Reviews

Reviews

Moments Musicaux (2008)

Lesley Spencer is a free-lance producer, composer, and pianist with a considerable amount of recorded works. Moments Musicaux is her tenth full length album. Ms.Spencer also has contributed to the San Francisco Opera, Victory Gardens Theatre, Urban Gateways, and Radio City Recording.

Moments Musicaux is a beautiful collection of Classical, New Age, and Adult Contemporary tracks meant for easy listening and relaxation. All of these instrumental tracks would be suitable for a movie soundtrack or commercial use. The original compositions are so strong and appealing that they could be easily used for those looking for a meditative experience. Do not misinterpret that as a suggestion that this music will put you to sleep, it’s quite the contrary. The piano playing that Lesley exhibits on this recording is exemplary and full of life and positive energy, like individual time capsules of poetic exquisiteness without words played especially for you.

The fact that all the tracks are originals composed by the performing artist, scores highly with this listener. Every single track is a work of art that takes shape promptly and then easily leads you down a guided path of “Child’s Play” or “The Dance of Life.”

Right down to every detail and the perfectly named tracks, Moments Musicaux is a foray into instrumental bliss that will delight all lovers of music and those partial to instrumental songs that take elements of classical and turn them into what was classified as new age several decades ago. New Age is not new in the sense of what the music actually sounds like, it was a buzz word coined to give a an age old genre a little more appeal to an audience that it would normally not attract.

This type of collection holds many possibilities for listeners and it has the power to appeal to any age group anywhere in the world. All you have to do is open up the CD and give it a spin, no further explanation is necessary. 5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
MuzikReviews.com

Composer Lesley Spencer has created a solo piano masterpiece with “Moments Musicaux,” her tenth full-length CD, which also commemorates the tenth anniversary of her indie label, Gabriella Music. Ms Spencer utilizes her vast musical training and experience to effortlessly bridge the classical and contemporary genres with music that is sometimes light and playful and sometimes very dark and haunting, with other pieces somewhere in between - much like life itself. The sixteen pieces are complex enough to satisfy the discerning classical music aficionado but still accessible and melodic enough for the more casual listener who wants some great music to relax and unwind with. The title of the album recalls a suite of pieces by 19th century composer Franz Schubert, and like Schubert’s beloved collection, this album contains a variety of moods and musical tales about life and the characters in it. Charming and compelling, I think this is Spencer’s strongest work to date.

The first musical moment is “Dance of Life,” a piece that swirls and spins with energy and excitement. With only a few pauses to catch its breath, this pieces just keeps moving. “Child’s Play” brims over with such lighthearted innocence that you can almost hear children laughing in the background. One of my favorites is “Fellini Waltz,” a wonderful minor key tribute that is compelling, ironic, and very Italian - much like the filmmaker who inspired it. “The Lost Baby” is a tragic piece that goes right to the heart with its emotionally wrenching melody and haunting mood. “Ode to Harry Potter” is another favorite. Mysterious, lively, and energetic, it captures the spirit of the boy wizard. “Piano Suite II” is a group of five shorter pieces. “Morning Edition” is frenetic, describing the rush of the morning commute and getting the day started in a big city. “Scherzo,” which means “joke,” is lively, playful, and full of fun. “Little Jazz Waltz” is a carefree little dance. “Rainy Day Theme” is wistful and dreamy. And then “Force of Nature” storms in, turning everything dark and mysterious. “Waltz For Keegan” is a tender waltz written for a friend’s son who died of leukemia a few years ago at the age of eight. It’s a beautiful remembrance.

I should probably mention that I had the opportunity to edit the piano sheet music for this collection before I heard the finished CD, and the music is as much of a joy to play as it is to listen to. “Moments Musicaux” is available from www.lesleyspencer.com, amazon.com, cdbaby.com, and iTunes. Very highly recommended!

Kathy Parsons
MainlyPiano.com

Lesley Spencer is an accomplished classical pianist, composer and producer based out of Chicago, IL. Her compositions/recordings are heard regularly on NPR's Morning Edition and Weekend Edition, and has even had a composition placed in the Disney Film Stick It. She receives airplay internationally, and is acknowledge as a world class classical pianist. Spencer also has a flair for exploring melodies in a way that invites contemporary music fans to dig deeper into the classical realm. She has a gift for making classical music more accessible while staying true to the music's roots. On Moments Musicaux, Spencer presents 16 original compositions that dance, sway, twitter and spark their way into your imagination.

