For the Beauty of the Earth
Hymns & Spirituals for Solo Jazz Piano, Vol. III

Solo Piano Publications, June 28, 2005
"For the Beauty of the Earth" is the third volume in Bradley Sowash's trilogy of solo piano jazz arrangements of hymns and spirituals. There are ten new tracks and four bonus tracks of previously re-leased songs from other albums. Sowash has a real gift for taking these mostly-familiar church tunes and giving them new life, keeping the melodies intact, but changing rhythms, adding improvisational passages, and infusing them with pure spiritual joy. An extraordinary pianist, Sowash's technique, skills, and heart allow him to freely express himself in many different styles and genres, making him one of the best "piano guys" out there.

"Glory, Glory Hallelujah" has an infectious boogie woogie beat and dances right out of the CD player. "For the Beauty of the Earth" begins traditionally, and then Sowash improvises on the theme, allowing the music to go where it will, with the melody weaving in and out - a really nice arrangement! "Shall We Gather By the River" is darker and more introspective - also very effective. "Just As I Am/ Sanctus" is given a bluesy treatment that really works. "This Little Light of Mine" was a surprise. This is possibly the most improvised of the pieces on the album. I have always thought of this as a children's hymn, and this arrangement has a much more "seasoned" flavor that I really like. "Go Down Moses" is dark, rhythmic, and also very improvised - my favorite track. Other titles include "Doxology," "Amazing Grace," "America," and "By and By."

This is obviously not a standard collection of "pretty" hymns played on the piano. These arrangements are bold and very personal musical statements by someone who knows and understands the piano and the music inside out. I love all three volumes in this series, and kind of hate to see it end. Highly recommended!

ChristianityToday.com (April 05) by Russ Breimeier
Ohio's Bradley Sowash is familiar to PBS viewers as a regular guest on "The Piano Guy," as well as NPR listeners who have heard his recordings regularly played on "Morning Edition." A composer, educator, and acclaimed pianist, Sowash has toured concert halls and churches alike for more than twenty years. He's recorded six instrumental albums, but this is his third disc of hymns and spirituals for jazz piano in the last four years—and reportedly his final, since it completes a trilogy. Those who enjoyed Chris Rice's Living Room Sessions albums will love this. Sowash's technique incorporates more jazz, which makes it a more lively experience suitable for active or passing listening. Sowash gives a boogie-woogie feel to "Glory, Glory Hallelujah" while gliding through some bluesy runs in the title track and "Go Down Moses." Other highlights include a breezy, bouncy take on "This Little Light of Mine" and a playfully varied "Doxology." Sowash goes the extra mile by offering more than a pretty collection of hymn arrangements. He remains true to the familiar melodies, yet infuses them with personality for an artistically refreshing worship experience.

Bradley Sowash has dedicated part of his career to playing religious music in a jazz context. For the Beauty of the Earth is the third in a series of solo piano readings of religious music, and many of these tunes, like “Doxology” and “This Little Light of Mine” will be familiar even to casual churchgoers. Sowash doesn’t wander too far off from the melody of any of these tunes, but this is as it should be—he isn’t using this music as a jumping off point, but rather a chamber filled with endless new ideas. Triumphant hymns become introspective washes with floating chords and stolid, reverent songs of praise get a kick of stride. He reworks the melodies slightly, adding new melodic ideas to these old hymns, played with a lovely, crystalline texture reminiscent of George Winston with a little more swing.

As wonderful as it is, this recording would sound out of place as background music at a dinner party. Instead, this is a Sunday morning CD, much more welcome with a cup of coffee than a glass of wine. Sowash designs his music to be part of the religious fabric, and in the end whether or not you like this recording depends on your interest in music with this in mind. He intends his playing to be inwardly fulfilling for himself as well as spiritually rewarding for the listener, but at the very least he accomplishes what many jazz musicians set out to do: take familiar songs and rework them into a pleasant listening experience.

