“From start to finish, Just this Side of Spring is an outstanding work of composition and execution….”
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MuzikReviews.com, Rating: 5 Stars

“Classically trained pianist, Ann Sweeten pulls from her deepest emotions on Just this Side of Spring….beautiful and powerful album.”
Accent on Tampa Bay Magazine

“Falling in love with such a unique sound, a sound that Ann Sweeten has created, makes you feel like a light-hearted bird everytime.”
John Shelton Ivany – National News Bureau

“Ann Sweeten is one musician widely recognized for her classic style, setting a high standard in quality among many pianists. Her classic signature sound gives new meaning to the term music appreciation. Having authored a number of Piano Solo reviews in the New Age genre, I promptly identified an admirable level of richness and depth in tone I rarely hear in many piano solo albums. Stylish tonal qualities held in even the quietest patterns give complex sequences and a prolific feel of realism within every individual phrase.”
New Age Music World

“Superb Piano works…beautiful and calming. Ann Sweeten uses her very talented hands to paint an image of emergence into my favorite time of year, and does so without ‘tricks’ or ‘gimmicks’. MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.”
Improvijazzation Nation

“A very soothing collection of music, ideal for relaxation and meditation, but it also has that emotional depth and edge that lifts it above mere easy listening.”
Musicwatch, the borderland.co.uk

“Pianist Ann Sweeten’s latest album, Just this Side of Spring, offers a refreshing change of pace from the usual solo piano genre. Rather than show off her chops with an obvious display of thunderous chords and lightning-quick melodic runs, the award-winning Steinway Artist instead chooses to focus on quiet, introspective compositions that are thoughtful and contemplative.”
Raj Manoharan, Freelance Writer

“A contemporary pianist/composer, Ann will win the hearts of many with this unique new-age, neo-classical collection. She has the astounding ability to paint a vivid picture with her soft, lovely stylings. The album overall is unique and memorable. It is full of beautiful melodies, both pleasant and melancholy. Ann’s not your typical pianist, however. Her brilliant use of tension keeps you on your toes and her passion truly melts your heart.”
srrbell.wordpress.com

“Ann Sweeten is perhaps one of the most decorated pianists of the past decade. Serious classical undertones….Sweeten’s play is temperamental but disciplined, full of a fire that surprises. Ann Sweeten is more than your typical pianist, writing themes that challenge both herself and her listeners to hear more and be more.”
wildysworld.blogspot.com

"Stylish and sophisticated, Ann Sweeten has always presented a fine mix of New Age music with her well rooted classical themes. This time around Sweeten has added a low calorie sweet factor and the results are simmering with splendor."
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SoloPianoPublications.com - Michael Debbage

"Sweeten's playing is strong and confident, but also feels tender and vulnerable as she looks within for answers to life's questions. In a few words, this is a gorgeous and emotionally powerful album."
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MainlyPiano.com - Kathy Parsons

"Ann Sweeten possesses a remarkable talent. A musician whose extensive classical training is immediately apparent, she is also someone who writes from a great emotional depth. As her producer it is a joy to hear someone who exploits the entire potential of the piano, finding both dynamics and beauty in all 88 keys. Her pieces have a broad stylistic range and yet create a cohesive program of music very distinctively hers. This is a brilliant recording from start to finish."
Will Ackerman, Founder of Windham Hill Records, Grammy Winning Artist/Producer

"On her latest release, Grey Sky and Bittersweet, pianist Ann Sweeten eschews what had previously been one of her strong suits, i.e. deft use of electronic keyboards to complement her melodic piano compositions, opting instead for an acoustic approach. Sweeten carries the listener slowly and genteely into an autumnesque landscape of muted colors, fading light, and reflective moments. Her piano playing has never been better, ...superb on both collaborative and solo pieces."
NewAgeReporter.com - Bill Binkelman

"Ann Sweeten is a classical pianist/composer/arranger. Grey Sky and Bittersweet was produced by Grammy winner Will Ackerman. On it Sweeten will enamor listeners with her prowess on the piano and the wide range of melodies that are present.