Moments Musicaux opens with Dance Of Life, which seems to portray the almost frantic, relentless quality that life has of reinventing and reconfiguring itself to thrive. You can almost here the musical metaphors for overcoming and becoming in every passage. The set moves on to Child's Play, which could have walked right out of a Charlie Brown cartoon (ala Schroeder). The song seems to explore the light and airy side of play, while acknowledging a darker undercurrent.

Moments Musicaux is full of highlights, from Fellini Waltz to Ode To Harry Potter to Scherzo, Spencer is on her game throughout. My personal favorite piece here is Pirouette, a dark and starkly beautiful melody over the backdrop of an incessant and plaintive waltz. If this were the only song on Moments Musicaux it would be worth purchasing, but Spencer has crafted an album full of beautiful, surprising and memorable moments.

Rating: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5) 7/22/2008

http://wildysworld.blogspot.com/2008/07/cd-review-lesley-spencer-moments.html

Never one to be content with merely being a New Age piano player, Spencer attacks her new set with a high-octane energy right from the start fusing classical and NAC elements into her New Age presentation. Spencer also includes some dark elements you normally don’t associate with New Age piano. This set feels like Spencer is taking it to a whole new level of the game. No stranger to hard work and accomplishment, it sounds and feels like she wants to keep pushing the boundaries and keep her chops sharp. The playing is sharp and focused making it a good soundtrack for almost anything except munching granola and sipping herbal tea.
222 (Gabriella Music)

Chris Spector 07/20/08
MidwestRecord.com
http://www.midwestrecord.com/2008/07/20/072008/

Lesley Spencer - Moments Musicaux - CD(Gabriella Music) Lesley is an amazing pianist who has the ability to write songs that are easily accessible, memorable, catchy and yet still sophisticated. This is her tenth release and is often heard on NPR programs as background or between stories. One of my favorite tracks is her "Ode to Harry Potter" which has some very John Williams' passages. Lesley has had music featured in a few documentaries, but I could see her music easily being used in any number of major productions. If you are looking for some great background music, then this is spot on.

Grog Mutant (2008)
http://www.thechickenfishspeaks.com/musicreviewsnew.htm

MOMENTS MUSICAUX Lesley Spencer/Gabriella Music. A delightful pastiche of solo piano, this puts me in mind of a dance recital for little girls, with melodies sprightly and gay, arpeggios aplenty. Not that there are no slower, more thoughtful pieces, but even these have their dance worthy moments.

Nightflying - a small indie mag out of the South East

Moments Musicaux is Lesley Spencer's tenth full-length CD, and it shows. There are a lot of artists who bust their humps to manage one musical style, but on this album of solo piano compositions (she both writes and performs) Ms. Spencer shows herself to be adept at a wide variety of styles, mostly with great success.

An accomplished composer whose work appears in numerous soundtracks, the music on this album is often beautiful without allowing itself to be relegated to background music- you can, but if you pay attention to nuances such as the subtle time shifts you'll be rewarded. Her Piano Suite II, in particular, is a fully formed composition that speaks in a uniform voice even though the accent changes from movement to movement. The “Raison d'Etre” of the album isn't, really, but in some ways it's the meatiest composition on Moments Musicaux. If I was trying to use this album as background music I'd leave this track off the playlist – it draws your attention in.

“Fellini Waltz” demonstrates one of the few places that Ms. Spencer falls down. The sustaining beat of a waltz has to have some sort of particular character in order to interest the listener; you can have sad waltzes, dance (obviously) waltzes, angry waltzes, even off-kilter waltzes that sound a little bit mad; I'm looking at you, Ravel. Ms. Spencer's Waltz, however, has no character beyond a student's desire to keep the time. She's no student and clearly this piece is nowhere near her technical limit, but that's the impression left. Interestingly, her “Little Jazz Waltz” in the Piano Suite II works just fine, so it seems to be just the one piece. Still.

A certain type of shopper might see the “Ode to Harry Potter” and feel an immediate compulsion to snap up this album; another type would similarly shun it completely. As a disappointment/encouragement, let me just say that it's a lovely piece that doesn't so much recall the books/movies so much as use them as a jumping off place.

