Dancing Between Worlds is a six-track EP by pianist/composer Lisa Swerdlow and is a mix of original piano solos and piano with orchestration. The music reflects on resiliency in the face of a devastating life event as well as a commitment to carrying on after the loss of a beloved life-partner. I have reviewed most of Lisa's recordings and am always very impressed with the music that pours from her heart as well as her fingers, and this album is no exception. Five of the tracks on the album were recorded and engineered at Piano Haven Studios by Joe Bongiorno with orchestrations created by Doug Hammer - both stellar artists in their own right! Lisa recorded and orchestrated the last track, "Carousel of Life," in her own studio. It's a beautiful album and has several tracks that have also been released as singles.

Dancing Between Worlds begins with "All Is Not Lost," a piece for piano and orchestra, and is a reflection on resiliency and a commitment to picking up the pieces of a life forever changed. Pensive, sad yet strong, and passionately heartfelt, it's a powerful start! "Beneath the Harvest Moon" is for piano and strings with passages that are duets for piano and cello (I love that pairing!). Dark and mournful at the beginning, the mood gradually brightens a bit and becomes a little more optimistic while expressing a profound loss. The title track was inspired by vivid dreams of a joyous reunion for Lisa and her wife. Fully orchestrated, some passages are very quiet and introspective while others almost explode with emotion. "Remembering You" is one of the two piano solos and is a tribute to Lisa's late wife. Soulful and often very gentle and tender, it's a favorite. "La Femme Sur Mer" is the second piano solo and is something of a soliloquy - completely honest and from the heart. I really like this one, too! The album closes on a more upbeat note with "Carousel of Life," a gentle reminder that the world keeps spinning and it is up to us to move forward even in the most challenging of times. Composed for piano and full orchestra, the feelings are bittersweet yet determined, moving ahead and healing as much as possible with the help of music and loving memories.

I have always found it sadly ironic that an artist's best work - in any genre or field - is often inspired by tragedy and painful loss. Music and any of the arts can be great healers for both the artist and those who encounter the art, and I feel sure that that is happening with the creation and release of this album!

Dancing Between Worlds is available from Amazon, Bandcamp, and Apple Music/iTunes as well as many streaming platforms including Spotify and Pandora. Highly recommended!