Review by Kathy Parsons, Mainly Piano
Moving Through Worlds – Fiona Joy Hawkins
2020 / Little Hartley Music. 52 minutes
I have been reviewing Australian pianist/composer Fiona Joy Hawkins’ music since her 2004 debut, Portrait of a Waterfall, and love that she is an artist who is constantly evolving and pushing the boundaries of what she has done before. I was thrilled when Fiona and fellow Aussie pianist/composer Trysette performed twice in my house concert series several years ago, so I have a special place in my heart for Fiona and her music. Moving Through Worlds, three years in the making, is “an exploration of ‘now’…water, fire, climate change, survival, and the vanishing of souls into the wind.” (quoted from the liner notes of the CD) During the devastating bushfires that ravaged so much of Australia and its wildlife, Fiona marketed four of the pieces from the album to raise funds for firefighters and wildlife rescue. The album was produced by Will Ackerman and Tom Eaton at Imaginary Road Studios and guest artists include Will and Tom as well as Charlie Bisharat, Rebecca Daniel, Jill Haley, Eugene Friesen, Jeff Oster, Tony Levin, Jeff Haynes and Paul Jarman. I think this is one of Fiona’s best albums to date.
Moving Through Worlds begins with “Calling County Clare,” one of the livelier of the fourteen tracks. Paul Jarman’s spritely Irish whistle provides a beautiful counterpoint to Fiona’s piano and wordless vocals, Ackerman’s acoustic guitar, and Eaton’s accordion – a great start! “Bushfire Moon” is a haunting piano solo recorded on Fiona’s own handmade Stuart and Sons grand piano and seems to be a late-night expression of heartbreaking emotions as the fires raged uncontrolled. “Prayer For Rain” is also deeply emotional and features Fiona’s piano and vocals with additional vocals by Rebecca Daniel – very dark and incredibly moving. “All That Is Left” is an ensemble piece that expresses the tremendous loss and despair caused by the fires. As always, Charlie Bisharat’s violin goes right to the heart. “Aqua 1” and “Aqua 2” are shorter solo piano interludes. One of the surprises on the album is Fiona’s lovely arrangement of Chopin’s Prelude in E minor (#4). The original melody is mostly intact, but the left hand and some of the rhythms have been changed. The arrangement is actually a piano/cello duet with Eugene Friesen – gorgeous! I like all of the tracks on this album, but “Tolling of the Fire Bell” is a favorite. Expressing feelings of urgency and a strong sense of emergency, Jill Haley (English horn) and Eugene Friesen (cello) add their talents to this compelling piece. The title track is a trio for piano, violin and cello that overflows with grace as well as passionate emotion. Fiona composed “For the Roses,” a piano solo, when she was twelve for her grandmother’s funeral – a very sweet and loving tribute! Fiona’s piano and soulful vocals combine on “Twilight Moment” to bring a message of hope and healing to the closing track of this exceptional album.
I’ve heard for many years that the most difficult times in life are often what brings out the best work from artists, and that seems to be very true in this case. Moving Through Worlds is available from Amazon, Apple Music/iTunes, Spotify and many other music sites. Very highly recommended!
Kathy Parsons
8/12/20
Homepage: https://mainlypiano.com/home
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Fiona Joy Hawkins
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💋💋💋
I was just looking for a song on youtube and found this version of Contemplating from ages ago..... I feel it gets a big messy in the middle, but its actually pretty good I think. Let me know what you think. Performances are never perfect but if they touch the audience its the best you can hope for. Fiona Joy Hawkins & Rebecca Daniel ... See MoreSee Less
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very nice pic my sister
Have you ever listened to my 5th album 600 Years in a Moment. I recorded it on an Australian piano (Stuart and Sons) in Australia with William Ackerman and Corin Nelsen. Yep, they travelled over to record at the Stuart and Son's piano factory in Newcastle NSW. The album explores globalisation in a musical sense and combines a hand-made contemporary piano with ancient instruments from around the world. ... See MoreSee Less
Fiona Joy Hawkins - 600 Years in a Moment
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Listen to 600 Years in a Moment by Fiona Joy Hawkins.Comment on Facebook
My respected sister, salute your ability, salute your art, salute your personality,salute your friendly humanity!A lot of respect and love my multi talented and scholar sister! keep up the amazing work!
I listen to this over and over and over. It is spectacular! 💚
Wonderful
Bushfire Moon. I’m aiming to record new videos each month and post to social media. It’s good to get back to playing and videoing regularly- it’s been a long break!! ... See MoreSee Less
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.Comment on Facebook
May God bless you my respected sister! miss u so much!