If this review seems overly contemplative, well, that's what Moments Musicaux does to you. I recommend it without reservation, particularly if you like to invest some time into what you're playing.

John Casker
facingnorth.net

Postcards from Spain (2005)

Pianist and composer Lesley Spencer takes her orchestra to the famous cities of Spain for a sun-drenched travelogue of music, passion and adventure. This is her tenth album to date and features her renowned and very versatile orchestra with special guest fusion guitarist Fareed Haque...

"Dance With Me Carmen" is one of my favorites on the album. Haque's flamenco guitar and Spencer's piano twirl about in a spanish dance that will get your heart pounding. In mid-tune the orchestra chimes in and it becomes a salsa number with echoing trumpets and hot percussion...

Lesley Spencer's new musical travelogue was delightful in every respect. This is the kind of friendly, cheerful music that you put in the player and get on a boat or plane and travel to distant places in search of discovery. Even if the journey is in your own mind, don't forget to send us some "POSTCARDS FROM SPAIN."

R J LANNON/NEWAGEREPORTER.COM - MAY 2005

“The music by Lesley Spencer is a fresh combination of elements typical of New Instrumental Music and others of Latin character sometimes near to Classical, whose result is a pleasant collection of pieces with a romantic, melodic air. Almost all the themes are rhythmic, even though not quite fast, and give the leading role to the melodies. These latter are warm, sometimes cheerful and in other instances somewhat melancholy. The instrument with a greatest protagonism is the piano, although it is accompanied by other instruments.

Virginia Tamayo/amazings.com - September 2005.

Leslie Spencer, a half-Spanish composer, musician, and producer, rediscovers her own Latin heritage on this uplifting album of breezy and creatively orchestrated instrumentals featuring piano, Latin guitar, woodwinds, strings, percussion, and bass. Some listeners who prefer more teeth to their music may find Postcards from Spain too much in the New Age/Wyndham Hill-instrumental style for their taste. However, the album is smooth, relaxing, and melodic, ideal for an atmospheric backdrop to dinner or other activities (for example, one of her past Cds has been recommended as background music to spa treatments.) A particular highlight of this album is the internationally celebrated guitarist Fareed Haque, who is featured here along with members of the Latin Chamber Pop Ensemble.

OUTSMARTMAGAZINE.COM

When you think of Spanish music, the piano is probably not the first instrument that comes to mind, but that is what Lesley Spencer plays (beautifully, I might add) and probably composed these lovely pieces on. This album got a listen from Jack Stone, who was convinced it was synth, until we found the note on the inside of the cover that says “100% real instruments... no synthesizers used.” As impressed as he was with the sound, alas, he hadn’t time to get his opinion into print and thus it falls to me to sound the knell: this is some grade a quality music, mostly in a meditative mood. Featured guitarist Fareed Haque is associate professor of jazz and classical guitar at Northern Illinois University... pity the poor students who get to hear him play and then have to struggle endless hours to attempt to match it. With his haunting echo of Wes Montgomery, the album was recorded at Chicago and Morton Grove, Illinois and mixed in Oak Park, Illinois, produced by Lesley Spencer and Katherine Gray Pollock.

NIGHTFALLING - MAY/JUNE 2005

“Spencer keeps becoming more and more of a best kept secret that really needs to be let out. Reaching back into her own Spanish heritage for this breezy set that does more than capture a nice impressionistic picture of Spain for the arm chair traveler, Spencer and her hand picked crew will have you convinced you are there if you close your eyes and let the music take over. Hot stuff throughout!!”

Chris Spector - Mid-West Record Recap - April 2005.

“You may remember our past review of Lesley Spencer’s “Joy Garden” album. It’s a celebration of sounds that won’t alarm or stress you out, indeed it coaxes you out of a stressful environment into one of a relaxing sunny day spend on a porch or outside of a café. If there was a soundtrack to people watching in a big Europeans city, than this is it. Piano-based transcendental music that will remind you of Spain with its slight nod toward flamenco and other Latin-based pop.”

