“From The Depths” by Soul Improvisations (Devorah Maho Lewin)
Album Review by New Age CD and New Age Notes Radio Staff
“From the Depths” is Devorah Maho Lewin’s debut album and is a sequential musical experience of heartfelt solo piano which guides the listener gracefully through various stages and emotions as embodied in Psalm 130: “From the depths I called you. . .”
This is a double album, available as a physical CD as well as digitally. Each of the 10 compositions (5 tracks on each CD), reflect Devorah’s deepest emotions and the profound cries of her soul to “G-d” during specific life experiences.
Devorah is a talented pianist, composer, athlete, lawyer, and single mother of three. In 2023, after working for 17 years as a lawyer, she stepped down from her position due to her declining medical condition. Between the years 2022 to 2024, she received 5 surgeries, which led her ultimately to the space of beginning to build a new life that focused on her childhood love of the piano and composing.
The titles of each piece in the album convey not only some aspects of the composition’s mood, but also of Devorah’s overall personality and beliefs. The specific order of tracks in the album takes the listener on a journey to personal growth, healing, and transformation.
The album opens with the 11:26 track, “Keep Hope.” Soft, gentle, and flowing, the song reminds us to remain optimistic no matter what challenges we are facing. There is always a glimmer of hope. Melodic and structured, while at the same time being improvisational, this is a nice lead-in to the “journey.” Very enjoyable.
Following is “Be Still in Divine Power,” which is equally as soft and gentle evolving into a wonderful and tranquil melody. Here, we are invited to that place within us that summons us to our inner perseverance and alignment with the bigger picture and “all that is.” This is 5 minutes of true serenity.
Sometimes all we have is just one little flicker of light amidst a huge cavern of seemingly surrounding darkness. “Just a Little Light” perfectly depicts this scenario. One aspect of this, and all the pieces on the album, is their gentle flowing ambiance, which effortlessly lead us to a place of peace. And there, we have illumination. This is truly lovely.
“Love from the Heights” represents an expression of divine love that is limitless, infinite, and continuously present. It is a reminder of the ever-present guidance, signs, and loving gifts we receive from the Divine along our personal journeys. This is a favorite on this album. The gentle, melodic flow is truly scintillating and ultra-relaxing.
When we go forth on our life journey in quietness and confidence and allow ourselves to be simply guided by Spirit instead of getting in our own way, we allow ourselves to discover a deep sense of calmness, stability, and confidence. “In Quietness and Confidence” embodies this approach to our life journey. The music is quiet and contemplative, relaxing and peaceful to the soul.
The 2nd CD begins with track #6, “Waking Up To Wonders, Modeh Ani.” “Moden Ani” is a Hebrew phrase that means “I give thanks,” and is the opening of a daily Jewish morning prayer, acknowledging God for returning the soul to the body after sleep. This is gratitude for the gift of a new day and the music sets a positive and mindful tone for the day ahead. The piece is reverent and quietly joyful. Very beautiful.
Next, we have the 14-minute track, “Spring Rebirth.” The music easily communicates a sense of elegance and grace, and a letting go of what has passed. Here we are invited to do just that and welcome in all that is new and alive with a sense of openness, optimism, and hope. This is a flowing “soul improvisation” that elicits images of pretty flower petals opening, butterflies soaring, and the earliest green shoots of the magical spring season poking up through the soil.
“Variations in Loving Memory” is a tribute to remembrance and passion of “G-d’s” love. The opening theme and following variations unfold lovingly like chapters in a story. Very nice chord progressions here and the piece is emotionally evocative.
A contemplative reflection upon the passage of time, “Reflections on 39 Years” is composed of melodic motifs that invite us to look back as well as forward with gratitude on our journey of life.
This most beautiful solo piano album – one of the most gorgeous you will ever hear – which is a quite satisfying 1 hour and 21 minutes of quintessential peace that speaks directly to the soul, closes out with “The Liberation.” Here we are met with an ultimate sense of both inner and outer peace, encouraging us to live life to the fullest and pursue our dreams. What could be better? You will want to get the whole thing.
Official artist website: https://www.soulimprovisations.com
