Michael Samson - Pianist and Composer

THE MUSIC OF MICHAEL SAMSON

“Hauntingly beautiful, imaginative, cinematic, emotive and relaxing. These are just a few of the words that come to mind when describing the music of Michael Samson. His music will reach deep into your soul, expressing the inexpressible...”

Embodying raw emotion and passion, Michael Samson’s music communicates thoughts, feelings and stories that delve deep into the soul of each listener. His music is truly an expression of his inner-self, but it remains remarkably accessible to the individual listener. This music is in a word, emotive; drawing forth a myriad of ideas, feelings and imagery. Michael’s music becomes “your” music, and in that way the experience is truly unique for each person.

Born in August of 1979 and raised on New York’s Long Island, Michael Samson’s love for music began at a very early age. Some of his first musical influences came from movie soundtracks of the 1980’s, such as “The NeverEnding Story” (music by “Klaus Doldinger”) and “Willow” (music by “James Horner”); which he connected with on a deep emotional level. Michael’s love for the cinema continued throughout his youth and into adulthood, providing a continuous source of musical inspiration. Many of the great film composers like “John Williams”, “James Horner”, “Ennio Morricone”, “Jerry Goldsmith” and “Michael Nyman”, remain as Michael’s favorite and most influential artists. As a New York native, there were many trips to the famous Broadway theatre scene, the music of which made a considerable impact upon the youth. Michael experienced many of his thoughts and ideas along with music, and internalizing his emotions musically became a natural ability.

In the third grade Michael decided to join his school’s orchestra and took up the viola (“the closest instrument to the human voice”) as his first instrument. Throughout his school years, Michael’s involvement in music increased exponentially; eventually involving his participation in the high school choir, chamber singers, vocal jazz ensemble, chamber orchestra and his continued participation playing the viola for the school orchestra. Privileged to be a part of an extraordinarily strong school music program, there is no doubt that these formative years instilled in Michael a great overall respect and love for music. To this day he cites his early teachers and musical experiences in school as the number one reason why he chose to become a composer.

Being constantly surrounded by other musicians, it wasn’t long before Michael began to admire the piano, and those who could play it well. When he was approximately ten years old, Michael began teaching himself to play the piano completely “by ear”, meaning that he taught himself to play without the aid of sheet music and using only his natural ability to play the instrument. Private lessons quickly followed, at which point Michael impressed his new teacher by walking into his first piano lesson already playing quite well. Encouraged by his natural abilities, Michael’s teacher decided to teach a more advanced regimen and to instill a love for the classics (“Beethoven”, “Debussy”, “Chopin” & “Satie”), while still allowing Michael to pursue and play more popular music forms. Practice routines often included an eclectic mix of classical, contemporary instrumental, jazz, blues, rock and pop music. His supportive parents purchased him a baby grand “Kawai” piano for practice and learning. Michael continued with his private piano lessons for six more years, until finally graduating high school.

In the early 1990’s Michael was fortunate enough to discover a group of pioneering artists whom would ultimately pave the way to his path in contemporary instrumental music. Those artists were none other than “Yanni”, “Enya”, “Suzanne Ciani” and “David Lanz”. Many of these artists he discovered through printed music catalogs which were very popular in those days, including the “BMG”, “Narada” and “Windham Hill Records” catalogs. It was a chance encounter however, with Yanni’s now famous “Live at the Acropolis” concert which originally aired over “PBS” that had the greatest impact and influence. Michael said, “By the time I first heard Yanni, I was already listening to many other contemporary instrumentalists, but no other artist made such a powerful impact upon me as Yanni did. If I had to choose any true ‘influence’ on my own music today, well, Yanni would definitely be it!”

Speaking further about his musical influences and inspirations Michael said, “Behind every aspiring musician, artist and talent is a profound love for the craft they now call their own. No artist exists in a vacuum, and I know had it not been for a true love of music and the countless artists that have come before me; that I would not be able to call myself a pianist and composer today. The music I was exposed to while growing up… in the movies, on the radio, at the theatre, on compact discs and cassette tapes, at school, by my teachers, my friends and family; I owe my love of music and my success as a musician to these influential people and artists.”

