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Portraits     Panoramas   Impressions

This I Know: Ageless Hymns of Faith

     "Seems simple: our favorite hymns covered on the piano. Yet, it's so much more than that--Bjorck reworks each composition, and upon initial listen the musical themes are almost unrecognizable. Known for his Pure Piano Music series, he relies on the simplicity of solo acoustic piano to convey his message. It works, too. Unique arrangements make up for the minimalist instrumentation. At times you'll find yourself singing a familiar chorus, but more often than not, you'll be trying to place that one melody. Bjorck claims his album as a tribute to the composers of the melodies for each hymn; the authors are often credited for their lyrics, but he brings a new emphasis on the musical side of the hymns. The perfect combination of classical piano, well-known hymns and contemporary piano arrangements, This I Know is a unique release.
     Bjorck's motto for his music is, "Quiet music to calm the heart in a noisy world," and This I Know: Ageless Hymns of Faith is the perfect example. Put this in your CD player for a time of calm devotion, or use it as background music at your Sunday Service."
~~Worship Leader Magazine, September 2008

     "The dancing, Vince Guaraldi-like stride Jeff Bjorck gently grafts onto Come Thou Font of Every Blessing evokes the sonic equivalent of sunrise in an unspoiled, dew-laden meadow. The rest of this CD--the latest in his Pure Piano series--dedicates itself to faith hymns with a similar spirit of artistry and reverence. It Is Well With My Soul begins with the brushstrokes of single piano keys, then unfolds with flower-petal sensitivity. If you're looking for a lullaby to soothe your child-like soul, Jesus Loves Me finds salve in the instrument's upper register, its 88 seconds enveloping the listener in swaddling cloth."
~~Lou Carlozo, Christian Century Magazine

5.0 out of 5 stars From MainlyPiano.com
     "
This I Know: Ageless Hymns of Faith is a wonderful recording for anyone who loves the classic hymns, but will also be a joy for anyone who loves deeply-felt piano solos. A rich and satisfying experience awaits the listener....Very highly recommended! [click here for full review
~~Kathy Parsons, Mainlypiano.com

     "The fourth in his Pure Piano series, This I Know contains Jeff Bjorck's favorite hymns, featuring his own solo piano arrangements for them....Bjorck is a devout Christian, of that there is absolutely no doubt. However, take it from me, an avowed agnostic and fallen-away Catholic; enjoyment of this CD is not restricted to those for whom these hymns hold spiritual significance. I'd guess that if one were Christian, then these wonderful interpretations might stir his/her soul in a special way. However, Bjorck is a talented pianist and his arrangements make even the most "hymn-like" hymns sound inviting to a secular music lover, such as myself.
~~Bill Binkelman, New Age Reporter

     "Jeff Bjorck is a licensed clinical psychologist and professor at Fuller Theological Seminary's Graduate School of Psychology. He is also an seriously incredible pianist. He calls his music "quiet music to calm the heart in a noisy world" and he is 100% right on the money there. Beautiful stuff here ... simply beautiful."
~~Kim Jones, correspondent for About.com Christian Music~~

5.0 out of 5 stars This Timeless, Evocative Album Takes You Places
     "I've listened to Jeff Bjorck's latest instrumental piano album, This I Know: Ancient Hymns of Faith, several times over the last month or so. While this veteran artist's lovely renditions of classics such as "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" and "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" haven't yet failed to set a mellow, meditative mood, this collection of 15 tracks (nearly 75 minutes total) somehow turned even more poignant and alive during a recent Sunday afternoon car trip through central Connecticut.
     Passing through the snow-covered New England landscape as the sun shined upon huddled neighborhoods, gray smoke exiting chimneys and tall church steeples casting long shadows across bare trees, Bjorck's music was akin to a time machine. I found the emotion of his playing (and even more crucially, the very rustic, timeless quality of his tone and composition) filled my mind with images of the countless people who've worshiped to these hymns over the centuries. Passing by Thomaston I wondered what it might have sounded like inside the town's Covenant Church during its first Sunday service in 1890 as the founding congregants heard the opening strains of "Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling"---then only a decade old. Bjorck's melodies come about as close as you can to answering such questions....This I Know: Ancient Hymns of Faith is indeed timeless---but don't let that fact dissuade you from immediately letting it enrich your present reality."
(CLICK HERE for a full review.)
~~Dave Urbanski, Senior Developmental Editor of Youth Specialties~~

