Fire in the Rainstorm

An album to me is like unto a book: in a book, if the first 5 or 10 pages don't reel you in then the chances of finishing it and appreciating it are slim. The same can be said for an album/CD. But when you notice you are ¼ through a book in just a short amount of time then you know you are onto something; conversely when I play 'Fire In The Rainstorm', the new album by Kori L Carothers, it feels as though a soft warm blanket was gently placed over you as you lie there listening to Kori talk. But she doesn't talk to us with mere words, she goes deeper even sometimes primal, talking through the piano. Admit it, when you listen to a good album you are listening to a conversation, the artist is speaking. And if done well, you will evidently listen and understand what she is feeling, thereby which you can understand what she is saying. I've listened to and written about all of Kori's studio releases, this being her senior (4th) studio release. You need to understand just how important a senior release is to an artist. I could give you list that would be endless for all intensive purposes on what the fourth effort does, and can do for an artist: Duran Duran 'Notorious', 'Led Zeppelin IV', 'Foreigner 4', Heart 'Dog & Butterfly', Yanni 'Chameleon Days', Yes 'Fragile', et. al. So what am I saying? I'm saying that I've seen Kori Linae Carothers come full circle: by that I mean she has come into her Own. Her previous albums featured some very impressive musicians including, but not limited to: Tom "T-Bone" Wolk (Hall & Oates, SNL house band), even Jim McCarty (Renaissance & The Yardbirds) which made for some rather lively expressions. This time she does not merely return: she has moved to a "whole 'nother level". It's just Kori and her piano, and of course the ever present and ever the professional producer/musician & Windam Hill Records founder Will Ackerman. It is Ackerman who reigns Kori in: her songlist on 'Fire In The Rainstorm' has such wide ranging journeys. Case in point: on "Nu Nu's Sunrise" Kori tells the story of a late friend, who helped further her fan base throughout the internet early in her career. It is obviously apparent from listening that Kori is very sad at her friends passing, yet almost angry at the loss in her heart. "Meadow" which immediately follows is her redemption, she like everyone else has to accept fate, but not always agree with it. Throughout 'Fire In The Rainstorm' Kori is speaking as only she can through the piano. There is a distinction between artists who begin in their careers in their youth and artists who begin later in life: Kori began her career as a full grown woman, we didn't have to wade through adolescent enamoring as we did with some artists/bands. And it's okay because what we get from Kori is solid story telling, the piano IS her voice and she speaks with the utmost Clarity. All of her songs have a very personal image in her heart, that she so nicely presents. Each one with it's individual mood. Within the walls of Imaginary Road Studios in Vermont, with Tom Eaton at the engineering console and Will Ackerman over his shoulder, what has emerged is a very strong and developed sense of storytelling. Yes Kori is a storytelling artist. From the opening track "A Day Like No Other" to the closer "When The Trees Fell" it is like that book that you just can't put down, for whatever reason. Me, it is a view into Kori's soul, and she pours it out. The title track is particularly mood evoking: each stroke of the keys is so well executed, you find yourself feeling what Kori felt when writing it. That IS the point. When executed superbly, her piano skills are hard to match. "Time Passages" was so aptly named. As I look through the Kori Carothers discography on iTunes or Amazon.com I see an artist that can accomplish what she aims for. She has passed through 'Time' in a very delicate, yet 'strong as steel' path to this, her current and strongest release to date. 'Fire In The Rainstorm' will keep you warm on a cold winter's night, and cool and relaxed even on the hottest of days, and all points in between. Kori included on the liner notes: "This album is an expression of my struggles and change using the purest of musical forms--the piano". Express she does, changed she has and both with grace, style & dignity.

