Photo of Valerie Mih

Valerie Mih

Valerie Mih Radio

General Info

  • Genre: Ambient / Classical / Jazz

    Location SAN FRANCISCO, California, Un

    Profile Views: 40401

    Last Login: 7/3/2011

    Member Since 9/4/2006

    Website facebook.com/valeriemihmusic

    Type of Label Unsigned

  • Bio

    "Meridians" is now available for download on iTunes and Amazon.com. Physical CDs may be ordered from http://www.cdbaby.com/valeriemih | About Meridians... This is pianist Valerie Mih's second release and, put simply, Meridians is one of the standout piano recordings of 2008. With how many CDs in that genre see the light of day yearly, that's a strong statement. Beyond her musical artistry, Mih also distinguishes herself by her interesting choice of accordion as one of the primary accompanying instruments, e.g. the opening title track. You probably can't imagine how an accordion can be integrated into a somber and slightly melancholic piano number and have it come across as not just appropriate but wholly unpretentious and not the least bit precious, yet Mih carries this feat off with ease. As the accordion is folded gently in over the piano refrain (as well as the artist's haunting wordless vocals and sparse application of synth bell tones), the overall evocation for me was of walking through Paris at night, a light mist falling, and my mind recalling what it was like to be in love the last time I visited there. Yeah, it's that strong a feeling for me. Throughout Meridians, Mih displays her affinity for her dual background in improvisational jazz as well as classical piano. This music is more complex than standard new age piano usually is, yet should still prove accessible for your "average fan." There is a rare depth, both an emotional underpinning and a richer aspect to the artist's actual talent and technique, at work here, regardless of the tone or mood of any particular track. For clarification's sake, I can state that her playing is more in the impressionist arena than it is a structured/new age "pop" approach, if that's any help. However, both her compositions themselves and her creative use of the other instruments present on the CD are what mark her as someone apart from the norm. She is definitely someone to pick up on if you want to hear one of the rising stars in this genre. Highly recommended. - Reviewed by Bill Binkelman on 1/7/2009 for New Age Reporter

  • Members

    Creative collaborators include: Eddie Gale (trumpeter/composer), Alex Yeung (guitarist), Andre Custodio (drummer), Marco Salsiccia (filmmaker/keyboardist), Dante James (drummer), Eric Marshall (bassist), Kristjan Bondesson (bassist), Bill Noertker (bassist), Carla Kaufman (bassist), Mark Izu (bassist), Carter Tomassi (film editor/photographer), Wallace Keller (illustrator/animation designer), Rizza San Agustin (photographer), among others.

  • Influences

  • Sounds Like

    Rain falling on a summer's day

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