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Valerie Mih, Meridians
Valerie Mih is an artist who likes to take her work to another level. As a piano player, Mih is blending styles such as: classical, jazz and ambient. This pianist’s objective is to literally heal people through her music. The powerful force of healing is dear to Valerie and she wants the listeners to have their own enlightening experiences. Meridians will take you on a wonderful journey full of bright ambience, atmospheric elements along with a sense of mystery and wonder.

Growing up in Pullman, Washington, Mih is a student of Buddhist meditation, Qi gong and Reiki. Energy of the mind, body and spirit are incorporated into these practices in which meditation is a key factor. This meditative state of mind is quite evident on Meridians due to the tranquil space Mih conveys on this record. Besides music, Valerie Mih is also an accomplished animator and filmmaker and has interest in holistic therapies as well.

What is being portrayed on this album is simply a world full of soothing soundscapes that puts the listener in a state of relaxation. Mih’s goal is to put each and every person at peace of mind by leaving all their worries/problems at the door. Slip on the CD, push play and enter CHILL MODE now. THE ANSWER: To have the most enjoyable, stress-free and soothing experience while eliminating all distractions.

The opening track invites you into Mih’s peaceful world of melodies by way of her piano and accordion accompaniment. The piano is played with such power and emotion to where the notes seem to pour out effortlessly. The overall effect of “Meridians” is that feeling of being let loose and escaping reality. “Little One” offers a light and somber quality while “Interwoven” plays off a sense of anticipation of what’s to come; very on-edge to almost frantic-like. And then on “Autumn”, you actually can picture fall and leaves falling by the way Valerie hits those keys.

Tremendous PLAYING, terrific ARRANGEMENTS and tranquil ENVIRONMENT are all distinctive qualities of this colorful piece of work. Music, Art and Meditation all wrapped up into one neat little package called Meridians. For more on Valerie Mih and her latest creation, SKOPE out www.myspace.com/valeriemih.

By Jimmy Rae for SKOPE.com - Valerie

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"Meridians," the debut CD from pianist Valerie Mih, will almost surely earn her recognition as one of the rising stars of contemporary piano music. In a genre marked by many albums that, while artistically worthy, start to all sound somewhat the same, hers is a unique “voice,” not just for the occasional inclusion of the nontraditional accordion, but also for her unconventional yet accessible way with melodies. Mih’s technique is masterful, rich with nuance and delicate shading regardless of a song’s tempo. Even when the music is fast-paced, it is colored with sepia-toned texture, making this a particularly emotive and fulfilling listening experience.
From Music Matters, Inspired Retailer Magazine
- Valerie

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I'll be traveling to New York in early April to give a special one-time-only concert of my original jazz-ambient-classical compositions at the Ico Gallery. The Ico Gallery features a beautiful 9-foot Steiwnay concert grand piano and exceptional acoustics in its concrete post-industrial space. I'm looking forward to taking the audience on an incredible sonic journey at this show!

When: April 3, 2009 from 7:30-8:30pm
Where: Ico Gallery, 27 North Moore Street, New York, NY 10013
Tickets: $15 in advance; $20 at the door. Plus, receive a complimentary copy of the CD "Meridians" when you purchase tickets in advance - a $15 value!
To read more about the show and order advance tickets, click here. - Valerie

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"Meridians" has just received a wonderful review by Bill Binkelman, a veteran music reviewer of ambient, new age and world music. My favorite quote from his review:

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.

When I read that, I thought to myself, my job is done as a musician ;)

Here's the full review --

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 on selected songs, 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. On the emotional resonance scale, I'd place the CD somewhere between "reflective" and "moody" with occasional bouts of energy tied to less cheerful emotions. The quick tempo on Flowing conveys the titular reference of water coursing over a river bed, but couched in minor key notes, especially in the lower register. Little One has a playful element to it, but once again with a notably less "happy" subtext. Interwoven, yet another "fast" piece, carries a strong classical influence, featuring delicate interplay between a repeated circular refrain and passionate soloing, with Mih displaying exceptional technique at her piano's upper register. She avoids sounding shrill which many other artists fall victim to when they reach this high. The textural synths in the background lend a layer of gravitas and a cinematic feel. The effect of all these components on the track is of one being in a hurry, racing against time toward some goal, either literally or figuratively, and feeling sorely pressed by some possible consequence.