In the fall of 1997 Michael attended college at the “University of Maryland at College Park”. He had been accepted into a special arts program, the “College Park Scholars”, where he both lived with and learned besides other gifted artists and musicians. The first steps in Michael’s journey into music composition took place in his freshman year dorm, where there was a “Steinway” grand piano sitting down in the basement. In “midnight sessions” sitting alone at that piano, Michael began to experiment with writing and arranging original music. His first original solo piano composition, entitled “Imzadi” (meaning “Beloved”), was a haunting and bitter-sweet contemporary sounding ballade. Encouraged by the success of that piece, Michael continued on to write more music, eventually creating another five compositions by the end of 1999. He self-published a demo album entitled “Light in the Darkness” that same year on the Maryland campus, which was received very positively by both students and faculty. An article by the University of Maryland newspaper aptly headlined “Move Over, Yanni”, painted an accurate portrait of the ambitious and eager fledgling composer.

Over the next few years Michael continued to work slowly and steadily on his music, while simultaneously pursuing a career in web development and graphic design. With strong interests in both science and technology, he applied this to his music by building a home-based music studio and by starting to learn the basic principles and methodologies of music production. By the year 2005 what had began as a modest six-track demo had now turned into a fully realized album of twelve original solo piano compositions. This album, entitled “Until Tomorrow Comes” (from a self-quote, “Only thoughts of the good times we shared, until tomorrow comes...”), represented all of Michael’s earliest writings from 1997 through the year 2005. This album, presented literally in the order he wrote the songs, chronicled Michael’s long journey into the world of music composition. The decision was made to ultimately produce the album professionally and to publish it worldwide, but not before it became evident this would be a double release. By the year 2008 Michael had already composed another twelve pieces, which were to become his second album, entitled “A Still Motion”. This album was a more ambitious work of art that musically and philosophically explored what he called “The Big Paradox”, a hidden world beneath the surface of everyday life where you can discover meaningful movement and rhythms, the beauty in opposites and contradictions, and often-unrecognized connections between people.

With two albums of music composed and ready-to-go, an ambitious and daunting effort began in early 2008 to record, produce and manufacture both of these albums simultaneously. Already an established entrepreneur and independent business owner, Michael wanted to apply his varied skills in web development, graphic design and internet publishing to his music. He formed a private record label and production company named “Still Motion Productions” to publish, distribute and market his music under. Michael then teamed up with numerous talented people in the music and recording industry to help produce, design and manufacture his two albums. Of particular note are his extremely high-quality CD packages, which contain a beautiful montage of scenic photography at historic locations (such as the national historic site “Hoboken Terminal” in Hoboken, NJ) and self-penned poetry for each individual song; all meant to create a cohesive visual and artistic experience to enhance, accompany and bring greater meaning to the music. Michael also worked with an industry veteran to transcribe and engrave impeccable sheet music for all his songs, and to publish fully illustrated sheet music books with the same beautiful artwork seen inside his albums. During the same time frame Michael also put his background in web development to work, by assembling a small team to design and develop his official website, now located at www.MichaelSamson.com.

After nearly two years of intense and dedicated work, Michael realized his lifelong goal of publishing his music professionally for the world to hear. In August of 2009 he made his professional debut with the double release of “Until Tomorrow Comes” and “A Still Motion”, coupled with the grand opening of MichaelSamson.com. Soon thereafter a major marketing and publicity campaign was launched to get the word out to critics, radio programmers and the public alike. In September of 2009, after only one month following his debut, Michael’s second album “A Still Motion” entered the international radio airplay charts (“Zone Music Reporter / ZMR”) for the contemporary instrumental and new age genres in the #9 spot. This was truly a remarkable achievement both for a solo piano album and for a relatively new artist. By October of that year “A Still Motion” had climbed to the #6 spot worldwide, and then remained in the Top 100 chart for a consecutive six months afterwards. Michael’s music was a clear favorite among radio programmers and critics, and received high praise from many ends of the music industry.

