Music from a Farther Room - Dark Publications

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Editorial Reviews:

Amazon.com
Josh Groban fans who caught the singer's 2004 Closer tour would no doubt take note of Lucia Micarelli, who was the violinist and concertmaster for Groban. Like her boss, who also is executive producer of Music From A Farther Room, Micarelli is a young, attractive, and talented player who has the classical training, but who is also enchanted with pop music. Also like her boss, her strain of classical crossover works thanks to tasteful accompaniment, in this case from arranger/composer Paul Schwartz. The smartly chosen program of material comes from such varied catalogs as David Bowie and Rogers and Hart. Micarelli's playing is emotional without being overreaching, assertive when called upon, and nuanced. When she does go over-the-top pop on Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody," it's brief but fun; when she navigates Piazzolla's "Oblivion" she draws upon the song's passion more than its technical requisites. This is a debut with likeable pizzazz, coming in a genre not often enough known for it. -- Tad Hendrickson

Album Description
For anyone who has attended Josh Groban's phenomenal live show, you will have undoubtedly had the pleasure of seeing and hearing his lead violinist, Lucia Micarelli. Lucia came to Josh's tour after appearing with the Trans- Siberian Orchestra playing arenas across the U.S. in 2003. With the close of the second leg of Josh's tour, Lucia is recording her debut album in New York and London with producer Paul Schwartz. Musical selections will range from the works of composers Ravel and Ennio Morricone to David Bowie.

Customer Reviews: Read 53 more reviews...

5 out of 5 stars

Something Beautiful This Way Comes February 15, 2005
31 out of 32 found this review helpful

On stage with Josh Groban, Lucia stands barefoot on the stage in a flowing blue taffeta gown standing almost on her toes like a ballerina as she reaches for that exclusive note. Groban generously acknowledges her brilliance, serves as executive producer on this CD and cites it from the stage, which led to this wonderful disc playing in my home. On "Music from A Farther Room," Lucia blazes a superb trail. The Paul Schwartz opener "Samarkand" throbs and pulses magically. From there to "Oblivion," a touching moving piece with Lucia making the Hannibal Fagnola Turin violin's tones swell majestically. Some of David Bowie's work has been greatly underrated for its musicality, but it's safe to say that Lucia takes "Lady Grinning Soul" from Bowie's 1973 "Aladdin Sane" LP to places only she (and now we through her) could have envisioned. The "Ravel String Quintet in F Major" is gloriously stunning with its pixie-like strings juxtaposed with Lucia's weeping violin. Leigh Nash adds the lone vocal on the Celtic-inflected "She is Like the Swallow." When I saw Josh Groban in Raleigh, his opening act Chris Botti played a jazz version of "My Funny Valentine." Putting that & Lucia's versions side by side is a study in how the same melody can yield vastly different feelings in the hands of different artists. Micharelli closes the set as stunningly as she began in the breathtaking "Nocturne/Bohemian Rhapsody" that marries a Paul Schwartz orchestral beginning to Queen's Freddy Mercury's rock classic. From beginning to end, Lucia Micharelli takes us to emotional places, exquisitely feeling, spanning centuries. What a talented debut from this young performer! Bravo!

5 out of 5 stars

Takes you to a different worlds October 1, 2004
29 out of 32 found this review helpful

Many people buy Albums to remember the real thing they may have seen at a Tour. In this case it was Josh Groban's Closer Tour.

However I came across this in a book store and was amazed at the depth and versatility of this album. Every single track stands on its own. Of course I came to this already with no resistance for well preformed violin music.

I know this album is about Lucia Micarelli however it was track 10 "She is Like The Swallow (featuring Leigh Nash)" that really sold me. However I do not prefer other Nash song styles. So it was this one combination that mesmerized me. I found the album in my bag before I realized what I had done.

Right after that is track 3 "Meditation form `Thais' (with Guest Artist Lang Lang)"

Everyone will find their own favorite.

5 out of 5 stars

Music from the Heart August 5, 2004
14 out of 16 found this review helpful

I may be thirteen, but I know when I hear good music. I have been a fan of Josh Groban's for several years. When I went to Groban's Nashville concert, and saw Lucia directing the violins with fluid movements, and still playing flawlessly, I knew her upcoming CD would be one to treausure. I bought a few days ago, and have not stopped listening to it since. My favorite is either Nocturne/Bohemian Rhapsody, or She is like the Sparrow. Leigh Nash's very simple yet entrancing voice complements Micarelli's weaving violin.

This is definatly a CD you will wish to have, and will enjoy for a long time.

Note: There was a mess-up in the pressing, and track five is messed up, but you can send the CD into WB, and they will replace it.

www.luciamicarelli.com

5 out of 5 stars

I Didn't Want To Give 5 Stars, But...... December 17, 2005
13 out of 14 found this review helpful

I am a huge music fan and my interests span many styles. I love progressive rock, ambient/tribal music, jazz, rhythm and blues, and I LOVE classical chamber music. Perhaps not surprisingly, I've always found a close correlation between chamber music and the progressive rock movements. Both types of music combine precise and thoughtful composition, thematic continuity and a rigorous requirement for outstanding musicianship. Some of my favorite prog-rock pieces include lush orchestration as a supplement to the heavy electric sound of contemporary instruments; the mid-70's works of Jethro Tull jump to mind.

That being said, I've never really enjoyed "cross-over" music. I've always felt uncomfortable with established classical musicians trying their hand at "rock music." There's nothing creepier than the respected and revered artists trying to be something they are not; Sills singing disco or Perlman playing Nirvana. Okay, that may be extreme, but my point is - the attempt is usually feckless, uninspired and doomed to mediocrity.

Recently, my son and I attended a concert by the aforementioned band, Jethro Tull. We were absolutely blown out of our seats by a beautiful, barefooted wisp of a girl who came out on stage and stole the show from the grizzled veteran rockers with her charm, grace and unquestionable talent. She played a combination of violin-flute duets with Tull's front man, Ian Anderson, and absolutely floored the audience with a beautifully touching version of the Sibelius violin concerto, here labeled AURORA. From that point on, I was hooked! Not only did she play the classical pieces with great skill and emotion, but she absolutely rocked on classic Tull tunes, KASHMIR by Led Zeppelin, and her own stunning arrangement of Queen's BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY.

This CD is a beautiful debut and she has earned hundreds, if not thousands of life long fans with her brave choice of touring with popular musicians of all genre's. I didn't want to like this CD, but I ended up loving it!

5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful July 29, 2004
12 out of 14 found this review helpful

My niece took me to the Josh Groban concert last spring. While I enjoyed Josh's music, the concert master, Lucia Micarelli stole the show.

A barefoot wisp of a girl in a simple flowing gown, she glided across the stage with her violin...beautiful music. Very talented. She moved like a ballerina and played like an angel. They announced at the concert that she would have her first CD coming out this summer. I knew I had to get that CD and I preordered. I love it. She pours heart and soul into her music. Right now, and for some time to come, this is my favorite CD.

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