Things slow down considerably on the impressionistic/minimalist piece Saturn's Rings which again features accordion, this time in a sparser and less specifically evocative fashion, instead fleshing out the piano indirectly. Bass synth beats are dropped in here and there, another nice touch that! Autumn has Mih going to the piano's lower register for dramatic "oomph" while the track's main "melody" (which sometimes hints at dissonance in a pleasant way) is carried by her middle and upper register playing. Wordless vocals and accordion are once again part of the picture on the closing Circular Dreaming, a great closing number that balances warm beauty with gentle melancholy all within a moderately slow time signature.

I'd like to make a comparative statement about Valerie Mih for the sake of readers who need such a thing, i.e. "her music sounds like so-and-so" but Mih is an original, presenting a fresh and unique (but always inviting) musical vision on Meridians. 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.

- Bill Binkelman
Link to review - Valerie

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An icon of the San Francisco Bay Area jazz community passed away on Dec. 12, 2008 at the age of 79: multi-instrumentalist William B. Lawsha, better known as Prince Lasha. Over the last several years, I was blessed with the opportunity to know and create music with Prince through Eddie Gale's band and workshops. Prince was a true original, with more verve, wit and humor than most people in their 20's and 30's. His musical energy was on a completely different plane than limiting concepts like aging.

At his memorial service, which was packed with musicians, family and friends, I learned more about Prince's life. I would like to share his story as it was written by Prince himself:

...A True Story

I was born in 1929 in Forth Worth, Texas and went to school with Ornette Coleman. We started playing saxophone in a school band (which also produced great names like Charles Moffett and King Curtis) and started our own group in 1947. We worked with Harold Land and Red Connors before going our separate ways.

I have lived in New York, Oakland, Germany, Italy and France where I have had the honor and privilege to perform with many of the greats. Sonny Simmons and I worked together for 6 years; Cecil Taylor, Eric Dolphy, John Coltrane, and Sonny Rollins and I recorded together - in fact I wrote "Music Matador" that Dolphy made famous.

Ornette and I are still friends and we perform together whenever we can. Although some say I was too traditional for free music and too free for traditional music, jazz was very good to me for most of my career.

The 1980s and 1990s weren't so kind, however, and I had to redirect my efforts to make a living. Then in the early 2000s, due to a resurgence of interest in my music, I have had incredible opportunities open up to me.

In France late last year, I was granted new instruments: a beautiful new Selmer dearly beloved baritone and a soprano. With the blessing of these new instruments and my dental work made possible by Jazz foundations, I am now able to pursue music again full time. In 2006, I performed at the Blue Note with Odean Pope and Nine Saxophone Choir. That gig included guest saxophonist Joe Lovano, Michael Brecker, James Carter, and myself. During the years that I wasn't doing too well, I wasn't able to keep up the dental work that I needed. Now I had these opportunities, but I needed my teeth fixed in order to play.

Thanks to the Jazz Foundation of America (JFA) and its assistance, I was able to get started with the work I needed. JFA referred me to the California Jazz Foundation, which made a payment to my dentist, allowing me to continue to the work. I don't know what I would have done without the assistance of these two organizations.

Since then, I have traveled to France, and with the blessing of these new instruments and my dental work from the Jazz Foundations, I am now able to pursue music again full time. I am currently releasing a new CD on my own label, Birdseye Records, called Baritone Madness. It features Woody Shaw, Ron Carter, Odean Pope and Eddie Gale.

Forever grateful,
William B. (Prince Lasha) Lawsha

As you mentioned above, Prince was involved in a revival of his music at the time of his passing. I invite you to hear Prince's music and read more of his story by clicking on the links below. And most of all, be inspired to celebrate life like Prince did!

- Recordings by Prince Lasha
- An interview with Prince Lasha (All About Jazz)
- The Jazz Foundation - Valerie

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Link to Acoustic Music Review
Meridians - Valerie Mih
Available from iTunes.

A review written for the Folk and Acoustic Music Exchange by Mark S. Tucker (progdawg@hotmail.com)

One of my favorite introspective keyboard CDs is Philip Glass' Solo Piano, and the opening to Valerie Mih's Meridians immediately brought that to mind, crossed with Mark Egan's more thoughtful work and a bit of Lyle Mays' background washes and tones for Pat Metheny. Mih favors serial patterns atop gestural matrices that prefer subtly enhancing the declensions, minor keys, and general pensive wistfulness of each cut. Her work is, in fact, a perfect midground between what New Age should be, modern chamber recital, and ambient.

Imbued with far more spirit than, say, Tim Story's output, cleaving closer to Wim Wenders' marvelous explorations in similar vein, Mih demonstrates a maturity in her work that requires discretion and an airily sculptural sense of nuance, especially in pieces like Interwoven with its latticed structure and polyrhythms progressing amid peripheral ornamentalia stretching portions of the composition into almost covertly intriguing territory. Certainly, the level of temperament and free-flowing sensuality ace Suzanne Ciani, Liz Story, and the women who could never shake all that overt commerciality out of their tunesmithing.