In the fall and winter months of 2009 Michael embarked on his first live tour, performing at a variety of smaller venues. Michael’s passionate and intense performances earned the admiration and loyalty of many new fans and followers. Throughout the 2010 year Michael Samson’s music had spread throughout most parts of the world, and was receiving a wonderfully positive response. Many of Michael’s new fans wrote in personally to thank him for the music and to speak of how it had inspired them. Energized by all the positive feedback and momentum of his new music career, Michael continued onwards writing new music and dedicated himself fully to the completion of his next solo piano album, entitled “Rapture”; which he had began working on in early 2009. In a two year long writing process Michael had reached a new level of sophistication with his music, achieving an unprecedented balance of both artistry and technique. Conceptually “Rapture” is a more introspective work, attempting to reach the listener on a more spiritual and personal level. The album attempts to capture the very essence of an emotion or state of being, and is therefore more primal and direct in the way that it communicates with the listener.

Speaking about his writing process Michael said, “When I write music, it is a process of introspective exploration and self-discovery. In some ways it can seem as if the music is writing itself. I think that as I write, the music speaks to me, and I simply speak back. It’s much like a conversation that helps me to explore what I may be feeling at that particular moment in time. As the music takes shape, new feelings emerge, ideas surface, and a personal journey beings to develop.”

In a relatively short amount of time Michael Samson has achieved a great many things and certainly has much to be proud of. But for a true artist like this, these achievements mark only the beginning of what is to be a life-long journey and exploration of music. Michael is driven beyond most other artists to continue the act of creation and to inspire through the “universal language” of music. There is no doubt that Michael Samson’s music shall continue to evolve and grow with time; and for those of us willing to journey with him, there lies a path to self-discovery and introspective exploration that can only be found within great music.

To learn more about the inspirations and influences behind Michael Samson’s music...

Please visit the “Michael’s Favorite Music” page at: www.MichaelSamson.com/Michaels_Favorite_Music.php

To learn more about Michael Samson’s albums and releases...

Please visit the Official Press Site at: www.SoloPianoMusician.com

• Until Tomorrow Comes

• Instrumental, New Age
• Michael Samson
• 01/01/2005
• 

Liner Notes:

ABOUT THE ALBUM:

The story of Until Tomorrow Comes goes beyond a story of simply creating an album. These songs are my very first compositions for the piano. In many ways they are a window into my soul. This music represents a special time in my life and the realization of a dream, a dream turned reality. And so this album holds a very special place in my heart, that words cannot describe.

When I look back on the long journey of creating this album, I realize that it all began long before I even started writing music… in the time of my childhood. In my youth I can recall “living in melody”, experiencing beautiful music in my mind. Much of that music I had heard in the cinema. That music inspired me, and I think that perhaps I enjoyed it more than the films themselves. To this day much of my favorite music was written for the big screen.

Throughout my life I have been fortunate to have been surrounded by people willing to nurture my love of music. My parents, my family, my teachers and my friends all have contributed a part to what this album truly is. This album is really a metaphor of my life, of my love for music and for the piano, and of my need to create something that will have a life of its own.

Until Tomorrow Comes had very humble beginnings. I began writing the music that became this album back in the fall of 1997, during my freshman year of college. In those early years I would retreat to the basement of my freshman dorm where there was a grand piano. I would play that piano, in solitude, for hours on end and late into the night. Rather than joining any musical groups, I had decided to pursue music on my own terms. It was in those private and personal journeys that this album found life.

In the spring of 1999, with the help of a close friend, I recorded my first six compositions in the basement of my former piano teacher. Those six songs became a demo album entitled Light in the Darkness, and make up half of the compositions in this album. Light in the Darkness quickly found favor on my college campus, and all of the positive feedback was very inspiring. The success of my demo compelled me to continue writing music, but it wasn’t until six more years had passed that Until Tomorrow Comes took shape.

The songs of this album span all of my writing from the years 1997 through 2005. When I listen to these songs today, I can remember exactly where I was in my life at the time I wrote them. It is as if each song represents a moment of my life, frozen forever in time. For that reason I decided to leave the songs in their original order on this album, in the order that I composed them. Therefore, as you listen to this album, what you are really listening to is my personal story told in music.

