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Portraits Panoramas Impressions
This I Know: Ageless Hymns of Faith
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"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."
"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. "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."
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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." "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] |
| "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.)
"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!" "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." "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.) "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." "[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.) ~ "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.) "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.)
"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." "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.) "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. "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.) "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." "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 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.) "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.) "I
have enjoyed Pure Piano Portraits immensely! It is a welcome addition to my program and
made the Top 20 playlist for May, 1999." "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." "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!" "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!" "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." "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." "Pure Piano Portraits
will be heard regularly on our radio series. It is a fine collection of orginal keyboard
pieces." "This
is very good stuff, of the caliber of George Winston, Danny Wright, David Lanz, and Jim
Brickman..."
"Jeff Bjorck's piano is a magic! It goes directly into your body and mind."
"I find this music soothing to the soul--on first listening, it appears to be a cross
between Debussy and new age music." "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."
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