STEVEN CRAVIS Piano and Soundtracks

StevenCravis.com - Steven Cravis - Pianist and Composer

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It is often said that music has the power to heal. Pianist/Composer Steven Cravis takes this adage to heart. Steven, whose two CD releases, TRUE REFLECTIONS and THE SOUND OF LIGHT, are currently available on the Steven Cravis Music label, has more than a passing interest in the power of healing. Stevens music, performed on acoustic grand piano, is a unique blend of styles, combining the meditative quality of new age, the improvisatory freedom of jazz, and the compositional elegance of the Classics. At its core, Stevens music is inspired by the composers personal spiritual awareness.

There are many twists and turns along any artists path to success. The journey undertaken by Steven Cravis is no exception. After attending Berkley College of Music in 1990, Steven moved into an artists community in nearby Cambridge, Massachusetts. While crafting the meditative piano pieces that later became the foundation of his first CD TRUE REFLECTIONS, Steven supported himself by teaching the healing art of yoga. Steven recalls:For many musicians, a day job is just a job, a way to pay the bills. For me, it was different. The spiritual nature of my occupation was a source of inspiration for me.

With my music, my goal is to transport my audience to that blissful, relaxed state that I have come to know through the art of yoga and meditation.In 1992, TRUE REFLECTIONS was released. Steven received the audience reaction that he had hoped for. I think the music struck a chord, helped people to gain a peaceful break from the monotony in their lives. Things really started to go well for me when radio stations WGBH and WMJX began playing my music. To promote his new release, Steven played several well received concerts, including a benefit performance for The Muscular Dystrophy Association at Bostons historic Faneuil Hall.

Steven found the healing effect of his music to be equally effective in a live setting. Given the cinematic quality of his music, it is not surprising that Steven is frequently asked to do film work. In the summer of 1994, Steven contributed the poignant ballad, Is It True, to the Indian feature film, BOLLYWOOD, from Soni-Khan Productions. The film was singled out for recognition on the film festival circuit in both New York and Los Angeles.In the winter of 1995, Steven released his latest work, THE SOUND OF LIGHT. The intriguing title reflects Stevens continuing interest in spiritual exploration. In certain cultures, it is said that by chanting specific sounds, one gains access to the dreamworld as sound is translated into light. Musically speaking, THE SOUND OF LIGHT is another success, a further refinement of Stevens unique style. Since its release, Steven has continued to perform, attempting to bring the healing power of his music to others around the world willing to share his journey. By K. Hauptman/April, 1999

Steven Cravis has complete command of those wonderful ivory keys that create such beautiful sounds. This music really put me in the right place. Solitude, spiritual strength and a oneness with the creator is encouraged through the music Cravis presents on this CD. The uniqueness of the instrument is its ability to reach an absolutely phenomenal level of clarity and tone without any accompanying instruments to augment the sound. The common thread of all piano players, including Cravis, is a sparkling independence conveyed through the artistry of a solo pianist in his element.

The self proclaimed Amazing Piano Magician lives up to the billing with each tune emanating The Sound of Light. This is a project that is in complete synchronicity with itself. Its evident in the music, corresponding song titles and the title of the recording that the idea or concept of this album is to project the completeness or vision derived from the circle of life. The references to the triangle of elements; fire, water and sky seemed to point in this direction from my viewpoint. The respect for life itself expressed through the perfectly blissful musical soundtrack that Steven Cravis has created is his gift to mankind. Seek out the beauty of life through the music. -MuzikMan/January, 26, 2000

The Sound of Light
Steven Cravis
1995/Steven Cravis Music
By Kathy Parsons, red Solo Piano Publications

Steven Cravis second album is an excellent collection of thoughtful and peaceful piano solos. Many of the pieces are more classically structured than the music of other artists in the genre, and indicate a very well-trained and creative pianist-composer (he attended the prestigious Berklee School of Music). The music is peaceful, but is complex enough to allow the listener to hear something new after repeated hearings. The quiet tone of the CD makes it suitable for a lovely backdrop, but many of the songs deserve to be given ones full attention to hear and appreciate the beauty of this music.
The CD opens with Through The Kaleidoscope, a sparkling and swirling piece, full of musical colors. One of my favorite pieces on the CD is Dancing Spirits. It opens in the upper registers of the piano, and works its way down, gently building momentum on the way. The improvisation in the middle section suggests the freedom of a spontaneous dance. The Shining Star and My Precious One are beautiful and tender love songs. red Reunion is a bit more impassioned and turbulent - the strength of the emotions comes through loud and clear, making it a very powerful piece. Holiday Slumber is a cozy and delicious depiction of those wonderful, lazy days when it feels so good to just keep snuggling under the covers and dozing back to sleep.
The Sound of Light is a very fine solo piano CD, and is currently available from cdbaby.com/stevencravis.