"Water diamonds" runs the gambit in terms of the speed Sweeten portrays on the piano. She tickles the ivories both expeditiously and slowly, giving the song a whimsical feel at times, as well as a more rushed one. This change in musical acceleration might invoke thoughts of a rippling fountain.

On "Autumn's Last Caress" the piano work continues its silky tone along with intermittent pauses in the intro. The intricate construction of this track will undoubtedly bring a smile to the face of any listener as they envision hearing this song while watching leaves descend from trees during this season full of life and renewal.

With the title track, Sweeten brings forth sensory piano work with a pronounced melody that some listeners might find a touch on the sad side.

Ann Sweeten's Grey Sky and Bittersweet is an album that showcases her classical instrumental training and gift for composition. On each song, Sweeten exhibitis a smoldering fire and profundity that will certainly transcend to listeners."
TheCelebrityCafe.com - Sari Kent

"From radiant solo pieces to delightful ensemble works, Ann Sweeten's new album Grey Sky and Bittersweet has it all. Great music for us dreamers."
NewAgeReporter.com - R. J. Lannan

"'Classically trained pianist Ann Sweeten has an ear for nuanced melody and a tremendous talent for bringing such magic to life,' says New Age Retailer. 'Exquisite piano playing…radiant bliss.' Grand pianist and composer Sweeten has been hearing kudos like this throughout her career, which now encompasses six albums, countless awards, and lots of touring..."
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Need - New England Entertainment Digest

"This is a beautiful recording that was inspired by a series of unfortunate events in Ann Sweeten’s life. She has captured her memories of those events, the beauty of nature, cherished pets, and her recuperation from breast cancer in such songs as "A Place In The Sun," "Castles In The Air," "Echoes," and "Ashes" among others..."
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Sounds of Timeless Jazz

"I remember reviewing Sapphire Days, and hoping that the next release by pianist Ann Sweeten would come soon. I am pleasantly surprised with her latest offering A Place in the Sun. Not only is it delightful fervent fare..."
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New Age Reporter.com

"This month marks a little variation from the usual band review that is done for Intrigue. I had the pleasure recently to speak with Ann Sweeten, a critically acclaimed pianist, composer, producer and recording artist from Massachusetts ..."
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Intrigue Magazine/Sunset Media

"I first listened to this album without reading anything about the composer/performer. I always do this, to see what resonates within my inner self. I want no filters between what my ears hear, what my mind perceives, and what my soul appreciates. The music was soothing, relaxing, calming. I could imagine receiving a lovely massage to the refrains. I could also imagine using the music as a wonderful backdrop to a period of meditation. I could just sense the reverence in the notes..."
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www.spirit-works.net

"This is pianist and keyboard player Ann Sweeten’s sixth release and her winning streak remains intact as a place in the sun is yet another quality offering from this artist. What makes the recording especially noteworthy..."
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Wind and Wire, KFAI-FM

"Ann Sweeten is an extremely talented woman in the music industry. Not just a musician, but a composer, arranger and producer, Ann is a pianist whose abilities are unrivalled. Technical composition, only to be expected from a background in classical, is blended with originality and passion, delivering pianist perfection."
Linear Reflections

"Ann Sweeten is the proud author of a beautiful album titled Sapphire Days. The talented pianist offers up a 'bakers dozen' of instrumental, musical poetry from her heart. Check out gems for the heart and mind from environmentally related cuts as, Walking With the Wind, the haunting Thin Ice, the all encompassing Canopy of Stars…Outstanding album!"
Boston Post-Gazette

"Ann Sweeten's Sapphire Days is quite simply one of the most graceful and quietly soothing albums I've heard."
Solo Piano Publications

"Very much on the beam new age piano work, this set is well-textured and engrossing throughout making Sweeten a sure bet to be one of those left-field sensations everyone thinks came out of nowhere. A winning adult music bet."
Midwest Record Recap