All About Jazz (May 05) By Mark Sabbatini
If there’s a prototypical album for Starbucks to play on Sunday mornings, this is it. Whether that’s a good or bad thing will ultimately shape opinions about Bradley Sowash’s For The Beauty Of The Earth. He performs the fourteen solo piano hymns and spirituals well with a sprinkling of personal accents and a lively contemporary sound, but little overall departure from the actual compositions. It is, essentially, a gifted lounge pianist taking his Saturday evening gig to church the next morning.

Sowash, an Ohio concert pianist and music teacher, describes his music as “somewhere on the musical spectrum between Ellington's playfulness and Beethoven's romanticism.” The final release in a trio of solo spiritual collections is promoted as having “a decidedly personal feel” and features four songs at the end from previous albums.

All of the songs are well-known and immediately recognizable, with Sowash dressing melodies up with embellishments and flourishes of varying styles. The common theme is a dramatic left hand with a more free-spirited right one. He gives a heavy boogie-woogie bass to “Glory, Glory Hallelujah” and a pounding blues beat to “Go Down Moses.” “This Little Light Of Mine” has a playful rolling quality in both the bass and melody lines. “Shall We Gather By The River” possesses a slow and slightly bluesy mournfulness, while “Doxology” has something of a New Age quality that might easily be mistaken for a Dave Grusin soundtrack score.

There’s little doubt this album will resonate with the audience Sowash appears to be aiming for: casual listeners seeking a pleasant if unchallenging background of spirituals. It is hardly an accomplishment of musical innovation but, having chosen his mission, he fulfills it with a sincere touch.

JazzReview.com (April 04)
The latest release by pianist Bradley Sowash is difficult to pigeonhole but very easy to listen to. Sowash is an Ohio based pianist, composer, educator and motivational speaker. His particular brand of jazz draws heavily on classical and sacred music. With several CDs to his credit, this album is the second disk dedicated to hymns, spirituals and anthems.

Jazz fans who purchased Steal Away by Hank Jones & Charlie Haden will love the new Bradley Sowash album. He combines the playfulness of Vince Guaraldi and the joyfulness of Don Shirley in his interpretation of these classic songs. This writer especially enjoyed Samuel Webbe and Thomas Moore’s beautiful Come Ye Disconsolate penned about a century ago. Slight echoes of boogie show up on Down By The Riverside.

Bradley Sowash appears regularly with his Jazz Worship Service at churches throughout Ohio and Indiana. Reverend R. Cameron Miller wrote the delightful "tongue-in-cheek" liner notes that imply that God is an improviser.

When Saints Go Marching is good jazz that goes beyond religious affiliations. The album rocks! - Richard Bourcier

Cross Rhythms (Mar/Apr 04) United Kingdom
Highest Rating - 10 for Indispensable
Man this dude can play! A pianist from Worthington, Ohio, sits in front of a nine foot Bosendorfer grand and lets it rip on a selection of hymns and spirituals. Such is Bradley’s breathtaking technique, at times resembling the delicate cadences of an Art Tatum, at other moments the bluesy touch of a Ramsey Lewis, that I was enthralled throughout. Bradley says he wanted "to tap into the capability of solo jazz piano to conjure up the full range of emotions." From the joyful stride-style romp of "Down By The Riverside" to the wistful calm of "My Shepherd Will Supply My Need" the effect is breathtaking. REAL jazz rather than the pop variety. - Tony Cummings

Solo Piano Publications (Feb. 04)
“When The Saints Go Marching In” is Bradley Sowash’s follow-up to 2001’s “We Gather Together.” Aptly subtitled “Hymns & Spirituals for Solo Jazz Piano,” Sowash combines traditional gospel and jazz stylings with his own contemporary flavor, creating a collection that is fun, inspiring, and uplifting. A pianist with impeccable chops, Sowash’s playing always sounds effortless and spontaneous. Some of the tracks really cook, like “Down By the Riverside” and the title track. Others are more reflective (“Come Ye Disconsolate,” “America,” “Beach Spring,” “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need”), and some are bluesy (“He Never Said a Mumblin’ Word,” “Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho,” and the medley of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot/ Michael Row the Boat Ashore”). “Jesu, Jesu” doesn’t really fit any of those categories, but has a beautiful, swirling effect that is full of joy and life. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all of Bradley Sowash’s albums, but this one may be my favorite. “When the Saints Go Marching In” is strong and exciting from start to finish. Even the cover art and liner notes are exceptionally good. Highly recommended! Great stuff! - Kathy Parsons