SMOTHER.NET - APRIL, 2005

Freelance composer Spencer has put together a very pleasant listening experience... great blends of Latino-styled orchestral arrangements that will make you glad to be alive. Lesley's piano is featured, though Fareed's guitar magic is closer to the front of the mix than the keyboards (as you might imagine for this style of music). The playing is all "straight-ahead", no synths or samples... & that does make a difference, believe me! This is our first listen (that I know of) to production from this label (Gabriella Music), & it's clear that they are out to ensure that the music they produce can't be "rubber stamped" as "just another....". If you're looking for wild-eyed improv, you'll go elsewhere, but if you want a musical experience that can be enjoyed over & over again, you'll fall in love with "Postcards". I'm impressed enough with the energy levels displayed here to give it a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

ROTCOD ZZAJ - IMPROVIJAZZATION NATION - MAY/JUNE 2005

Smooth jazz has long been the whipping boy of straight ahead jazz musicians, and in many cases, the criticism is totally warranted. Let's face it: much of the formulaic, unimaginative, bloodless drive that has plagued NAC radio playlists in the '80s, '90,s and 2000s is amazingly bad. That said, smooth jazz is not inherently evil; there is nothing wrong with providing pop-flavored jazz or jazzy instrumental pop if it is done with integrity and if one considers David Sanborn, Michael Franks or the late Grover Washington, Jr. part of smooth jazz, it could easily be argued that some smooth jazz does, in fact, have integrity. One 2005 release that falls into the “smooth jazz with integrity” category is pianist Lesley Spencer's Postcards from Spain. This 48 minute CD favors a soft and gently melodic blend of jazz, pop and Latin music usually Latin as in flamenco (Spencer is half Spanish herself), although traces of Afro Cuban salsa and South American music show up from time to time. Postcards form Spain is easy listening, but it isn't elevator Muzak and Spencer's material, for all its softness, has a brain (which is something that is missing from so many of the 2000s records that are considered smooth jazz). One of the guests on this album is Fareed Haque, a lyrical and appealing (if underrated) guitarist form Chicago (which is Spencer's home). Haque, whose parents were from Pakistan and and Chile, clearly understands the connection between Middle Eastern, North African and Spanish music, he is well aware of the Moorish influence that you're likely to hear if you're walking along la Gran Via in Madrid or la Ramblas in Barcelona. Postcards from Spain doesn't pretend to be 2005's answer to Miles Davis' Sketches of Spain, but it's a noteworthy and generally decent (if slightly uneven) demonstration of the fact that smooth jazz doesn't have to be schlock.

ALEX HENDERSON - ALL MUSIC GUIDE - MAY 2006

Personally, when I think of Spanish music, I tend to think mostly of Castanets and Latin guitar sounds more so than of a piano, but Spencer plays the piano in these compositions with a breezy Latin flare that I did not know was possible to achieve. The compositions also feature the Latin guitar, percussion instruments and bass. Having never been to Spain, I closed my eyes and allowed the impressions of the musical works to transport me there via my senses. Warmth, gaiety, lieveliness, hustle and bustle, plus dancind were just some of the impressions I received while listening to this album. At times, the sounds became more melancholy in nature, creating a sense of thought-provoking awareness. For the most part though, this album is breezy, sparking a flare for life, a desire to rejoice and dance. If you're looking for traditional Spanish music, then this album is more than likely not for you, but if you like music with a Spanish flare that has been done in more of a New Age style, then you'll most definitely like this album.

LONE EAGLE EYE ARTIST - FACINGNORTH.COM - JANUARY 2007

Joy Garden (2004)

“Joy Garden” features pianist Lesley Spencer and members of the Chamber Pop Ensemble performing a beautiful selection of Spencer’s original music. The liner notes boast “100% real instruments - no synthesizers used,” and this album gives us the magic of a group of talented musicians working together to create more than an hour of seamless, heartfelt, musical treasures. A little bit pop, a little bit classical, this album sparkles with optimism and joy, as the title implies. Along with the piano, some of the instruments included are strings, flute, clarinet, oboe, english horn, mandolin, and percussion. All of the tracks feature the piano prominently, but there are no strictly solo works. The liner notes call “Joy Garden” “sonic perfume for the soul,” which may be a little heady, but gives us a good idea of the intention of the album.