5.0 out of 5 stars This I Know: (and you can too!)
     "There is so much that I appreciate about [this] CD. Jeff Bjorck summed it up best with the line "47 years in the making" and it shows in the music and all the little extras. The explanation in the credits on the selection of artwork and photos was meaningful. His reflective "thank-you" as well as the "personal stories" about the music add to the beauty of this CD and give us a glimpse of the heart behind the hands. But it is the music that shines. The selection of hymns is prime. The arrangements have that classic "Bjorck" stamp -- tender and thoughtful movements that invite a heartfelt response. I especially enjoy listening to this CD (and others Jeff has produced) because I find his compositions rejuvenating. In fact, I think that "encouraging" is also an apt description of all of Jeff Bjorck's music!
~~Jim Covington, Los Angeles, CA

5.0 out of 5 stars Great performance - great production...GREAT CD !!!
     "I found out about this CD in one of the recording forums on the web. I'd never heard of Jeff but feel fortunate to have happened upon his music. After listening to several soundbytes of this disc that were posted on the gearslutz forum, I knew immediately it was something I wanted to add to my collection. The songs on the disc are billed as a collection of hymns, though many won't be recognized as such due to Jeff's creative interpretations. The production, engineering and recording of this CD will blow you away...it's as if you're sitting in the room with Jeff as he plays. The only thing that overshadows what producer Bill Pearson did in the studio with the knobs is what Jeff Bjorck did in the studio on the piano. This is just a great collection of soothing solo piano music played by a very talented musician and captured by a top notch producer. And it keeps my blood pressure down while sitting in traffic in Atlanta! Truly the best $15 bucks I've spent in awhile."
~~R. Hendee, Norcross, GA

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Music for the Soul
     "This is a wonderful collection of Bjorck's renditions of classic hymns. I love listening to the beautiful music...it is food for the soul, and a lovely musical portrait for the senses. I particularly enjoyed reading Bjorck's description of the personal meaning that each hymn has for him. I have given this CD and other CD's of Bjorck's piano music to friends, and they absolutely love it! Whenever I have Bjorck's music on in the background, friends who call me on the phone, or are accompanying me in my car will inevitably ask, "What is that music? It is BEAUTIFUL....." I do highly recommend that you get this CD, as well as some of Bjorck's other CD's....you will be glad you did."
~~Lisa Wen, San Francisco Bay area, CA

Impressions in Black and White

"With Impressions in Black and White, Jeff Bjorck has created some very beautiful melodies that blend in perfectly with our play lists!~~Phil, Casale & Paras, GentleSounds Internet Radio

"Jeff Bjorck's Impressions in Black and White provides wonderful mental release and has greatly warmed the seas of morning radio. His  compositions reflect emotional depth and evoke colorful images of beauty and peace." ~~Misha, New Age Director 90FM WWSP  

"This is the third "Pure Piano" album from pianist Jeff Bjorck and it displays the artist's ability to infuse his music, whether original compositions or his rendition of two hymns (serving as the opening and closing numbers), with depth of feeling and technical virtuosity....Taken as a whole, Impressions in Black and White is a worthy addition to any solo piano music lover's collection."
~~Bill Bi
nkleman, Host/Producer, Wind and Wire, KFAI-FM, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota.
 
[click here for full review

"For anyone who loves the piano, Jeff does it right. He masterfully performs his original arrangements in a professional manner." ~~LeRoy Zent, Instru-mentality, KGPR Public Radio , Great Falls, MT 

"Jeff Bjorck's latest effort, Impressions in Black and White, is a very welcome addition to my programs. In a vast array of piano CDs, Bjorck's work truly stands out as fresh and emotionally evocative!" (#1 CD for June, 2005) ~~Joan Richarde, Host/Producer, OASIS and SOJOURN, Montana Public Radio. 