CBA Marketplace (Jan. 04)
In his follow-up to the highly regarded We Gather Together, pianist Bradley Sowash once again offers jazzy takes on hymns and spirituals. This instrumental piano solo collection includes familiar tunes such as "Down by the Riverside"; a medley of "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" and "Michael, Row the Boat Ashore"; and a lively version of "Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho."

Take a second and imagine a soundtrack for a fictional Charlie Brown special on church-music history. Got it? That’s what this CD sounds like. When Saints Go Marching is a project for jazz fans and lovers of piano music. Those who know the spirituals and hymns will enjoy a new twist on old favorites, but even music fans who aren’t familiar with the tunes will appreciate Sowash’s expressive playing and innovative arrangements. – Steve Parolini

When Saints Go Marching
Hymns & Spirituals for Solo Jazz Piano, Vol. II

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GOSPELflava.com (Jan. 04)
"Bradley Sowash takes his solo jazz piano into the world of hymns and spirituals on his latest project, When Saints Go Marching In. With his warm, invigorating style and free-style arrangements, Sowash embeds the familiar tunes of these church melodies and weaves them into a fabric of improvisation. His rendition of "Down By The Riverside" begins the album, and moves into a medley he titles "Swing Low, Michael Row". Also included are jazzed takes on the Easter spiritual, "He Never Said A Mumblin’ Word" and favorites such as "Come Ye Disconsolate" and "When Saints Go Marching In".

This work of piano alone comes alive with some creative sound engineering from Tom Boyer, who places microphones in strategic parts of the instrument, and in so doing, carries the vibe and feel experienced by the performer, directly to the listener."

ChristianRockersOnline.com (Dec. 03)
"...The first clue that this is going to be a different sounding release is found in the CD's cover art. You will find a picture of nuns and monks dancing on piano keys. Bradley uses a 9 foot Bosendorfer Grand Piano on this release and he manages to pull all sort of little nuance sounds out of it that add to the final sound. The songs are spiritual yet playful. The songs range from peaceful and soothing to upbeat and rousing in tempo. My favorite cut is the first track, "Down By The Riverside" which is done in a very upbeat almost honky-tonk sound. If you're looking for a CD filled with good piano music you should find this one to your liking." - C.W.Ross

Kay3Music.com (Feb. 04)
An inspiring piece of work!!! Upon receiving this project, I was immediately taken by the apparent care with which the packaging had been laid out and pressed. I was then impressed by the care which was taken during the recording as well. The biography that had been sent to me indicated that this was a jazz project. My honest expectations were piano solos laid over drum tracks and a generic smooth jazz background. Wrong! This is simple, pure, unadulterated jazz piano. Or should I say jazz praise!! There are no distractions, no questions, no wondering, no lyrical perplexities and no extra fluff. However, there is plenty of fun, joy and foot tapping. Bradley's fingers are dancing and if you close your eyes, you can see Bradley in front of you intensely working out the keys in front of him. He is smiling, his eyes are closed and he is simply enjoying the presence of God.

On this project, Bradley brings out tunes such as Down By The Riverside, Come Ye Disconsolate, Joshua Fought The Battle of Jericho, and even the patriotic, America. If you are not into straight jazz, then you may not dig this project as it is pretty straightforward. However, if you love jazz, then this is pure. This is definitely for your collection. Pop it in, listen and praise with Bradley Sowash.