Several selections such as “Entre Nous,” “One Last Dance,” and “A Night in Paris” could be themes from romantic movies. “Passionate Journey” has a slightly bittersweet feeling to its lovely, flowing melody, and the clarinet and strings bring out the emotions conveyed. “Daydreams” is much lighter and more wistful. The warm touch on the piano feels so cozy, and the flute parts add an ethereal quality. “Since I Met You” is a touching love song with piano, mandolin, and strings - a graceful slow dance with a love one. “The Lost Child” is kind of sad, but not desperate. There is more of a feeling of wonder than fear, and the piano and oboe make a lovely duo. “Midnight Rendezvous” is my favorite of this collection - a bit darker and more mysterious with passionate strings and piano - this one really stirs the soul. “Sarah’s Song” is a beautiful ensemble piece full of warmth and love. “Only Yesterday” is another gem that features oboe and piano - nostalgic with sweet memories. “Epicurean’s Delight” includes most of the ensemble players in a sunny, joyful closing piece. “Joy Garden” is a wonderful backdrop for other activities, but is consistently interesting for closer focus on the music. It’s a cozy, warming musical experience for these cold winter days, and a great soundtrack for the warmer ones to come.

KATHY PARSONS - MainlyPiano.com

“Lesley Spencer teams up with member of the Chamber Pop Ensemble to produce a glorious piano-based modern orchestra album. touching on contemporary pieces that idle between traditional chamber music and classical, Lesley Spencer adds to an impressive career. Perfect album to help deal with stress without falling into the snooze-zone that many chamber pop albums can dwindle in.”

SMOTHER.NET - SEPT. 2004

And Now, a Musical Interlude---When is the last time you heard an adult contemporary album that was totally acoustic? Well listen to this, literally. Lesley Spencer and her Chamber Pop Ensemble offer a stunning repertoire of light, flowing ensemble works on their album JOY GARDEN. This is daydream music that is a warm, intimate companion to every day living and loving. Spencer's style is similar to that of pianist-composer Spencer Brewer (ironic, isn't it?) with light contemporary works that border on the edge of classical pieces. A delightful combination. This is Lesley Spencer's fifth album. She won highly prized recognition for her previous album titles CLASSICAL DELIGHT and AUTHENTIC FLAVORS. JOY GARDEN is a splendid follow-up and should do exceeding well on its own...

And now for our first selection. "Entre Nous", the first cut on the album is that wonderful French parlor music that exudes warmth and romance. Romantic piano and sweet violin hold musical hands as they flirt and caress the day away. A sunny afternoon, a walk along the Seine and perhaps a stolen kiss is the result. My favorite cut on the album is "Passionate Journey". This is glorious discovery music. The ardent, seek and you shall find ritual between newfound lovers. What color are her eyes, really. What is her favorite caress? Where does he like to be kissed? This is musical passion that flows like a ripple of pleasure down the spine of the romantically entranced. "Daydreams" has that effortless, transparent European flavor that paints the picture of a rainy afternoon. A quick run to the cafe makes your hair soaking wet. And then, that moist, passionate kiss in the doorway. At least that's the picture in your dreams as the music floats by.

Don Stiernberg's mandolin makes a vibrant impression on the tune "Since I Met You". Spencer's piano lead is a wistful witness as you remember what she looked like, what she was wearing and that first smile that bowled you over. Now she is the one thought on your mind. It's just not fair. Do you believe in love at first sight? "Only Yesterday", a mildly serious piece asks that question and many more as the music wanders along in your mind. He did smile at me a lot didn't he? He touched my hand for second or two. Richard Castaneda's oboe is amorously predominant in the work and makes for a sinuous, fanciful score to Spencer's piano work.

I like JOY GARDEN for many reasons. First, it has a lot of music on it, fifteen cuts. All of the music has a consistent thread of gentle repose and warm, vivid textures. There are some light classical elements and a bit of humor to the music that avoids that stodgy feel. And lastly, it was very romantic. Seek and you shall find.

