Calm Within: Music for Relaxation of Body and Mind

When documenting my reflections of a musicians latest release, not only do I dedicate time to examining the artists roots, but also look toward the future and visualize their future potential. Everyone of you has heard Grammy Award winning artist Laura Sullivan's music: you may have had no idea at the time who you were listening to, but with the tremendous accolades and the expanse of her touching practically every vein of our musical world, from television programs, television commercials, theatrical movie soundtracks not to mention her countless collaborations with other accomplished, well known Grammy® Award winning artists. Laura Sullivan has literally and figuratively been all over the map, and continues her fantastic, almost dream come true career she has amassed. Laura Sullivan is best known for her album, 'Love's River', which won the Grammy® Award or Best New Age Album in the 56th Annual Grammy® Awards. Which was produced by one of, if not the best known New Age music producer alive today, Grammy® Award winner Will Ackerman, who founded and ran for many years the influential New Age record label Windham Hill Records. Laura began playing piano at the young age of 4 and has been on the upward climb ever since, and shows no signs of slowing down. Her latest effort 'Calm Within: Music for Relaxation of Body and Mind', her seventh solo release produced by her husband, Grammy® Winning Producer, Film Director, and Technology VP, Eric Sullivan is indeed a musical journey. I have spent many a day with this album, not unlike a welcomed guest in your home: you spend not only your peak days with them, but also your low points, mornings & evenings, celebrations as well as during times of despair. That is how I get to really understand a musicians' motivations. 'Calm Within' set for release this Friday, December 11, 2015 is her first solo effort since her 2013 Grammy® Award winning album 'Love's River'. With that said you'd maybe think she'd reached 'Tiger Mountain', but she continues to astound, amaze and entertain with the same passion that marked her debut solo release in 2003 'Piano Solos'. In fact she released her sophomore effort that same year, the remarkable 'Trails of North America'. In just another four musical outings she had won her own Grammy® Award. Grammy® Awards are nothing new in the Sullivan household, her collaborations with award winning artists from literally around the world. This in my opinion has given her a World View that is very evident in her recordings: Each song on her new album gives us a glimpse of her world, and a hint into her beautiful psyche. The most noticeable attribute I myself noticed was with such grace and subtlty she approaches her craft. Her music is so complete, never overblown or underenhanced, but with just the right amount of "ingredients" to complete a recipe that will carry you into her world, a world of light and shadows where even the shadows shine. That may sound cryptic to some, but after you listen to 'Calm Within: Music for Relaxation of Body and Mind' you will completely understand what I mean. "Emerald Isle" opens the album and from that moment on until the album closer "Gratitude" it is very apparent that this album was created with a purpose, a form. The music found on this release is perfect for exactly what the title suggests: the perfect stress reliever, bringing tranquility to the listener regardless of where on the CD you find yourself. Wherever serenity is needed, this is the album. Whether in the comfort of your own home, at a spa or even for that quiet ambient sound at private get togethers, I find no flaws with this recording. This album is very well produced, every note perfectly placed & engineered, every nuance in perfect alignment. If you find yourself as I do, drawn into the overwhelming stresses that life in this world brings, it is rewarding and inviting to know that this recording was made for you, for those moments you need to remind yourself that peace, beauty and singularity of mind and body can still be yours. I recommend you allow Laura Sullivan's new album to take you where you want and oftimes need to go, whether you knew the destination beforehand or not. This album does not disappoint, nor does it grow cold, but is always introducing you to a new facet of her musical conversation with you.

Lura's playing and writing is incredibly beautiful. Every recording of hers has something amazing to offer, especially Calm Within. There is a peaceful energy that radiates from this great recording which complements the beautiful melodies very well. Great recording quality, highly recommended!

Tunes to warm your heart and spirit.

With this CD, Laura has branched off from her piano-based compositions/recordings of all the previous CD's that I'm aware of. Those expecting that familiar, beautiful, recognizable piano style that won her a Grammy in the New Age category will find something completely different here. Instead what we have is music for the purpose of relaxation and stress relief. The instrumentation is mainly sustained keyboard pads beneath plucked strings and flutes. Rhythm/Percussion is minimal, if any, and the tempos are very slow - below 60 bpm according to liner notes, which calms the heart-rate and does something with brainwave synchronization based on scientific research. What I can tell you is that during my review period I was under serious stress because of a sketchy contractor. My muscles were tight, stomach in knots, and I could not get the problems out of my mind. So it was good timing that I got a copy of this CD! Every time I put it on - which was daily - I could feel the tension start to flow away. During the most stressful times I'd just keep it playing ;} The same thing is happening now as I listen while typing this; it has a calming effect. So for anyone who has a stressful lifestyle or just needs to relax & 'shut down' for a while, This is the CD for you! I can also envision it being used for purposes such as meditation, yoga etc.

Having been a Yogi for many many years, I find Laura Sullivan's "Calm Within" a perfect vehicle to take me out of my past and future, so I can bask in the here and now with a sense of true peace. Laura's warm and embracing ambient sounds sprinkled with her sun and starlight textures, give me a calm feeling within and inspire positive thoughts and energy.

Calm Within: Music for Relaxation of Body and Mind by Laura Sullivan is one of the most beautiful compilations that I have ever listened to. I have been playing it on my computer over and over again and to my amazement I am able to work while it is playing. Generally I have to really concentrate to work and am not able to have any distractions. I would have to agree with the description that the music is calming, stress relief, healing and a wonderful background music. The more that I have listened to this CD I started to research more about Laura Sullivan and I discovered she is an established New Age Music and Grammy® Winning artist who is inspired and led to creation promoting holistic health of mind and body. I am looking forward to listening to her other CD's. * I received this item free in exchange for my honest unbiased review. My reviews are completely based on my personal experiences with the product. Others opinions may differ due to their own experiences. Thank you for reading my review!

Laura continues her tradition of creating incredibly good music. This new album is a new direction and a new genre for her and worth listening to. It provides relaxation of body, mind and soul. It is subtle and effective background music to soothe out the day. I would recommend this for the Holidays and anytime you want to relax and get ready for a new day !!

Uno de los mejores temas escuchado para relajamiento mental. Excelente producción..! Looking for relaxing time? Listen to this music. Calm Within by Laura Sullivan

Wonderful music to listen to in my Art Studio! Love this CD; relaxing and unique!

This music keeps it simple and is not overwhelming like some relaxation music is.