Christian Living (June 2002)
I must admit that "solo piano" conjures up "Lorie Line plays Andrew Lloyd Weber’ images. Thankfully, this album is more tasteful. Hymn selection didn’t hurt: with this cache of classic it would be hard to go wrong "Amazing Grace, " "Jesus Loves me," etc.) Sowash’s arrangements are creative and sometimes downright funky, but always manageable. He strays off the beaten path for a chorus or verse, but soon returns to a recognizable melody. "Wade in the Water" works particularly well, with its ambivalence for whether it belongs in a seedy bar or church sanctuary. The spiritual "Deep River" also deserves mention for its virtuostic arrangement that gives a whole new shine to this standard. Bottomline: Your favorite hymn gets its groove on. – Sarah Kehrberg

CBA Marketplace, (Christian Booksellers Association trade magazine) June 2002
Let’s make this short and sweet: People who like jazz piano and enjoy classic hymns and spirituals will absolutely love this all-instrumental CD. With excellent technique and finger-perfect playing, Bradley Sowash paints a jazzman’s version of songs such as "Amazing Grace," "Poor Wayfaring Stranger," and even "Kum Bah Yah." It’s no small accomplishment that Sowash finds a way to breathe new life into such familiar tunes---but through inspiration and improvisation, he does. His interpretation even gives the hymns "There Is a Balm in Gilead" new life. Sometimes soothing, sometimes invigorating, We Gather Together is a unique, adventurous and uplifting CD. – Steve Parolini

Sojourners Magazine New and Noteworthy, Jan/Feb 2002
Grace Notes
Unsettling times call for soothing music. Jazz pianist Bradley Sowash’s We Gather Together plays—in a much different groove—14 classic hymns and spirituals, including "Amazing Grace," "Wade in the Water," "The River is Wide," and "There is a Balm in Gilead." Blue notes, alternative harmonies, and new improvisations make for powerful reinterpretations of familiar songs. - Molly Marsh

Solo Piano Publications, January 2002
Bradley Sowash is quite simply one of the best pianists on the contemporary scene. It is impossible to pigeon-hole him into one category, as his style continues to evolve and grow, making each of his recordings a unique experience. "We Gather Together" is a fascinating collection of jazz arrangements and improvisations on some of the best-loved hymns and spirituals of all time. Sowash’s solo piano is so strong and expressive that he commands an entire orchestra, choir, and congregation with his ten fingers and eighty-eight keys! His arrangements are extremely personal, and yet communicate universally. Many of the arrangements include traditional gospel styles as part of the "theme and variations", and others are a bit "smoother". The addition of the history of many of the hymns as well as Sowash’s personal experiences in putting this album together make reading the liner notes richly satisfying, adding even more dimension to the work as a whole.

The collection opens with "Amazing Grace", probably the best-known and best-loved American hymn of all time. Sowash gives it both sacred and secular treatments. "Wade in the Water" is a real treat and one of my favorites. With ragtime and stride elements, this is a toe-tapper! "Jesus Loves Me" was a real surprise. A favorite childhood Sunday School song, I never would have imagined that the sweet, simple little melody could become such a complex jazz tune! Great fun! I wasn’t familiar with "Deep River", but this arrangement is evocative and funky at the same time. Dark and earthy with lots of deep bass notes and chords, this is another favorite. "There Is a Balm in Gilead" takes a somewhat quieter approach, and builds momentum as it develops. All fourteen tracks are excellent, and give a showcase to Sowash’s broad range of styles while keeping a cohesive theme. I give "We Gather Together" both thumbs up and am including it in my "Best of 2001" list. Very highly recommended! - Kathy Parsons

Acoustic Rainbow 10/301
If I only could use one word to describe [We Gather Together], it would be contrast. The music is sacred but the interpretation of the work is very secular. The hymns’ melodies are very simple musical ideas, but the arrangements are very complex. The songs are traditional but because the arrangements are new and adventurous they sound like original composition. It really is a great piece of work. – Bryan Klausing

We Gather Together
Hymns & Spirituals for Solo Jazz Piano, Vol. I

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Jazzreview.com December, 2001
Bradley Sowash is a jazz pianist who knows how to make the jazz come to life in hymns and spirituals for solo jazz piano performance! WE GATHER TOGETHER showcases the many styles and jazz interpretations of Sowash as he performs his innovative arrangements of 14 spiritual standards. Among these gems of musical expression are "Amazing Grace," "Wade in the Water," "Bringing in the Sheaves," "Jesus Loves Me," "Poor Wayfaring Stranger," "Deep River," "What A Friend We Have In Jesus," among other songs.

