A beautiful love song – in ¾ time. Woman’s singing voice is warm, smooth, lilting as it flows around a beautiful melody. Pretty piano and clarinet parts. Full strings. 2. (Toi xa nguoi) When you leave me. (The opening chords remind me of Nadia’s Theme – as it sets up a 4/4 ballad with soft, dissonant seconds/ pizzicato strings/ nice bass line w/ strings, low flute, running piano line) Strong, passionate male voice singing a mesmerizing melody line. 3. (Hu ao trang) Virtual moonlight. This piece has a wonderful, moving (andante), tempo – almost a Latin jazz feel w/ great sax and jazz guitar. Various keyboard voicings and vibes lend to the jazzy feel. Interesting bridge – changes musically. Woman’s voice good – but its presence is almost too strong and pure. Would have liked something a la “Astrud Gilberto” with a bit more breathiness and subtlety. This is a nice piece! 4. (Thang bay chua mua) It hasn’t rained yet in July. Nice flugel /krumet horn intro. Classic love song feel – with full strings and a wonderful male voice. Flute/shakahatchi? Bridge is beautiful. This one could have been a Frank Sinatra hit. It’s terrific! 5. (Nang xuan xua) Sunlight of yesteryear spring. Ravel-like piano accompaniment w/ a rhythmic beat and trap set in an almost ostinato pattern lay the bed for a melody above it. A very pretty melody develops over it. Mandolin type strings overlay. Female voice has a bit too much “presence” and nasal tone for my taste, but is well done. 6. (Goi mua thu mo) A dream of autumn. Full synthesizer w/ string fantasy overlay, birds, harp, etc. Beautiful flute parts w/ harp, piano, and wonderful male vocal. This piece is a real dream – just beautiful! 7. (Mua he toi) Summer coming. This could be a movie theme! A beautiful female voice takes you along on the journey of a melody that soars up over mountain tops. Wonderful clarinet parts work very well w/ vocals and is used successfully as a lead in the bridge. (One of my very favorites of the album – I could listen to this piece on a daily basis!) 8. (Tinh khuc hoi huong) Song for lovers going back to the country. This piece is moving, romantic, and intense. Mandolins strum as the mesmerizing male voice says goodbye. I don’t know what words he’s saying, but it seems he is trying to be kind and bring a sense of hopefulness to his friend, rather than giving way to showing desperate feelings of loss. It makes you feel there is a story to be written for this song rather than the other way around. 9. (Bai tho mua thu) A poem for autumn. Beautiful cello introduction/ w/ Nadia Theme overtones – 4/4 time ballad with nice chord progressions and a pretty melody, well-sung by female singer. Nice piano, harp, and strings. 10. (Song ngoc) Beautiful river. Echo-voiced/delayed keyboard tones begin this picturesque ballad in 6/8 time. Nice guitar overlays around male vocal works well. This song has a very pretty melody – almost like a tone poem – painting the picture of this beautiful river. 11. (Nho Saigon) Remembering Saigon. A 4/4 ballad. Simple, clear, piano introduction – soon fills out by adding harp, oboe, and a strong, clear, female voice. Layers added – strings, flute, bass, and a hint of tympani or low toms make this a full production number – well done! 12. (Dua nguoi ve phuong dong) Goodbye for lovers going to the East. Sip your wine and look into the coals of the fire. This haunting melody will tug your heart. After the melody begins weaving its spell, the beat kicks in. Take your lover’s hand and dance a slow dance together and be grateful for a heart that can hold love again. Dr. Pham, Thank you for sharing your CD with me. I am impressed by the quality of musicianship in your recording, but even more charmed by your beautiful melodies and ideas. I wish I understood your words! I don’t know what kind of lyricist you are, but as a fellow musician, I must say that you are a talented song writer. Your passion for music is obvious. I’m so glad that you have taken the time to pursue it, in spite of your professional schedule. Making it in the music business is not a sure thing – no matter how talented you are, but your talent is worthy of the profession. I hope you’re marketing this! JUDY HALLBERG J |
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