So, what is the sound and soul of this intriguingly titled album? I’ll start our by saying that the sound quality is as exquisite as you could expect being produced by GRAMMY wining producer and Windham Hill Records founder Will Ackerman and engineer Tom Eaton along with pianist/ composer Kori Linae Carothers. The highly modified Steinway piano at Will’s Imaginary Road Studios is legendary and has provided the instrumental voice of numerous outstanding pianists over the years. The opening track, “A Day Like No Other,” touched me emotionally right from the start with its dreamy and slightly wistful melody. I appreciated the sense of dynamics in Kori’s playing – knowing when to lean into it and when to lay back, as well as finding the balance between notes and space. This blend of technique and feeling, for me, is one of the hallmarks of a great musician. I was curious as to what the title track would sound like given its enigmatic name. It turns out to be quite descriptive as the notes in the opening movement fall from her fingers like the first drops of rain in a summer shower. As the composition evolves, the flames are fanned about two thirds of the way through. However, again, the sense of dynamics I spoke of earlier is evident, and just as a fire needs oxygen to exist, there is breath within the blaze as she pulls back momentarily to provide some air and a release from the buildup. The maturity and level of expression in Kori’s playing are impressive. The ability to communicate stories and emotions in her music is a gift that she is eager to share with the world. Kori Carothers is truly an inspiration, both as a recording artist/ performer as well as in the example she has set in her life becoming a professional musician in spite of being deaf in one ear. She encourages others not let anything deter one from following their dreams and pursuing their passion in life. “Fire In The Rainstorm” is an eloquent artistic statement from a highly regarded pianist/composer whose music resonates with heart and soul.

"Fire in the Rainstorm" is Kori Linae Carothers’ second project with Will Ackerman producing, and her first solo piano album. It is her fourth album to date and contains twelve original pieces. With one of the more dramatic album covers of the year, the music is both eloquent and beautiful, fueled by grace and passionate emotion. I thoroughly enjoyed Kori’s first recording with Ackerman, "Trillium," but it is amazing the depth and honesty that is often revealed when an artist goes it alone with just the piano. Such is the case here. It is interesting to note from her bio, that Kori is deaf in one ear and was told as a child that she would never be a musician. She continued her music studies through high school and college, proving the naysayers to be completely wrong. In a way, she has come full circle and is now donating a percentage of the sales from "Fire in the Rainstorm" to Hearing Health Foundation. The album opens with “A Day Like No Other,” a dreamy and slightly melancholy piece that also expresses determination and hope - a lovely way to begin. Flowing and lyrical, it grabbed my attention right away! “Nunu’s Sunrise” was composed as a loving tribute with warmth and strong emotions. It’s really interesting how the piece starts to slow near the end and then just fades out, unresolved - kind of like life does sometimes. “Meadow” is a favorite with its relaxed, carefree mood and easy grace. “Tidal Rift” is a beautiful, heartfelt piece inspired by the ups and downs in relationships - another favorite. The title track is a passionate piece written for a friend whose life has been full of turbulence. The piece begins calmly, gradually building in intensity and drama - very powerful! “The Day” is a tribute to those who lost their lives on 9/11. Originally recorded as an electronic piece on Kori’s first album, "The Road Less Traveled," it’s a poignant and tender piano solo - another favorite. “The Kindly Beast” is especially touching, knowing that Marvin, Kori’s beloved dog, died recently. He followed her everywhere and liked to get in the way of her hands when she was playing the piano (I’ve had the same problem with my cats!). Marvin’s playful antics will live forever in this song. “Whispers of the Heart” is a stirring tribute to friends and family who stand by through life’s trials and joys. Buoyant yet deeply emotional, it’s a beauty! “When the Trees Fell” mourns the loss of a giant tree with five trunks that was taken down by a huge storm. Grief and loss flow throughout this gorgeous piece, ending the album with a sigh and a tear. Kori Linae Carothers has really come into her own with "Fire in the Rainstorm." I hope it brings her the fans and recognition she so deserves! Very highly recommended!

Here we find Kori Linae revealing her heart. Simply piano, unadorned yet powerful, she shares with us her true essence. Inspired by her life, her experiences and her passions and pain, here's an album that will touch you deeply. I've enjoyed all of her music, watching her grow as an artist, and sometimes the greatest statement can be made by the most simple of offerings. Listen, and find out who Kori really is...

Kori has created a beautiful pallet of music that expresses her true passion for her craft. Her music takes the listener on a magical journey. Would highly recommend this cd as well as her other creations. Well done Kori!

Kori returns with a passionate heartfelt offering, Fire in The Rainstorm. I especially like ' Time Passages ' . Solo piano is such a lovely vehicle for deep expression !