When a jazz pianist as good as Bradley Sowash puts his imaginative touch to these songs, it is a genuine sharing experience with the audience, and one to be remembered. His playing is flawless, and his piano techniques are varied and creative as readily seen in "There Is A Balm in Gilead," and "The River Is Wide."

Sowash is a master of stride piano and reveals his talent for this complex piano style in "Wade in the Water." His stride style is topnotch.

WE GATHER TOGETHER is that rare item --- good production values, good sound, matched with a pianist with an excellent touch who knows that every note is important. Bradley Sowash shares his jazz visions with the audience in a memorable collection. This is one of the finest jazz performances ever recorded of the spiritual, "Bringing in the Sheaves."

WE GATHER TOGETHER is excellent in all aspects. WE GATHER TOGETHER is a 14 song collection that audiences will want to own and enjoy often.

If you are looking for an entertaining, enjoyable gift for a friend, give that friend a copy of WE GATHER TOGETHER. Bradley Sowash's WE GATHER TOGETHER is a classic, straight-ahead jazz collection, filled with musical insights and joy.

Reviewed by: Lee Prosser

NAPRA Review, Jan/Feb 2002
Remember how Schroeder used to bounce up and down while playing his little 8-key for Lucy in the Peanuts comics? Well, in this unsettlingly beautiful collection of revamped hymns and spirituals, Sowash gives the same sort of impression – that he just loves what he’s doing. But as can be, this is not the sort of hallelujah that you find in a Baptist tent revival. No, this is slow praise, more anticipatory in nature. The highs and lows make themselves known quite subtly with rhythm and key changes that breathe new life into songs everybody knows. Sowash does his own arranging, and the recording is nothing short of pure pleasure. It’s not exactly sing-along material, but neither is it so innocuous that it fades easily into the background. – Holly Nichols

The Other Paper, Columbus’s News & Entertainment Weekly; October 4 – 10, 2001
You are forgiven if high-concept screw-ball metal doesn’t do it for you just at the moment—perhaps you need something more soothing, more spiritual, more… serene. If so, seek out We Gather Together, a compendium of jazz piano hymns and spirituals banged out by fleet-fingered Worthington pianist Bradley Sowash.
The disc is unabashedly religious (Jesus Love Me and What a Friend We Have in Jesus both get robust workouts) and quite technically adept—Sowash blows through Amazing Grace and Kum Bah Yah with equal ardor, and his showy take on O Come O Come Emmanuel is (it must be said) bitchin’.

Catholic Music Network.com While we are talking about pure instrumentals, take a listen to solo jazz pianist, Bradley Sowash.   The name may be familiar if you like listening to Public Radio, as they interviewed him. The CD We Gather Together is a collection of old Christian Hymns. I bought this for my mother, honestly, and she loves it!  She kept looking at the songs and saying, "My mother used to sing this song in church. I had forgotten about it." Old songs like "Jesus Loves Me,"   "The River is Wide," and "Wade In the Water," are some that many may remember singing.  Bradley brings these songs into the 21st century in a classical jazz style. The entire CD is just him and his classic piano. Talk about ambient music!  If you enjoy jazz piano or classic music, I recommend this CD." December 2001

Morehouse Publishing, March 2001
Critically acclaimed composer and performer Bradley Sowash blends contemporary jazz with classical stylings in these spirited solo piano pieces. Fast-paced, lyrical selections in which Sowash beautifully captures the pleasure of life’s most intense moments.