THE SOUNDING BOARD BY R J LANNAN/NEWAGEREPORTER.COM - JANUARY 2005

Yet another chamber jazz disc, though it's being called chamber pop in this case. That is probably a more appropriate term instead of jazz because without being critical it can be said that it doesn't swing. And it's not meant to. This really closer to New Age than to jazz, but with a larger aggregation than one usually runs into the New Age music - around 14 members, including strings and woodwinds. Composer and arranger Lesley Spencer is the main voice on piano, often spinning out lovely melodies over a bed of strings and/or woodwinds. Only once do the proceedings get louder and more active; most of the 15 tracks provide a comfortable melodic ambience, but without the repetitive and often cloying static harmonies of many New Age albums.

JOHN SUNIER/AUDIOPHILE AUDITION

“Spencer shifts gears for her new outing for something more intimate and inner space oriented. She’s still making music that’s too cool for mass consumption but right up the alley for the gourmet, and this tasty offering can be appreciated in listening sessions or as background any place some soothing, non-pablum, adult music is needed. Evoking all your fave adult adjectives like warm, romantic, soothing, etc., this quietly joyful set is the kind of thin that can prove an adult underground exists. Well done!”

Chris Spector - Mid-West Record Recap - April 2005.

“Fifteen themes of a romantic nature, mostly with an optimistic focus, in the hands of this composer of an exquisite sensitivity. Starting from an approach near to new instrumental music and symphonic classicism, Lesley Spencer unites elements from these and other trends, shaping pieces where the melody is at all times remarkable. The music has in the piano its main vehicle of expression. This composer displays a great performing strength with her chosen instrument.

AMAZING SOUNDS - SEPT. 2004

Classical Delight (2003)

“Ambitious pianist Lesley Spencer has made a host of transcendent albums that explore the piano in and out of an orchestral setting, and her latest is a true gem. Collaborating with the Latin Chamber Pop Ensemble and guitarist Fareed Haque, Spencer’s goal was to create fresh classical music for the 21st century and she composed all of this visionary music herself. Using a large orchestra and even a children’s chorus, Spencer produced a beautiful and uplifting album that touches a wide range of emotions. Spencer’s piano playing is solid throughout, and she cites Schoenberg and Stokowski among her influences on pieces like the bold “Battle of Marathon.” There’s also a worldly feel to the record, partly due to the folk-based songs like “Russian Waltz” and the Caribbean-flavored “Calypso.” Elsewhere, Spencer’s wistful piano playing underscores gorgeous compositions such as “If I Could Say It Now” and the ode to 9/11, “Tribute,” infusing the music with heartbreak and pathos. As an independent artist, Spencer has produced a masterpiece worthy of the majors, and many a repeat listen.”

ROBBIE GENNET - KEYBOARD MAGAZINE - JANUARY 2004

“Simply one of those hidden treasure sets, this is a sure bet for adult tastes, especially since some of the music on here is the theme from a PBS special. With a wealth of jazz and world talent bringing up the rear, Spencer travels into the dangerous realm of contemporary classical music and emerges successful and victorious. Almost the kind of set that doesn’t get produced anymore because the labels think it’s too unwieldy to deal with, this is the result when real pros com to the fore. An adult sure bet.”

MIDWEST RECORD RECAP - MARCH 2004

“We aired Classical Delight the day it arrived."

- KGLP

“Good blend of different styles! Everything from classical to jazzy stuff. There is something for everyone on there!”

- Tortuga Books : Tubac, AZ.

“Buyers loved Classical Delight! One of the best CDS that I’ve heard in a long, long time! Excellent!”

- Five Seasons : Ocean Springs, MS.

“Classical Delight will be very successful for us! Playing it in-store!”

- Reader’s Oasis Books : Quartzsite, AZ.

“The performances are excellent!”

- KBPX

Secret Places, Private Thoughts (2001)

