeous collection of beautiful piano
solos is graced with romantic themes and tranquil tempos. Spielberg's
Steinway sounds incredible..."
- P.J. Birosik, THE MONTHLY ASPECTARIAN
"...this pretty piano album is healing medicine
for the soul, soothing and warm...Robin writes beautiful music...this
collection is wonderful."
- Jennifer Derby, HEARTSONG REVIEW
"Robin Spielberg exemplifies the timeless appeal
of the piano in her debut, Heal of the Hand... she has gathered eleven
of her own compositions, each with its own story to tell. Excellent
sound is due to the production and engineering of Steven Miller, who
has worked with several Windham Hill artists. Heal of the Hand is
like a new friend, ready and eager to get to know better."
- Lloyd Barde, HEARTBEATS
"Robin Spielberg is one HELL of a pianist...putting
pure emotion and feeling into her tunes."
- BABY SUE MUSIC REVIEW
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