The title of this album was inspired by something I once said to my wife, “Only thoughts of the good times we shared, until tomorrow comes…” It means to look no further then tomorrow and to keep hope and joy in your heart, even when times are tough. I knew this was the perfect way to represent my first album, as ultimately that is what this music is, a life statement… looking towards tomorrow.

As you listen to this music, I hope that it will become your music and your story. I hope that it will live on through each of you, in your hearts and mind; just as the music of my childhood lived within me.

Michael Samson
October 2005

1. Imzadi
2. Hope's Legacy
3. My Dream
4. Distant Shores
5. Rising Sun
6. Light In the Darkness
7. Eclipse the Night
8. The Dolphin
9. Epiphany
10. Quest for Midnight
11. October Beckons
12. Until Tomorrow Comes

• A Still Motion

• Instrumental, New Age
• Michael Samson
• 01/01/2008
• 

Liner Notes:

ABOUT THE ALBUM:

Three years ago following the completion of my debut album Until Tomorrow Comes, I set out on a new journey to write what would ultimately become A Still Motion. At the time I started writing this album, I had no idea of the many events that would be witnessed in my life during its creation. These past three years have seen times both good and bad, filled with transitions, new beginnings and periods of growth. I have always believed that my music is a reflection of my inner self and a snapshot of my life at a particular moment in time. If that is true, then this album is also one of changing times and new ideas. It is indeed “a still motion”, my life as it was these past years and the story of how it has evolved.

This album means a great many things to me. It is an artistic statement on many levels. As a composer and a pianist, I have always felt the need to push myself, to continuously improve my writing and playing abilities. A Still Motion is in many ways an album of self discovery and innovation. Each time I set out to write a new song, I wanted to create something different than I ever had before. I worked very hard to develop new playing techniques, compositional structures and melodic phrases. In essence I was literally reinventing myself with each new composition I wrote. I can remember the excitement I felt as I broke new ground in each song. Yet through all of these innovations, I also made sure to create an album that related well to itself, that would make sense as a cohesive body of work.

Whenever I compose music, I am usually trying to tell a story. For me the process begins purely in musical ideas, based in the aesthetics of melody and the emotional content of its sound; rather than in ideas of narrative. As I write, the music generates feelings within me. With those feelings more specific ideas begin to take shape, further influencing the writing process. In most instances the story itself does not fully surface until the song is near completion. I have always found it interesting to listen to what other people think of my music. I am almost always told that my songs evoke imagery, thoughts, feelings and ideas about people, places and events. It really is a wonderful thing to know that my music draws forth different ideas in different people. The music literally takes on its own life in that way, molding and shaping itself to the mind and heart of the listener.

The story of A Still Motion is one of paradox, contrast, transition and evolution. When I say this, I mean it both literally and figuratively. Musically I tried many new ideas to add a level of complexity and nuance to each song. For all the musicians out there, I experimented with combining different time signatures, I mixed both major and minor modes, I used interesting combinations of melody and countermelody; creating counterpoint and juxtaposition of opposing sections within the overall compositions. Using these many musical techniques I was able to create a new type of sound, opening up the door artistically to more profound thoughts and ideas.

Music is a language, perhaps the only true universal language. When you listen to A Still Motion, allow yourself to hear its many voices, its “words” if you will. This is a very philosophical album to me, as I hope it will be to you as well. Its ideas speak of the paradoxes in life, of the contrasting realities that define us and make the world such a beautiful place. It is also very much about how things change, about growing and evolving with time. When I look back on the creation of this album, it will always remind me of that process. I have grown as an artist, composer and as a person. This album is a tribute to that evolution, and is a body of work that I am proud to call my own. It is a great honor to now share this music with all of you, my family, friends and fans.

Michael Samson
November 2008

1. A Still Motion
2. Dream Not of Today
3. Beyond My Question
4. Echoes of the Stranger
5. Truth In Beauty
6. When Light Dances
7. The Edge of Forever
8. Where Ocean Meets Sky
9. Of Times Long Past
10. In the Music Box
11. After the Rain
12. Words Left Unspoken