Intro: Cathy Hung who plays classical Piano has been making quite a name for herself musically. Behind every great album is a great story. First: This album comprises of 15 piano original composition music. It is a musical journal traveling through time and space. To note a few, “Autumn breeze falling leaves” was inspired by the fall scenes while walking through narrow streets of West village of New York City. This was the first song created in January, 2013. “Freezing rain” was written while pellets of freezing rain were falling on the roof non-stop for two days, and completed while rain was still falling. “Pebble Beach” refers to North Fork’s unique pebble beach along the Long Island Sound, facing Connecticut, and it has been one of Cathy’s favorite travel stops in the past years. This album also features 3 separate collections of songs. “Big Island” was written upon returning from Big Island, Hawaii, in awe of the volcanic landscape of Kilauea, Akakas Falls and the black sand beach. ” Lost Souls” were written in memory of the 9-11 disaster, after visiting the memorial site in New York, as well as the Monument at Liberty Park, New Jersey. “Lost Souls III Twin Silver Walls” was inspired and created emotional stirring while walking through the two silver walls with engraved names of lost souls all around. “After the Storm” were written after Hurricane Sandy in efforts of the rebuild of Jersey Shore. “After the Storm II Sand Castle” was written after visiting the “Sandy Castle” at Jenkinson’s Beach, Point Pleasant. The last song “Reminiscence” was written with Chinese pentatonic overtones, in tender memories of her younger years in Taiwan.
Purchase Link: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/cathyhung
Review: Her latest release “Watercolors” was released in 2013 and the result though far from a self-indulgent ego trip, rather a moving and elegiac artistic statement from start to finish. This is not your overly predictable Ramon Noodle Smooth Jazz Piano artist, no Hung goes much deeper than that. In-fact Hung could even be classed as a 4 genera artist: Classical, Atmosphere/Mood music, Folk and of course solo Piano music. Hung has way too much precision and clarity to live in the shadows of pigeonholing. Indeed this is clearly evident in songs like “First Day of Spring” and “In the Woods” which methodically ups the ante to a very respectable level of catchy musical expression and craftsmanship that transcends typical pigeonholing. The music is also commercially viable with a fresh sound and an entertaining piano-driven vibe that makes a real connection with the listener. All pieces within this album hold the attention span perfectly. Music reminds me of a cross between Jon Dahlander, Liz Story and remnants of classic Chopin. It’s got the flipped out stuff, it’s got the melodic stuff, it’s got the make you wanna’ cry stuff. It’s also got the pin drop moments that only a true master can create. What’s more: this 15 song line-up comes loaded and appeals to many listeners with a wide variety of musical styles.
Conclusion: Cathy Hung has carved a marketable niche for herself around New Jersey and beyond. I would anticipate even more marketable success down the road at the international level with future releases. “Watercolors” is one release that gives us a musical snapshot that is highly original, uplifting and dare I say breathtaking in scope.
Final Rating: 8/10
Written by Glenn Hendrickson. Approved by Mindy Mccall Review comments: indiemindymccall@gmail.com