"Elegant, mellow grand piano music, accompanied by a synthesizer, bearing calm, joy, and a touch of sadness, flows from this CD and makes the heart grow calm. Classically trained and internationally celebrated musician, Sweeten doesn't intrude on her musical creations, except to be the channel through which they flow as they celebrate Earth, the sun that blesses it, and all her creatures. The music bears hints of the musical masters' phrasing in the music. I hear notes of Barber, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Brahms; seagulls over the water; a sparrow in the grass; her dog, Shazu, beside her, the sun on her shoulders. This CD is a blessing of sound."
The Phoenix

"If you haven't heard Ann Sweeten's music before, you are in for a treat because of her beautiful melodies and command of the grand piano."
Jazz News

"Sweeten's music is as intense and passionate as it is reflective and relaxing. Solid technique and a penchant for emotion."
Sound of Timeless Jazz

"If you're inclined to just kick back and take in some beautiful and relaxing keyboard compositions, Ms. Sweeten's CD is one of the best piano albums we've heard. You can very clearly hear that she's been classically trained, but her playing style is relaxed enough to convey freedom from convention... You can't call this music 'Jazz', nor can you pigeonhole it as 'New Age'... because it's purely/simply 'Ann'. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for any/all listeners who need something that affirms how much beautiful music, and the mem'ries it can bring, can mean to keeping us all civilized."
Improvization Nation

"Sapphire Days, Ann Sweeten's newest title, continues her tradition of releasing deeply peaceful piano-based instrumentals. As a composer, arranger, and producer as well as an inimitable pianist, Sweeten crafts contemporary melodies that soothe frayed nerves as they heal the spirit. In addition to her sublime work on the piano, Sweeten adds a delicious layer of synthesizers to several tracks. An exceptional choice for gentle movement, yoga, meditation, massage...Sapphire Days is a wonderful gift for the heart."
Sedona - Journal of Emergence!

"Over the course of four previous releases, Ann Sweeten has crafted a signature sound. From the first time I heard her music, I realized she had a certain way of composing evocative piano music and using her synthesizers to color the music with enough texture to add just the right amount of drama and feeling. It's a rare talent. Sweeten uses her consummate skill in balancing the acoustic and the electronic. For comparison's sake I'd draw a similarity to Danny Wright of a long time ago when he displayed the same ability to blend piano and keyboards in an equally impressive way. However, at this point in time, it is Sweeten who sits at the top of the hill when it comes to this subgenre of gentle new age music."
Wind and Wire

"Above all else, Ann Sweeten is a passionate human being. She just happens to have an exquisite talent to speak her world experiences through her piano compositions."
Phenomenews

"This is a gorgeous listen…lovely instrumental piano."
Collected Sounds - A Guide to Women in Music

"Very melodic album…the style is almost 'old school' classical….exceptional…"
Musicwatch

"This is beautiful contemporary instrumental piano. Her last non-seasonal recording went to Number 3 on the national New Age Voice airplay chart meaning it was one of the most-played albums of modern instrumental music in North America. Ann is quickly becoming the equal of popular pianists such as George Winston, Suzanne Ciani, David Lanz….With songs inspired by animals and different aspects of nature, Sapphire Days has melodies that quickly sound familiar as they reach out and affect the listener in a primal and earthy manner."
The Crystal Tower Magazine

"A brilliant pianist, Ann's music will make you rich in seeing things that you didn't see before. It makes you look inside yourself and reach for your inner child."
Muzik Reviewz.com

"Her heartfelt piano expertise pays tribute to working in harmony with nature. For a relaxing, yet fulfilling experience, listen to this CD."
Accent on Tampa Bay: Music Tracks

"Ann Sweeten is ripe with emotion throughout this recording and every note is played to perfection, effortlessly enlightening the listener. Each song is a jewel unto itself and I am so honored to have shared this CD with you."
Planet Lightworker.com

"From the cover artwork to the music inside, this is one of the most relaxing, soothing, and enjoyable piano albums I have ever laid ears on. The music is beautiful in every way with its soft wispy bellows of sound and stirs of emotions. Sapphire Days has a classical piano touch that is smooth, soft and enlightening. An excellent album.."
Space Junkies Magazine