The choice of occasional accordion is almost strange, especially in Saturn's Rings, like Ennio Morricone meets Eleni Karaindrou with a smidge of Astor Piazzola in his cups. The instrument broadens Meridians palette appreciably, endowing a more ECM-ish flavor to the collection. The predominant vibe, though, is meditative, and the closing cut, Circular Dreaming is almost like a denouement into the kind of sparse end-of-Fall feel that Ralph Towner hit with Oregon every so often. - Valerie

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Link to WildysWorld Review
Valerie Mih - Meridians
2008, Circular Dreaming

Valerie Mih is a musician's musician. The Pullman, Washington native spends time on both coasts; well known in both the San Francisco and New York City scenes as a solo performer, ensemble player, classical and jazz pianist, and practitioner of the healing arts. Mih blends elements of classical, jazz and new age into a musical tapestry that is part story and part dream. Her second album, Meridians, mixes four solo piano pieces with five multi-textured sound experiments to provide an ambient space for musical enjoyment, relaxation and perhaps even healing. With a virtuoso reputation and influences as diverse as Brian Eno, McCoy Tyner, Steve Reich, Monk and John Coltrane, you know it's got to be at least interesting.

I've heard a ton of CDs that fall into the new age/easy listening category that purport to be healing or instructive in some way, and it's the rare disk that doesn't disqualify its own claims. Valerie Mih's Meridians hasn't proved its healing qualities, but does nothing in the course of its thirty-nine minutes to make you think otherwise. What's most striking about Mih's music is the sense of movement. Classical-style piano pieces that are ambient in nature give the feel of the push and pull you might find on a body of water. This is not musical drifting in the sense of purely ambient fluff, but more like the deep and mystifying currents running beneath a wide river. There is no inertial violence here, just the relentlessly obstinate pull of the current.

Mih tells stories in the course of this flow, although they are perhaps too subliminal to be heard by the ear. Meridians is refreshing the way a good swim is on a hot day. Themes come and go throughout the album but do not crash about. New ideas seem to suggest themselves into your consciousness before they arrive. Highlights include Little One, Saturn's Rings, Flow and Interwoven.

Valerie Mih creates some magic on Meridians. The music flows like time flows around us. Never pushing too hard but always pushing, pulling and cajoling us to where we need to be. Valerie Mih provides us with a Master Class in the ability of a classical/new age musician with a tendency toward ambience can still find art and nuance and beauty within the subtle fabric of her song.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)
You can learn more about Valerie Mih at http://www.circulardreaming.com/. You can purchase a copy of Meridians at www.cdbaby.com/cd/valeriemih. - Valerie

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Celebrating the release of her new album "Meridians," pianist/composer Valerie Mih brings a brilliant mix of modern jazz, electronic ambience and jam band improv to the stage. Her trio features Eric Marshall on bass and Andre Custodio on drums, with Valerie on piano, keyboard, voice and accordion, and special guest Alex Yeung on electric guitar and jazz legend Eddie Gale on trumpet.

A glowing album review in NeuFutur Magazine states that "Valerie Mih does not need anything in the way of vocals to tell a narrative, ensuring that listeners are taken for a journey...The types of genres and styles that Mih approaches during this CD is impressive. Make it a point to pick up Meridians, see her at any places that she may be performing, and get in on the ground floor."

Anna's Jazz Island is a beautiful jazz club in downtown Berkeley, located at 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA 94704. It is an all-ages venue. Cover is only $10, no drink minimum. Tickets are not required; dinner reservations are optional and can be made by calling 510-841-5299. - Valerie

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Link to NeuFutur Review
Oct. 11, 2008

Valerie Mih - Meridians

The titular track starts off Meridians, and despite the fact that the piano is the key element to the track, the addition of atmospheric elements to the track is what makes the composition into something spectacular. Mih does not need anything in the way of vocals to tell a narrative, ensuring that listeners are taken for a journey throughout each of Meridians 9 tracks. The types of genres and styles that Mih approaches during this CD is impressive, moving from atmospheric to a Tori Amos meets Ani DiFranco type of approach within the space of two tracks.