"Fans of pianists such as George Winston and Liz Story will find plenty to like here, though Bjorck's instrumental compositions and playing reflect a vibrancy and radiance that set him apart. The album is marked by a meditative quality, as on Feather's Flight, a composition weaved around a hypnotic eight-note bass pattern. On Campfire Remembrance, major- and minor-key turns create a compelling tension, until the final notes dissipate like dying embers." ~~Louis R. Carlozo, Christian Century Magazine, June 14, 2005 Vol. 122, No. 12

"[On Impressions in Black and White,] Jeff Bjorck plays lovely piano that evokes warm memories from days gone by." ~~Marius-Christian Burcea, Producer/Host "Journeys to the Infinite," Delta RFI, Bucharest, Romania

 "Jeff Bjorck's touch on the keys and songwriting skills show such  love and heart, listening to his music is like falling in love again!" ~~Renee Gelpi, Galaxie CBC Digital Radio Network

"Jeff Bjorck is definitely out of the Mainstream...and that's good! For those who crave peace and contemplation in a frenetic world, I couldn't think of a better place to begin...[than Impressions in Black and White]" ~~Capt. Christopher, Cheezmuzik Director, WTUL Radio, New Orleans

"Jeff Bjorck's Impressions in Black and White is pure chill-out piano. It provides my listeners with a deep, peaceful and refreshing breath!"  ~~Mark "Flying Man" Caldwell, WAWL radio 91.5FM, Chatanooga, TN

"Impressions in Black and White is...a mostly peaceful solo piano album, with a few more upbeat and energetic pieces that allow us to see another side of Bjorck's musical personality....[This] is one of those albums that gets better the more you listen to it - I like that kind of complexity! There is always something new each time you hear it. Recommended!" ~~Kathy Parsons, Solo Piano Publications~~ [click here for full review

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"Jeff Bjorck has crafted an excellent follow-up to his 1999 debut, Pure Piano Portraits. The 11 tracks of solo piano...are similar to some of George Winston's earlier work, a la December, but Bjorck's music is more contemplative... This is a fine disc for massage sessions, as it never becomes too loud, and always maintains its relaxing pace." (CLICK HERE for a full review.)  
~~Matt Borghi, reviewer for Massage Magazine (May/June 2002)~~

"Once upon a time I held to the belief that the vast majority of solo piano recordings were, for the most part, self-indulgent works wherein the artist merely plays the piano. Yet there are, albeit few and far between, those discs that are rare gems which actually portray the resonant soul of both the piano and the artist. The jewel case for Pure Piano Panoramas is one such release containing that elusive rare pearl of real piano music." (CLICK HERE for a full review.)  
~~Bear, radio host of The New Age Sampler ~~

   "A stunningly beautiful musical collection. "Pure Piano Panoramas" is, in turn, lyrical, soothing, joyous and inspiring. Jeff Bjorck is an accomplished composer with a huge emotional and stylistic range. The whole CD is a joy to experience! Among my favourite tracks are "Soaring Mesa Cliffs" during which I can imagine flying over the desert and "Desert Cloudburst" which portrays such energy but at the same time, beauty and peace.... I look forward to his next recording!"
~~An Amazon.com music fan from Adelaide, South Australia
~~

    "Jeff's CD Pure Piano Panoramas is perfect music for relaxation, full of soothing and beautiful melodies. I highly recommend it and find it comparable to George Winston's music.  It has been in HEAVY rotation here at KASU."
~~
Marty Scarbrough, program director for KASU 91.9 FM ~~

"Pure Piano Panoramas by pianist/composer Jeff Bjorck is a landscape of emotion…[This] is a quality recording with beautiful photography by Jeff. I recommend this CD without hesitation and have proudly given it as a gift to my dear friends. This is truly ‘quiet music to calm the heart in a noisy world.' This is music touched by hands of heaven."(CLICK HERE for a full review.)
~Zola Van, Pianist/Composer: Really Big Shoes Publishing Co. Herrin, Illinois ~