Wind and Wire, March 1999
A jubilant third CD from one of the most dynamic pianists around, In The Moment exudes optimism without any trace of sugarcoating. There are bittersweet moments, but there is always a sense of contentment and of moving forward. The title cut opens the CD with an exuberant run down the piano keyboard and a joyful development. Off to a great start! Far and Near is nostalgic and touching in its sweetness and simplicity. Burying Home starts with a slow, gentle melody as well as occasional cascades of broken chords, and evolves into a wistful but rhythmic Taps; I’d love to know the story behind this one! Noodle Soup is a lazy, bluesy improvisation. Domaine Nouveau opens with a kind of questioning feeling that I think most of us sense when moving to a new home, but evolves into a jazzy, gospel romp - everything is going to be fine here! Steps to the Soul and Out the Window are more introspective. Ash Cave is mysterious and more abstract. This is obviously a wonderful mixed bag of piano solos, and Bradley Sowash has mentioned that he’s been advised to make his recordings more homogenous and in one mood. I, for one, am glad he continues to rebel against this commercial formula. A very multi-faceted artist, I love seeing the many pianistic sides of Bradley’s music, and hope he’ll continue to follow his muse in any way he sees fit! A great, meaty CD! - Kathy Parsons

In The Moment

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New Age Retailer, Sept. 99
Bradley Sowash bills himself as "the thinking man's pianist," and with the elegant, lyrical compositions he composes and performs, I can see why. Given the rich tapestry of emotions he weaves during the course of In The Moment, though, he's certainly a lot more than that. I've been following Sowash's career for several years now, and I can attest to his growing maturity as a composer and performer. His uncompromising integrity as an artist shines through on each track, making In The Moment one of the best solo piano albums of 1999. "Steps to the Soul" combines heart-stopping technical virtuosity with melodic hooks. "Out the Window" also showcases Sowash's mastery of the ivories while creating a lively sense of play. Even with the abundance of solo piano music available, I strongly encourage you to give In The Moment a careful listen. It's that good. - Steve Ryals

Bittersweet

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Omega New Age Directory
"14 original piano compositions that tug the heartstrings with fond remembrances of home and hearth are offered in this solo piano release from Bradley Sowash. Whether displaying the intricate fingering of George Winston or chording reminiscent of John Boswell, Bradley presents each composition with a great depth of emotion and technical mastery, creating sentimental soundscapes of warmth and beauty that are highly recommended to all lovers of solo piano music."

New Age Voice
"These lyrical piano inventions by Bradley Sowash are , indeed, bittersweet. The melodies seem familiar enough to make you lean back trustingly--but just as you do, Sowash pull out some brilliant touch that pulls you to the edge of your seat. On his Bosendorfer grand, Sowash can afford to be brash ("Thirty-Three"), and even the tenderist moments of the title cut have a strength that will not let you go. Sowash covers a lot of emotional territory: funky on "Red Ball Jets," moody and dour on "Pinky's Dream," trampolinic on "Summers Last Song," last-call-blues on "Bijou," and poignant on "Blackberry Winter." The album is not so over-produced that the sense of live performer is lost. Try a few cuts; you'll probably stay for the whole album. - Carol Wright

spirit of change magazine
An artist's voice in the context of solo instrumental performance can be unique as that of any singer. So it is with Bittersweet, where pianist Bradley Sowash performs 14 songs in the 3 - 5 minute range that deserve to be called "songs" as opposed to mere musical tracks. Each has a distincitive melody and lyrical spirit capable of accompaniment by any singer. Sowash's playing is sweet and lightly sentimental, with some jazz swing poking through from time to time. Overall a very warm and agreeable presentation. - John Collinge

Here's a review of "Bittersweet" we never knew about until recently discovering it on the internet (external link).

