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People are Saying... "Spirit Touch blows me away!" "A really good album" "Reminded me of some of the earlier works of David Lanz" "Run, don't walk to get Spirit Touch" - Neil Patton, Cool dude who is an awsome pianist Read a great review of Spirit Touch at MainlyPiano.com by Kathy Parsons. "Joseph has outdone himself with Spirit Touch". |
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Spirit Touch "The New Album from Joseph Akins"
Peaking at #7 in November of 2009 on the Top 100 Radio Airplay Chart for Zone Music Reporter, Spirit Touch has been selected for Kathy's Top 20 for 2009 and Kathy's Top 40 for the Decade. RJ Lannan of ZMR said "Spirit Touch is technically correct in every way with just the right amount of feeling. It has an appealing mix of solo and instrumental works that beckons to your heart with every listen."
Eleven fresh tracks include originals, such as The Butterfly Ride, Feeling Joy and Dance of My Ancestors, and a modern arrangement of the classic, Tennessee Waltz. Mostly solo piano, a few tracks include accompaniment from cello, zen drum, bass and keyboard. Click here for more info on Spirit Touch.
Listen to these samples from Spirit Touch...
Buy from these locations: Amazon
Get an autographed Spirit Touch directly from Joseph for only $11.99. In addition, you will be supporting Joseph by purchasing directly from the artist. Add it to your cart...
Masterpeace - Solo Piano "Best selling Album from Joseph Akins"
Masterpeace is an album of nine original instrumental piano solos from Joseph Akins. Since it's release, the album has been enjoyed by millions from radio, CDs, downloads, soundtracks and more. It soothes the listener with it's peaceful melodies and rhythms. Great music for early morning, late evening or any time you need to unwind. Listen to Masterpeace | More Info
Buy from these locations: Amazon
Get an autographed Masterpeace from Joseph for only $11.99. In addition, you will be supporting Joseph by purchasing directly from the artist. Add it to your cart...
New Sheet Music
Sheet Music for Tenneesee Waltz availble for download July 13th!
Sheet music for other tracks are available for download from the Sheet Music page.
Upcoming Concerts
- Portland/Florence, OR and Kenmore, WA in August
- Memphis, TN in September
- Atlanta, GA in October
- Asheville, NC and Nashville, TN in November
- Southern CA in January
See details
1. Spirit Prelude - This is an uplifting improvisation that makes for a spirited opener and a great prelude for the title track.
2. Spirit Touch - I first knew the title of this album would include the word touch , thinking of human touch and how important it is to us all. I later decided to include the word spirit feeling that spirit touch well represented the music as a whole. I composed this particular piece while we were grieving over the loss of our 23-year-old Siamese kitty.
3. The Butterfly Ride - Influenced by one of my favorite jazz composers, Horace Silver, this tune has always sounded like a ride to me. First, I imagined a balloon ride, but by the time I recorded this album, it sounded more like a butterfly ride!
4. Cascades - I wrote this piece after the recording sessions for Masterpeace, my previous solo album. Because it sounded like falling water, the title came from one of my favorite places in nature, Cane Creek Cascades.
5. Night Shadows - This haunting piano solo is a favorite to play. Thanks to the legendary pianist David Lanz for his inspiration and input.
6. Feeling Joy - This one is pure fun. The continuous motion and strong melody is joyful to play and hear. I hope you feel joy too.
7. Little Arwen - This simple solo dropped into my heart early one morning. I named it after one of our newly adopted Siamese kittens. Her two brothers, Aragorn and Gandalf, will have a more adventurous piece named after them some day!
8. Dance for my Ancestors - This exciting piece grew out of the melody you hear in the first few measures. I wanted to compose a number that would be fun to perform live. It makes my heart jump and my fingers dance!
9. 1,001 Nights - Influenced by artists such as Kitaro, I wanted to compose a track based on this Middle-Eastern sounding scale: G-Ab-B-C-D-Eb-F. I also had fun scraping my fingernails across the piano strings (the single strum that sounds similar to an autoharp).
10. My Rainbow - This music was completely improvised in the recording studio. It is dedicated to my beloved wife, Unita.
11. Tennessee Waltz - My father, a musician who loved and played country music, taught me this very popular song when I was a child. With his guitar, he taught me one note at a time until I learned the complete melody.
Buy from these locations: Amazon
Get an autographed Spirit Touch from Joseph for only $14.95. Add it to your cart...
Reviews of Spirit Touch...
Spirit Touch is reviewed on the Sounding Board at Zone Music Reporter by RJ Lannon.
He is one of the most unpretentious persons I have ever met in my life. Before each number he sould stare at his instrument for a moment, get his bearings, take a deep breath and forge ahead. I watched him play the piano with a studiousness I have never seen before. Read more.
Spirit Touch is reviewed at Mainly Piano by Kathy Parsons.
Spirit Touch is the anxiously-awaited follow-up to Joseph Akins’ very popular and critically-acclaimed 2007 release Masterpeace. As much as I enjoy Masterpeace, Spirit Touch blows me away. Read more.
Recommended...
Relaxing Piano Artists is an incredible compilation of 40 songs from 20 different pianists. Two songs are from Masterpeace. ALL PROCEEDS GO TO ALZHEIMER'S RESEARCH. Go to iTunes to purchase the album and help Alzheimer's disease.
