Angels Among Us is a twelve-track solo piano album by Lisa Linsky. This isn't Lisa's first release, but it's a first for me and I'm really liking what I'm hearing (and feeling!). All twelve pieces on the album are original compositions and all are related to angels. I think Lisa's explanation of the theme is well-worth sharing:

"My journey began with my birth at Queen of Angels Hospital in the City of Angels. Both my grandmother and great grandmother were accomplished concert pianists, and shared their passion for the piano with me. Since I am mostly deaf, I love to communicate through my music. ANGELS AMONG US is dedicated to my children, who gifted me the studio time to record this album."

Warmth and positivity flow throughout this album, making it a wonderful choice for the upcoming holidays - and any time. (Some of us get a little tired of Christmas music, so I'm thinking this would make a great alternative in the coming weeks!) Lisa is obviously a very accomplished pianist, but it is the depth of her heartfelt music that will draw you in and make you want to keep listening.

Angels Among Us begins with the title track, a piece with several distinct themes woven together to tell a story. Some of those themes are bigger and more energetic while others are softer and gentler. It's fascinating to hear how well those changing themes work together so seamlessly! "Angels Dance" is a swirling and light-hearted expression of joy. Occasional cross-overs into the deep bass of the piano keep it from dancing all the way to the heavens! "Angels' Love" expresses tenderness and a comforting warmth as it moves up and down the piano keyboard. Feelings of effortless movement and grace flow throughout "Angels' Flight" - so easy and carefree! What would angels grow if they had a garden? Flowers? Fruits and vegetables? Trees? One of the beautiful things about instrumental music is that you can answer those kinds of questions any way you want. "Angels' Garden" is a joyful tune, so you know it's a very happy place and as you listen, you can decide what grows there and makes it beautiful. "Angels' Wish" is dreamy and flowing at the beginning and becomes livelier and more dance-like in the middle, ending back on the dreamy side. The title of "Angel Asrael" had me puzzled both because I didn't recognize the name "Asrael" and because the piece is so much darker than the rest of the album. One source gave "Angel Asrael" as another name for Satan, and another said Asrael or Azrael is the angel who separates the soul from the body at death. Both clearly indicate why this piece feels different from the others, and I love the passion and drama in the music. "Angels Calling" has several themes that tell different aspects of the story - all very compelling. "Angels' Glory" is a very dramatic piece, again with a variety of contrasting themes woven together to create an energetic, heart-racing close to the album.

Angels Among Us is available from Amazon, Apple Music/iTunes, and streaming sites including Bandcamp and Spotify. Check it out!