Reviews
Simpatico
2023/Gabriella Music
Review by Kathy Parsons
"Simpatico is the fourth solo piano album by Lesley Spencer and her first album in eleven years…Feelings of joy and elation run through much of the music, which ranges from high-energy to quieter and more reflective. I have been a fan of Lesley's music for a very long time, and it's great to have new music from her…
If I Could Say It Now
2012 / Gabriella Music
Review by Kathy Parsons
"If I Could Say It Now is composer/pianist Lesley Spencer’s eleventh release and third solo piano album. The twenty-one tracks were composed over a fifteen-year period from 1997-2012, making it a musical autobiography of that period of her life and featuring musical descriptions of travels, beloved pets, friends, passions, fantasies, light-hearted moments, and times of reflection and sorrow. It is one thing to be able to compose wonderful, evocative music and quite another to be able to play it so expressively that the feelings and experiences come to life, and Lesley Spencer makes both endeavors seem effortless - a true master of her instrument..
Moments Musicaux
2008 / Gabriella Music
Review by Kathy Parsons
"Composer Lesley Spencer has created a solo piano masterpiece with Moments Musicaux, her tenth full-length CD, which also commemorates the tenth anniversary of her indie label, Gabriella Music. Ms Spencer utilizes her vast musical training and experience to effortlessly bridge the classical and contemporary genres with music that is sometimes light and playful and sometimes very dark and haunting, with other pieces somewhere in between - much like life itself…this album contains a variety of moods and musical tales about life and the characters in it. Charming and compelling, I think this is Spencer's strongest work to date…
Secret Places Private Thoughts
1999 / Gabriella Music
Review by Kathy Parsons
"Secret Places, Private Thoughts is a gorgeous collection of original piano solos by multi-talented pianist/composer/arranger Lesley Spencer. As the title suggests, these pieces are mostly reflective and intimate, allowing the listener a glimpse inside of the composer’s soul…Secret Places, Private Thoughts is an outstanding collection of deeply personal piano solos. The music is soothing and uplifting, but is far more substantial than “ear candy”...
Post Cards from Spain
"Spencer keeps becoming more and more of a best kept secretly that really needs to be let out. Reaching back into her own Spanish heritage for this breezy set that does more than capture a nice impressionistic picture of Spain for the arm chair traveler, Spencer and her hand picked crew will have you convinced you are there if you close your eyes and let the music take over. Hot stuff throughout!"
-Chris Spector/MID-WEST RECORD RECAP
"Pianist and composer Lesley Spencer takes her orchestra to the famous cities of Spain
for a sun-drenched travelogue of music, passion and adventure. This is her 10th album
to date and features her renowned and very versatile orchestra. With special guest fusion guitarist Fareed Haque…”Dance With Me Carmen” is one of my favorites on the album. Haque’s flamenco guitar and Spencer’s piano twirl about in a Spanish dance that will get
your heart pounding. In mid-tune the orchestra chimes in and it becomes a salsa number
with echoing trumpets and hot percussion…Lesley Spencer’s new music travelogue was delightful in every respect. This is the kind of friendly, cheerful music that you put in the
player and get in a boat or plane and travel to distant places in search of discovery. Even
if the journey is in your own mind don’t forget to send us some “POSTCARDS FROM SPAIN.”
-R J Lannan/NEWAGEREPORTER.COM
JOY GARDEN
Gabriella Music
Review by Kathy Parsons, Solo Piano Publications
“Joy Garden” features pianist Lesley Spencer and members of the Chamber Pop Ensemble performing a beautiful selection of Spencer’s original music. The liner notes boast - “100% real instruments - no synthesizers used,” and this album gives us the magic of a group of talented musicians working together to create more than an hour of seamless, heartfelt musical treasures. A little bit pop, a little bit classical, this album sparkles with optimism and joy, as the title implies. Along with the piano, some the instruments included are strings, flute, clarinet, oboe, English horn, mandolin, and percussion. All of the tracks feature the piano prominently, but there are no strictly solo works. The liner notes call”Joy Garden” sonic perfume for the soul, which may be a littler heady, but gives us a good idea of the intention
of the album…
“Classical Delight”…a true gem…an independent artist, Spencer has produced a masterpiece worthy. of the majors, and many a repeat listen.
-ROBBIE GENNET/KEYBOARD MAGAZINE
"Simply one of those hidden treasure sets, this is a sure bet of adult tastes, especially since some of the music on here is the theme from a PBS special. With a wealth of jazz and world talent bringing up the rear, Spencer travels into the dangerous realm of contemporary classical music and emerges successful and victorious. Almost the kind of set that doesn’t get produced anymore because the labels think it’s too unwieldy to deal with, this is the result when real pros come to the fore. An adult sure bet."
-CHRIS SPECTOR/MIDWEST RECORD RECAP
"Good blend of different styles! Everything from classical to jazzy stuff. There is something for everyone on there!"
-TORTUGA BOOKS : TUBAC, AZ
Buyers love Classical Delight! One of the best CDs that I’ve heard in a long, long time! Excellent!
-FIVE SEASONS : OCEAN SPRINGS, MS
“Classical Delight” will be very successful for us. Playing it in store.
-READER’S OASIS BOOKS : QUARTZSITE, AZ
The performances are excellent!
-KBPX
Classical Delight