Beautiful like you! ☺️
Nice
In case you missed it.... I'm releasing an album for Study and Relaxation (meditation and sleep). This is one of the tracks. ... See MoreSee Less
Listening Now : Fiona Joy Hawkins & Riverest – Little Star – Study
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Little Star – Study is a collaborative composition by Fiona Joy Hawkins and Riverest, blending delicate neoclassical piano reminiscent of Debussy with the soulful accompaniment of electric gu…Comment on Facebook
This is beautiful my friend! <3
inspired and commendable work!
Where are you from
Nice
It’s Autumn here (Fall) and this pic was taken from my back deck. I often say I feel like we live in a tree-house and here you can see why. ... See MoreSee Less
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Fabulous 😍 natural beauty
charming scenery! good morning sister
Marvelous view! You are fortunate in many ways.
Beautiful yard! Wow!
Bonito
Wonderful ...
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May I share my artwork with you? It's little known that I'm also a painter. I haven't had much time due to my music career becoming my main priority, but I still love art and hope one day I'll have more time to get back to it.
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Fiona Joy Hawkins | Fiona Joy Hawkins - Paintings Gallery
fionajoy.com
Fiona Joy Hawkins – Paintings Gallery. Enjoy browsing my Paintings Gallery. Please contact Fiona for further information regarding paintings.Comment on Facebook
🌟 Gorgeous…an artist…formidable!
Very nice. Do you sell the originals or prints?
Oil? I like it.
This is called Once Upon Impossible, played a few weeks ago at home on my Stuart and Sons hand made Australian piano. I hope you enjoy this piano moment. ... See MoreSee Less
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.Comment on Facebook
Thanks Puran for this beautiful comment 🎼🙏
Gorgeous notes beautifully played on a wonderful piano 😁🎶💕
Sounds so filmic 🎥 👏 ♥
My Dearest Fiona, as I stumbled upon your post, a wave of emotion swept over me, carrying me to a place where time stood still and only the melody of your music filled the air. "Once Upon Impossible" – what a fitting title for a piece that not only defies expectations but also speaks to the depths of your soulful artistry. In the mere glimpse of those words, I found myself transported to the sanctuary of your home, where your Stuart and Sons handcrafted Australian piano stands as a testament to your unwavering dedication and unparalleled talent. Imagining you seated before it, fingers poised delicately over the keys, fills my heart with an overwhelming sense of admiration and love. With each note that emanates from your fingertips, it's as though you breathe life into the ivory and ebony, infusing them with the raw essence of your passion and creativity. Your music transcends mere sound; it becomes a symphony of emotion, a testament to the boundless depths of your soul. In the quietude of your sanctuary, you create magic – weaving intricate melodies that dance upon the air, captivating all who are fortunate enough to bear witness. It's a privilege to be invited into this sacred space, to share in the intimacy of your musical journey. But beyond the beauty of your music lies something even more profound – your unyielding determination and unwavering spirit. "Once Upon Impossible" is not just a title; it's a mantra, a testament to your resilience in the face of adversity. Through your music, you remind us all that even the most insurmountable obstacles can be overcome with faith, perseverance, and love. Your talent inspires me, Fiona, in ways I struggle to articulate. It serves as a beacon of hope, a reminder that greatness lies within each of us, waiting to be awakened by the gentle touch of passion and dedication. As you continue to share your gift with the world, know that you are cherished beyond measure. Your music is a gift to us all, a reminder of the beauty that exists in every note, every chord, every moment of silence. With all my love and admiration 😍
I am proud of my great sister
Beautiful music.
It is as if the spirit is speaking
So beautiful ❤️❤️❤️
Absolutely beautiful 😍
Wow
Details here with video 👇👇👇 👇 www.profitablegatecpm.com/xdnwrk9an?key=7a34a73e3dc807df79f5815468e99f70
Hello
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Thanks Pandora AMP for playing Little Star - Study ... See MoreSee Less
Little Star - Study
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Discover Fiona Joy Hawkins & Riverest's top songs & albums, curated artist radio stations & more. Listen to Fiona Joy Hawkins & Riverest on Pandora today!Comment on Facebook
I just claimed my artist profile there. I do not even know if there is a picture because Pandora is not available in Spain. But i will find a way to access and hopefully grow there too. Probably noone is there for me yet but I hear good things from it. Sadly not available in my country though my music is up in it.