"We purchased Pure Piano Portraits and Pure Piano Panoramas so that we could have beautiful background music during our wedding reception. We wanted music that would give the mood of joy and happiness, with a sense of calmness. Jeff Bjorck's Pure Piano CD's fit the bill perfectly and will be enjoyed by many, not only at our wedding reception, but for many years to come." 
~James and Erica Lancaster, Norman, OK~

"[Pure Piano Panoramas] is a lovely concert of piano music for the soul….This composer has found his own voice and it is a good one….I only wonder why Amazon.com chooses to put this in the Popular section when it obviously belongs with the Classical."
(CLICK HERE for a full review.)
~Frank Behrens, Top 10 Reviewer at AMAZON.COM from Keene, NH ~

"[Pure Piano Panoramas is] genuine art. Jeff's second released CD is excellent. His first was wonderful, and this new one takes his art a clear step further….much of it sounds like emotion poured straight into the piano; very compelling music is what results….This is one of my favorite piano recordings in a sizable collection. It truly stands out. Finally, it can be as relaxing as it is compelling." (CLICK HERE for a full review.) ~
~Jeff Fischer, Author and Co-founder for Complete Growth Investor.com

"This album is indeed ‘quiet music to calm the heart in a noisy world.' In the spirit of David Lanz, George Winston, and Jim Brickman, Jeff has put emotion to music. You can painstakingly analyze each cut….or you can just let the music play. This is all refreshingly original music; you won't find it anywhere else…Before you shell out a hundred bucks an hour for a shrink, turn out the lights, sit back, and put Pure Piano Panoramas on….It is just what the doctor ordered... to calm the heart." (CLICK HERE for a full review.)
~ Hershel M. Chicowitz, Host of Baby Boomers Headquarters (BBHQ.COM), Tampa, Florida ~

"Jeff Bjorck's follow-up to his debut, Pure Piano Portraits, is stunning….The earlier Portraits is an excellent album, but the artistic growth and emotional depth in Panoramas are amazing! A clinical psychologist, researcher, and professor at a theological seminary in southern California, Jeff's understanding of the human psyche as well as his own deeply spiritual nature come through with a bold confidence and assurance that is lacking in a lot of so-called new age piano recordings….As a piano teacher who listens to solo piano for a living, it takes something very special to knock me out, and this is it! One of my favorite albums for the year 2000, it will continue to be a favorite for years to come. I give Panoramas my highest recommendation! (CLICK HERE for a full review.)  
~Kathy Parsons, Reviewer for SoloPianoPublications.com ~      

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    "Jeff Bjorck's compositions are elegant and emotionally moving. The classical flavor of these contemporary pieces makes them well suited to our listeners' tastes. We are glad to include Pure Piano Portraits in our playlists."
~~Bob Wennersten, Program Director for KMZRT 105.1 FM, Los Angeles~~

   "Bjorck has developed an approach...with just the right balance of ornamentation and serene space. These original songs interweave fragility with fervor. The subtle use of tension and relaxation of the harmonic progressions give the recording fluid movement and direction. This free-flowing music creates an excellent ambiance for receiving a massage." (CLICK HERE for a full review.)
~~M. Jeffrey Schmidt: MASSAGE MAGAZINE
~~

    "Upon first hearing PURE PIANO PORTRAITS, I found myself an instant fan. I listened three times to the full CD in one day, including during a dinner party where it set the perfect tone.
~~David Gardner, Author and Co-Founder of The Motley Fool web site~~

    "Pure Piano Portraits is just that! Each track on this album by Dr. Jeff Bjorck is a soundscape that takes you away to that place in your mind where you feel safe and protected...This album is full of powerful emotions and sensitive moments that reach out, touch the heart, and grab the soul. We at Innervisions are very glad to include Pure Piano Portraits in our programming!" (CLICK HERE for a full review.)
~~ Dave Butler, radio host of InnerVisions 1420 WHBN ~~

   "This CD is extraordinary. We bought it for our wedding reception as an accompaniment of a slide show of various stages of our lives, to be played before our introduction. This music captures you emotionally and draws you into the ride. It is perfect! I can't say enough about this up-lifting emotional album."
~~Troy Puccia, Bethpage NY~~