"Sapphire Days is an opportunity to slow down and to enjoy the beauty in life. It is a call to just be. Immediately upon hearing the delicate notes I could feel a Higher Power within each song. It is hypnotically intoxicating. Sweeten is a gifted and anointed spirit to be sure. I highly recommend the contemporary songs of Sapphire Days to those who love the piano, those who need peace of mind, and to those who are moved by musical genius."
Spirit-Works

"Sapphire Days is pure musical poetry, falling softly on the ear and gently on the soul. Classically trained pianist Ann Sweeten has created an album whose melodies blend magical nuances of passion and serenity to bring the majesty of nature to life. My experience was one of soul renewal as I melted into the magnificent beauty of these heartfelt solo piano compositions. This CD is truly a treasure. I could listen forever."
The Light Connection

"Sweeten brings an air of sensitivity to the classical piano, and she really captures the sense of Sapphire Days in this CD. Perfect for romantic evenings or for bringing cheer to your day."
Creations

"Classically trained contemporary instrumental pianist, composer, arranger and producer, Ann has a lot of talent. This is outdoors music played with eloquence and gentle sophistication very close to the heart."
Neo-Zine

"Perfect for the romantic evening or even if you're just alone wishing for one; some very beautiful chording and orchestration… a lot of it reminds one of the old classic movie days, 'here's looking at you, kid,' that sort of thing."
Ragged Blade

"Ann is quickly becoming one of the most popular new pianists around, much in the same vein as George Winston and Michael Jones."
Rama Ribbit

"Sapphire Days is both inspiring and life-giving."
Past and Present

"Ann Sweeten aims for your heart and hits the target! Magic abounds…"
Entertainment News

"Classically trained pianist Ann Sweeten has an ear for nuanced melody and a tremendous talent for bringing such magic to life. Sweeten has a gentle, subtle touch on the piano, and she also is a master of the synthesizer and sampled sounds. Exquisite piano playing.. Reflections is pure poetry on the piano. Customers looking for a sublime, piano-based contemporary-instrumental album can be pointed toward the radiant bliss of Reflections"
New Age Retailer

"Passage is a lovely album...and the overall effect is like sinking into a featherbed of music."
Wellness Magazine - Music for Massage

"Ann's work is emotional. Intense passion...a fulfilling listening experience. Gentle and moving."
Songwriter's Monthly

"One soothing and beautiful song after another. Ann has a solid command of technique and rich melodic sensibility. She aims for your heart, and hits the mark every time."
Wind and Wire

"A soothing musical gem of original compositions, Prism warms the senses...Instrumental majesty...sparkles with tranquility."
Metronome Magazine

"A mesmerizing collection of New Age compositions."
North Shore Magazine

"Sweeten captures the music that is alive in the world and shows the gentler, purer side that we don't always hear, nor always look for. The stories she plays tell volumes. This music is perfect to listen to when you want to wind down after a hard day, or as background music for meditating. The plenitude of emotion she displays will enlighten you."
Music Scene

"If you've yet to discover the sounds of Ann Sweeten, hop on her bandwagon of fans now because this is one artist poised for national fame."
Salem Pioneer

"Pianist Ann Sweeten composes gentle mood music. The titles as well as the music itself are reflective and relaxing. If the piano, by its very motion and harmony represents the human spirit, then the synths must represent Nature. Clouds form and move on, water trickles downstream, the wind blows gently across the meadow, and wildflowers sway with the breeze."
L.A. Jazz Scene

"After playing Passage a number of times, I am still struck by the sheer magnificence of Sweeten's compositions. Sweeten maintains her musical integrity with touching compositions that bring a deep sense of peace to those who really listen - exceptionally lovely music."
New Age Retailer

"Prism delivers...carries you into the clouds."
Salem Pioneer

"Tender, heartfelt solo piano compositions reminiscent of George Winston...Through her delicate fingering, the listener finds a gentle respite from the stresses of a busy day in this musical sanctuary that provides the blessed gifts of relaxation and peace. So lower the lighting and drift slowly and gracefully through these melancholy remembrances of the "Passage" from fear to love. Recommended for lovers of solo piano music"
Omega New Age Directory

"A proficient pianist, she exposes pieces of her heart and soul for the world to share in...make sure you've got a dry hanky close by."
Metronome Magazine