Impressive and Enjoyable Piano Songbook
4
By Sour Persimmons
Jenny Lin's "Get Happy" is a brilliantly-played virtuosic tribute to the great American songbook. After a subdued take on "Blue Skies," the album quickly becomes rather impressionistic ("I Got Rhythm," "Lover," "Laura") though many of the other tracks ("Carousel Waltz," "Cheek to Cheek," etc.) maintain a more easily-recognized grounding in the original material. Lin's performances offer a full range of color and expression, and she successfully bridges the gap between the intense technical classical demands of the arrangements (which generally sound like elaborate improvisations) and the popular idiom from which they derive. The recorded piano sound is excellent, with an ideal perspective on the instrument. In short, this is a fantastic jazz/classical piano album for those interested in sophisticated takes on classic show tunes.
Fun disc!
4
By KlingonOpera
This CD consists of various pieces performed by Jenny Lin that are, as the title implies, happy feel-good pieces. That does not detract from the fact that the arrangements she is performing are, in some cases, extremely difficult. The second track, "I Got Rhythm", certainly fits this description -- that's just a rollicking good time. “Begin the Beguine” is also just a treat to listen to -- and definitely challenging for a pianist with only 10 fingers!
There are also various works that require a delicate emphasis on the syncopation, and “Eliza in Ascot” is one of these. It does, of course, require adept pianistic skills at the end of the piece, and Ms. Lin is definitely up to the task.
While I tend to gravitate toward the more traditional music CDs of classical material, I really enjoyed this recording. It's okay to have a little fun every now and then, and this recording will leave you feeling good if you like the musical material being presented. Highly recommended.
Wonderful!
5
By JennyRebSmith
Such a fun album, and the playing is beautiful!
Beautiful
5
By DavidSmooth
Very soothing beautiful and upbeat I practice dance to these tracks
