Highlights from Alejandro Clavijo Gonzalez's review of Janice's music:
Measures of Grace
"No doubt Measures of Grace is one of the best albums of church hymns that has been reviewed by Reviews New Age. Measures of Grace touches the listener and leaves them speechless. A highly recommended album!"
Rest Assured: Hymns on Piano
"The music is sweet, revealing unforgettable and cherished moments. I love it."
"The music is full of hope and strength..."
"Music that lifts the soul with its chords and notes, weaving a radiant light melody..."
Measures of Grace is the second collection of solo piano hymns arranged and performed by Janice Faber. Faber started playing the piano by ear at about six years of age, and went on to become her church’s pianist from about age ten on. Classically-trained, Faber graduated with honor from Wheaton College Conservatory. Half of the twelve tracks on this CD are medleys of two or three hymns and praise songs, for a total of nineteen songs. Faber adds some of her original music to the hymns as well as her interpretations of these timeless songs, creating a very soothing and personal album. Her arrangements have a classical sensibility with new age simplicity and directness - there isn’t a lot of flash in her playing, but none is necessary (or wanted!). Since Faber has been playing most of these songs for many years, they have become an intimate part of her life, allowing her to express much more than just familiar piano melodies. Whether or not you are familiar with these hymns, the music is gorgeous, heartfelt, and uplifting.
Measures of Grace begins with a beautiful and emotionally powerful arrangement of “It Is Well With My Soul.” Most of the left hand part has a lovely rubato flow that showcases the melodic right hand - an elegant and inviting beginning! “Be Thou My Vision” is a bit livelier and more joyous than I usually hear it, and I really like this arrangement! One of the highlights of the album is “The Majesty and Glory of Your Name,” a song I was not familiar with. Faber lets the melody sing with a flowing accompaniment, conveying deep, heartfelt emotions. The medley of “Take My Life and Let It Be” and “May the Mind of Christ My Savior” is a deeply-affecting pairing and another highlight. “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” has a warm and gentle energy that conveys joy and a strong sense of well-being. The combination of “I Need Thee Every Hour” and “Sweet Hour of Prayer” is also especially effective - very peaceful and thoughtful. “The Love of God” closes the album with a feeling of warm encouragement and reassurance. What an inspiring album!
Measures of Grace is gorgeous from start to finish, and I highly recommend it for the loveliness of the playing and the beauty of the music even more than for the fact that the music is hymns. Lovers of elegant solo piano will be delighted! If you are looking for a new collection of piano hymns, this is a must-have! It is available from www.janicefaberpiano.com, Amazon, CD Baby, and iTunes. Check it out!
Rest Assured: Hymns on Piano
Rest Assured: Hymns On Piano was pianist/composer Janice Faber’s debut CD, and is a gently soothing collection of eleven traditional hymns and praise songs enhanced with some of Faber’s original music. It was originally released several years ago when Faber’s three children were quite small. She and her husband used the music for rocking them to sleep as well as for their own relaxation at the end of a long day. People requested more of this music and shared stories of how the music comforted them in difficult times. Faber has been a church pianist since she was a child, so this music is a very big part of her life, giving her the ability to express meaning in the music that goes far beyond the scope of the lyrics. Her approach to the music on this album is one of soothing comfort and reassurance. Her touch is gentle yet strong and confident, making this a recording that anyone can enjoy simply for the beauty of the music whether or not they are drawn to the hymns themselves. For anyone who enjoys solo piano hymns, this album is a must-have, as is the follow-up Measures of Grace (2009). On both albums, some of the hymns are familiar classics while others are less well-known, making for a richly rewarding listening experience.
Rest Assured begins with “Day By Day,” a gorgeous hymn played with grace and sensitivity - a lovely start. “Blessed Assurance” is one of the best-known hymns, yet Faber makes it her own. Her flowing left hand brings out the best of the melody and fills it with warmth. “Jesus Love The Little Children” and “Jesus Loves Me” are two of my favorite hymns from childhood Sunday School, and Faber’s medley is gentle, innocent, and very sincere. I’m always fascinated by all of the different interpretations of “Amazing Grace,” and Faber’s is one of the most beautiful solo piano arrangements I’ve heard - quiet and gently flowing. “Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us” has an elegant flow and a deep emotional connection that really comes through - beautiful! “How Great Thou Art” is another classic hymn, given a fresh and contemporary make-over that is true to the original melody and spirit of the piece. One of my favorites is “Gentle Shepherd,” a hymn I was not familiar with. The melody is simple and heartfelt, and Faber’s arrangement is wonderful. “Near To The Heart of God” is the closing hymn, ending this excellent CD on a quiet, thoughtful note.
Rest Assured is a beautiful album from the first note to the last. Be sure to check it out at janicefaberpiano.com, Amazon, CD Baby, and iTunes. I very highly recommend it!