    "This music is GREAT! Really quite incredible. I enjoy every piece, but tracks 7, 9, and 10 really stand out from the very first play. As someone with a substantive collection of classical piano music, I view PURE PIANO PORTRAITS as a welcome addition. This CD is ideal after a long day. Kick back, relax…and listen!"
~Jeff Fischer, Author and Co-founder for Complete Growth Investor.com

     "Jeff Bjorck's Pure Piano Portraits is one of those rare instrumental creations that captures more emotion and conveys more vivid imagery than any number of lyrically based popular albums on the market today....Bjorck has created something very special with Pure Piano Portraits---a musical statement that can touch a wide variety of people on a wide variety of emotional and reflective levels. Listening to it is much like embarking on a journey---albeit one that begins and ends in your heart and soul. Grab Pure Piano Portraits for yourself, and you'll soon be on your way..." [Mr. Urbanski is a friend of Jeff Bjorck, but his review-writing skills could not be passed up, and he promised to be objective!] (CLICK HERE for a full review.)
~~Dave Urbanski, Product Development Director of Youth Specialties~~

   "Each of the twelve pieces [on this CD] is a soothing breath of fresh air....A gentle serenity is present in each of the pieces, as is a sense of optimism and moving forward... Simple, heartfelt melodies with a classical feel give the CD a very calm, pensive mood throughout....This is a very fine piano album, and I strongly recommend it!" (CLICK HERE for a full review.)  
~~ Kathy Parsons, writer for Solo Piano Publications website~~

    "I have enjoyed Pure Piano Portraits immensely! It is a welcome addition to my program and made the Top 20 playlist for May, 1999."
~~Doug McCorkle, host of Sunday Morning Cafe radio program, WVKR 91.3FM ~~

    "My personal favorite Pure Piano Portraits tracks are Mountain Echoes and Twilight. They both have the "air" around the instruments voice that I personally value so much. They "breathe" and transport the listener effortlessly to another place. Jeff's CD is a very a welcome addition to NAS."
~~BEAR, host of New Age Sampler radio program, 90FM WWSP~~

    "Jeff's CD is a perfect fit for KASU's programs of 'contemporary instrumental' music. The melodies are appealing, relaxing and very enjoyable. I'm glad we can share this music with KASU's listeners!"
~~
Marty Scarbrough, program director for KASU 91.9 FM ~~

      "Jeff Bjorck's music strikes a resonant chord deep within the soul. In a harried world of cookie cutter music, it is uniquely refreshing to put on a CD with the warmth and depth that Jeff delivers. For those looking to relax and escape the never ending spiral of everyday life, this disc is highly recommended. Two thumbs up!"
~~Bill Pearson, Composer-Producer for Mindseye Productions~~

    "Jeff Bjorck's music is very relaxing and definitely worth hearing, which is  why Pure Piano Portraits made my top 20 for March of 1999."
~~Tani Chen, host of Dreams of a New Age radio program, 88.1FM WMBR~~

    "Pure Piano Portraits made the delivery room a truly relaxing place for me as we welcomed our new baby into the world! Since then, it has provided the perfect nap time lullabies for our little girl."
~~Jennifer Davis, Pasadena, CA~~

    "Pure Piano Portraits will be heard regularly on our radio series. It is a fine collection of orginal keyboard pieces."
~~Rod Tijerina, editor of AcoustiCDigest/Radio Productions~~

    "This is very good stuff, of the caliber of George Winston, Danny Wright, David Lanz, and Jim Brickman..."
~~Hershel Chicowitz, host of the Baby Boomers Headquarters web site~~

    "Jeff Bjorck's piano is a magic! It goes directly into your body and mind."
~~
Shlomo Israel, radio producer for IBA (Israel Broadcating Authority) and teacher at Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel~~

        "I find this music soothing to the soul--on first listening, it appears to be a cross between Debussy and new age music."
~~Dr. Myra O. Smith, Neuroscience Program Chair at Colgate Univerisity ~~

     "PIANO PORTRAITS features graceful, original themes on solo acoustic piano that flow gently with poignant reflection and warm romance to touch the heart and move the emotions."
~~Gene Ort, President and Founder of Gene Michael Productions~~

 

 

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