The more complex arrangements that are presented to listeners during "Flow" further expands the range of Meridians; rather than have any idea where Mih will go in the tracks to follow, listeners have to wonder where exactly Mih will take them. It is this sense of whimsy and wonder that fuels Meridians with the energy that it needs to keep listeners focused in on this disc. "Saturn’s Rings" is a slower, more deliberate track than anything that had previously been heard on Meridians. It is this slow and deliberate style that sets the track as a diametric opposite to "Flow". Despite the differences that the two tracks may have, there is a common thread that unites the two songs (and by extension, the entirety of tracks on Meridians: for the nine cuts here, there is a complexity that requires listeners to focus into Meridians and dissect the disc.

"Autumn" really acts as the uniting track between the poles of slow and deliberate and quick and intense: with this track, the two distinct styles previously heard during Meridians come forth and play, interacting with each other in a track that is perhaps the best on the disc. Mih may have debuted last year with her Sacred Sound, but the compositions that are commonplace on Meridians sound as if they were composed by someone that has been releasing albums for decades. There is a tremendous amount of possibility for Mih in the years to come, and I believe that she has shown listeners a brilliant glimpse of what is to come through the whole of "Meridians". Make it a point to pick up Meridians, see Mih at any places that she may be performing, and get in on the ground floor.

Top Tracks: Sacred Sound, Circular Dreaming
Rating: 8.1/10

Valerie Mih - Meridians / 2008 Self / 9 Tracks / Available for download on iTunes - Valerie

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Search for "Valerie Mih" to locate the Meridians album.
About the new album:

Skillfully blending her longtime passion for the healing arts with her dynamic background as a classically trained pianist and progressive jazz performer, Valerie Mih invites listeners on a fascinating inward journey with her latest independent recording "Meridians" - a richer expression of the personal musical voice she introduced to the world on her 2007 debut, "Sacred Sound".

The new collection balances four hypnotic solo piano pieces with five multi-textured, soundscape-rich tracks (featuring voice, accordion, keyboard and mixing effects) that reflect her Brian Eno-like ability to use the recording studio as an instrument in itself.

Chris Cortez, host of Midday Jazz on San Mateo, California's 91.1 FM KCSM, says of her mesmerizing music,

"Valerie has the ability to take you on a sojourn to a far away and peaceful place in your mind with her wistful and thoughtful compositions. This music will transport you from the daily doldrums of life."

From the dreamy and haunting opening title track to the lush and beautiful meditation "Flow" and the subtle impressionism of "Saturn's Rings," Meridians is enriched by Valerie's many experiences in the world of healing. Studying Buddhist meditation, Insight Bodywork, chi gong and Reiki have given her opportunities to develop a deeper awareness of breath (which she often uses as an ambient texture), mental states and energy flows.

Through these studies she realized that music, like nature, can be an incredible force for healing.

"Meridians is a very personal album for me and taps into my desire to take listeners on a subtle, meditative inward journey," says Valerie. "My ultimate goal is to pull listeners into a different mental state, then bring them back to the present moment. It's about giving them an opportunity to mentally release any negativity in their day or their lives. Instrumentally I'm trying to achieve certain moods and feelings...the Meridians album flows back and forth from a very rich textural soundscape to the direct intimacy of solo piano."


"I use jazz harmonies throughout, often transposing them into a modern classical context - I'm deeply influenced by impressionism and minimalism. I also draw on my free jazz experience to explore many improvisations. For example, the piece 'Sacred Sound' is fully improvised within a five note mode. I usually utilize a compositional approach to improvising, so that the improvisational sections of the pieces integrate seamlessly with the composed sections."

"Saturn's Rings" was inspired by imagining a trip out into the mystery of the cosmos, while "Flow" is all about easing us into a trancelike state and the complex "Interwoven" conveys the multiple layers of human interconnectedness.

In recent years, Valerie has become a fixture on the San Francisco music scene, leading her own group Circular Dreaming (which combines live performance with ambient projected visuals) and collaborating with a wide range of popular musicians.

She does everything from performing live silent film soundtracks with Mark Izu to accompanying the hardcore punk group Say Bok Gwai and appearing regularly as the keyboardist for the Eddie Gale Band. She has performed at a wide variety of music festivals and venues, including the Vision Festival (NY), San Jose Jazz Festival, Bach Dynamite Society (Half Moon Bay), Sista's Place (NY), Zebulon Cafe Concert (NY), Afrikan Poetry Theater (NY), An die Musik (Baltimore), Club Jazz Nouveau (SF), The Luggage Store (SF), Community Music Center (SF), 21 Grand (Oakland) and Yoshi's Jazz Club (Oakland).

Meridians is now available for download on iTunes and Amazon! Search for "Valerie MIh" to find it. If you prefer physical CDs, they will be available through CDBaby.com soon!


- Valerie