New Age Retailer
I reviewed Sowash's previous album, Out West, back in 1994. A terrifically talented composer and piano player, Sowash has eschewed the ensemble setting of Out West to gift us with a superb solo effort. The 14 tracks on Bittersweet comprise over an hour of music, giving us ample opportunity to sit back and enjoy this gifted artist. The album's title derives from Sowash's experience of raising his two daughters. The sweetness of having such lovely children is tempered by the knowledge that they grow up so fast, and then they're gone to live of their own. I'm sure all of us who are parents have experienced similar emotions, and that makes the sublime poignancy of Sowash's compositions all the more irresistable. For lovers of contemporary solo piano, Bittersweet is sure to become a favorite. - Steve Ryals, October 1997.

Creations
"I found this beautiful solo piano CD absolutely delightful! The 14 pieces are interesting and intelligent. Sowash really captures a certain realism in these compositions. Upbeat and bittersweet! I didn't want it to end." - Christina Lord

Aquarius
Bradley Sowash's solo piano style on Bittersweet is influenced by Oscar Peterson, Lyle Mays and Keith Jarrett, among others, resulting in a strong jazz presence in his improvisations on themes of maturing into adulthood. "Summer's Last Song" sounds a lot like the familiar piano refrain they use between breaks on National Public Radio's newscasts. He wistfully recalls "Red Ball Jets," the pre-superstar gym shoes, the simple pleasures of "Blackberry Winter" and Clean Air," while another cut pays homage to the flight of the ill-fated "Daedalus" before ending strongly with "Take It On Faith." - Dan Liss (Georgia)

The Edge (Twin Cities)
"Bittersweet captures a range of emotons that make it easy listening like the retelling of a favorite family story. - Mary Sturgis

The Monthly Aspectarian (Chicago)
"With its invitingly homey cover art and contemplative mood, this solo piano album makes excellent seasonal listening. Similar to George Winston's style, Sowash's unaccompanied performances enable him to spontaneously incorporate a wide variety of timely influences; the result is sweetly conversational, like the shared memories of a dear friend over a piping hot cup of tea. You can almost hear the fireplace crackle as Sowash instrumentally elaborates a tale of Blackberry Winter" or waxes nostalgic over "Red Ball Jets." But what sets this album apart from the pack is its superb sound quality; close your eyes and you could swear that Bradley's playing the ivories just behind your chair. Enjoy this private concert whenever you want to cherish memories of home." - PJ Birosik

Awareness Magazine, (San Diego)
"Sowash has magic fingers that roam freely on the keys, a freedom that is a genuine conveyance of love. It is this love that makes "Bittersweet"endearing and true to its intention, very impressive indeed." - Chuck Diliberto

Sound Mind
"...a thoughtful vehicle for the compositions, many of which might find themselves getting quite some airplay, especially late at night, if radio stations pick up on this infectious and happy album. ...a truly warm and friendly album, well played, well composed, well produced, and no doubt well liked." - Jim Cornall

Heartsong Review
"This music has body, and is laden with skillful, fast, intricate chops. The piano is almost always driving, fingers flying, the lucid beauty of the chordal structure teeming with the muscular stamina of the beat... Powerful and entertaining." - Don St. Clair

The Edge
"Without being heavy-handed, the music flows from one passage to the next in an exceptionally pleasing manner, making this recording very accessible to the non-jazz aficionado." - John Hutter

This Week
"It [Out West] reflects his total musical personality, combining classical, jazz, improvisation, folk and other musical influences in a highly personal and impressive musical expression." - Fritz the Nite Owl

New Age Retailer
"Bradley plays piano, and plays it admirably, on all twelve cuts of OUT WEST... Bradley combines jazz and light contemporary sounds in a thoroughly agreeable album. Reccommended." - Steve Ryals

The Guardian
"The music of Columbus pianist Bradley Sowash's OUT WEST needs no title. It easily and vividly evokes the West in music." - Curtis Schieber

New Age Retailer
"A noteworthy debut, this recording finds talented pianist/composer Sowash backed by acoustic bass and drums in a triptych of environmentally grounded music... Through a marriage of contemporary jazz and classical stylings, the speed and force of river rapids is breathlessly presented in White Water, while Painted Desert accurately evokes the solitude and timeless beauty of the Southwest." - PJ Birosik

Out West is available on Cassette and CD

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