“Secret Places, Private Thoughts” is a gorgeous collection of original piano solos by multi-talented pianist/composer/arranger Lesley Spencer. As the title suggests, these pieces are mostly reflective and intimate, allowing the listener a glimpse inside of the composer’s soul. Often, albums of this type convey feelings of pain and loss, but the thoughts and places reflected upon here are mainly warm and pleasant - not necessarily joyful, but optimistic and soothing. The music is varied enough for repeated active listening, but the tone and mood are fairly consistent, creating a feeling of an easy-going peace that would serve as a lovely backdrop for quiet activities. Lesley Spencer’s other recordings have been mostly piano and ensemble works, so this solo piano album is especially welcome. The CD opens with “Song of the Wind,” a piece that sometimes swirls and dances and sometimes just kind of breezes along. This is a gentle, playful wind that catches falling leaves and keeps them from touching the ground. A beautiful beginning! “Childhood Revisited” celebrates innocence and beckons us back to simpler times. “Affairs of the Heart” is poignant and more than a little nostalgic, remembering good times and people who have come and gone from our lives. “Sweet Voice Within” is one of my favorites. Warm and gentle, this piece exudes a quiet joy. “Only Yesterday” is another favorite, with its powerful sense of longing. “Piano Suite” is a five-movement piece that illustrates five different emotions and states of mind. “Nostalgia” delicately conveys the sense of longing for the past; “Empathy” gives a feeling of true understanding and acceptance; “Longing” has a rubato rhythm and the deep bass notes of the piano evoke feelings of passion; “Affection” is light, warm, and sunny; and “Serenity” depicts that sense of perfect inner peace that can often be elusive. “Piano Suite” is a powerful and compelling work. “Ballade” feels especially personal to me. Its gentle flow and deep introspection seem almost naked in their sincerity and honesty. “Impromptu” is probably my favorite piece on this album. Deeply emotional and passionate, the listener is drawn in and held tight by this heartfelt musical tale. “Spirit Awakening” takes us back to the light and joyful side of life, and “Joie De Vivre” closes the album with a bit of musical sunshine. “Secret Places, Private Thoughts” is an outstanding collection of deeply personal piano solos. The music is soothing and uplifting, but is far more substantial than “ear candy.” Recommended!

KATHY PARSONS - MainlyPiano.com

“I work with clients in recovery from substance abuse and trauma and I know that learning to relax and achieve inner peace is very difficult for them. I have used Secret Places Private Thoughts as background music for individual sessions, guided imagery and relaxation techniques. My clients have said the music helps them to become relaxed and focus on their emotions. I have observed that our work together is more productive when we use SPPT and would recommend it to anyone trying to achieve a more thoughtful, less stressful state of mind.”

JENNIFER SCANLON, M.ED. - PSYCHO THERAPIST

“The flowing melody lines in Secret Places Private Thoughts help me to wind down from the fast pace of my work.” Often, I listen to this music in my car on the way home and my family has noticed that I arrive more relaxed and ready to enjoy the evening. I recommend this music to my patients as an aid to reduce stress because I know it works!

JOHNNIE TURNER, M.D. - MEDICAL DIRECTOR

BANDEN HOUSE & PEER SERVICES, INC. - EVANSTON, IL

“Secret Place Private Thoughts creates an environment of sound which nurtures the spirit - it moved me into an environment of tranquility. This music certainly invites introspection and a sense of serenity, which will help my clients in their progress in therapy.”

KATE MAHONEY - L.C.S.W. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

PEER SERVICES, INC. - EVANSTON, IL

“Secret Places Private Thoughts is an emotionally soothing combination of music; gentle, nurturing - inviting body, mind and spirit to a place of deep relaxation, healing and peace.”

NANCY BUTZ, M.A. L.C.P.C. PSYCHO-THERAPIST

The Best of Times (2000)

“I loved the Best of Times - it reminded me of trips i’ve taken to warm, exotic places and put me in a wonderful mood. The strong melodies evoked many different emotions - from nostalgia to sheer exuberance. This is wonderful music to listen to.”

JANE HAYWARD - PSYCHOTHERAPIST

“Lesley Spencer’s music reminds me of Vince Guaraldi. It is beautiful, energizing and enjoyable. The Best of Times is well recorded and sounds fabulous, and the packaging is outstanding. It is so accessible - anybody could listen to it and enjoy it. Great job!”

CHAD KASSEM - OWNER | ACOUSTIC SOUND

“The Best of Times is a well produced CD with all piano music self composed and arranged. Some of the songs contain a more energetic feel while some are more mellow in a new age sense, yet all songs are well written and would fit well into tv and film.”

MIKE WYNER - TALENT DIRECTOR / NOMA MUSIC

“The Best of Times both captures and sets free a universe of adventures. Even the best-travelled will encounter new terrain and experience renewed stories discovered deep inside. Thanyou, Lesley, for another grand journey!”

TERI WILDER - SINGER/SONGWRITER