We Are Luminous
My debut solo album of piano improvisations is out NOW!
We Are Luminous is available now on multiple streaming platforms.
We Are Luminous
about this project//
We Are Luminous is the culmination ofyears of improvistational explorations. I began my improvisational life as a 10-year-old when studying pipe organ. My piano & organ teacher taught me to improvise hymnody settings, both to learn the ins and outs of chorale form, but to make hymn-singing in the church more interesting. Though I have often in my life sat down to play what comes to mind, its wasn't until the Pandemic--when all my concerts were cancelled--that I started in earnest to explore the music wanting expressiong from within my own heart/soul/psyche. Finally, after several signs pointing in this direction (including performing improvisational music solo and with my ensemble, Trio Improviso), I recorded We Are Luminous in one sitting with sound engineer David Maloney (Pop's Bongo Studio) in April of 2024
on the new Steinway Bat Whidbey Island Center for the Arts.
This project-of-the-heart was released on July 17th, 2024 on most streaming platforms, such as Pandora, Amazon Music,
Apple Music, YouTube, Deezer, and Spotify.
CDs are available ~ Contact me directly for details.
From an album review by Bored City:
"Sheila Weidendorf’s debut album “We Are Luminous” is truly something special. This record is 11 tracks of pure, extemporaneous piano improvisation, taking listeners on an introspective journey through hauntingly beautiful melodies and a profound sense of creativity. It’s a masterpiece from start to finish, and it’s clear that Sheila has a deep connection to the piano and is able to explore and express emotions freely.
The album is a blend of classical music and a unique improvisational style. Her piano work is very impressive throughout. Each track is different, from meditative and reflective to pieces that could easily be a part of a sweeping film score. It’s not just music you hear, it’s music you feel." Read full review and find link to interview HERE
From an album review by HeatWaves Magazine:
"Sheila Weidendorf‘s debut album “We Are Luminous” stands as a testament to her profound improvisational artistry, capturing the essence of spontaneous musical creation...The album’s sonic landscape is rich with contrasts. Some pieces exude meditative tranquility, offering moments of quiet introspection, while others burst forth with kinetic energy, showcasing the depth of Sheila Weidendorf‘s emotional palette. This dynamic interplay keeps the listener engaged, fostering an experience that is both unpredictable and deeply immersive...“We Are Luminous” stands as a beacon for those drawn to music that transcends conventional boundaries. It challenges the listener to embrace the beauty of the unplanned, to find meaning in the fluidity of improvisation. Sheila Weidendorf‘s journey—from a young organist improvising hymnody to a pianist exploring the depths of her own creative impulses—culminates in this luminous offering, an experience that lingers long after the final note fades." Read full review and find link to interview HERE.
