Press Reviews

You’re in for a wonderful treat as the extremely talented artists, Tom Salvatori & Iris Litchfield, release their newest album, “Ever Ever On.” Salvatori, who plays the nylon string guitar, and Litchfield, who plays the grand piano, entice the listeners with their intense precision and magical melodies. The 1st CD contains songs scored for not only the guitar and piano but also an entire Chamber string ensemble with oboe and French horn. The 2nd CD is the same brilliant songs performed with their superb talents on either solo guitar or solo piano. “Cascade,” is a song that is dreamy and delicate as the stirring piano glides across the keys with luxurious style and grace. “Dark Round,” is a song that is somber in tonality as the guitar takes the delicate melody and plays with a serene passionate form. Another song, “Windmills of Time,” is bright and crisp as the sweet and tender strings surround the velvety piano in a moving and melodic fashion. If you’re a person who truly appreciates classical music with exquisite and elegant style, then the magnificent album, “Ever Ever On” is one you will thoroughly enjoy.

- Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team, 2010

 

TOM SALVATORI & IRIS LITCHFIELD

WHEN EVENING FALLS – AWARDS AND RECOGNITION:

When Evening Falls: Winner, Best Neo-Classical Album of the year, 2007 NAR Lifestyle Music Awards

When Evening Falls debuted at #2 on the Top 100 NAR radio play charts, September, 2007

Bill Binkelman (NAR) recommends When Evening Falls as a Best of 2007 pick

RJ Lannan (NAR) recommends When Evening Falls as a Top 10 Recording for 2007

Kathy Parsons (MainlyPiano.com) recommends When Evening Falls as a 2007 CD Favorites selection

Jelke Bethlehem, Time Trek radio program host (The Netherlands) recommends When Evening Falls as a Best of 2007 pick

Mark Jayne, Program Host, Night Breeze, KCCK Cedar Rapids, IA recommends When Evening Falls as a Top 10 CD of 2007 selection

 

TOM SALVATORI & IRIS LITCHFIELD

WHEN EVENING FALLS –  PRESS REVIEWS:

When Evening Falls…is a wonderful, dusky dream-filled album with fourteen tracks of pastoral and contemporary tunes that will inspire, relax and alleviate stress. Tom Salvatori and Iris Litchfield, both classical trained composers, have united on this contemporary album in the spirit of harmony in a figurative and literal sense. Tom is from Illinois and Iris is from Kent, England, but the miles could not separate the kindred spirits of these two gifted performers. Additionally, the music is far more mellifluous for the talents of cellist John Catchings who joins them on several cuts. When Evening Falls is pensive, relaxing music that is enjoyable at any hour. The mating of guitar and piano with an infrequent visit by the cello makes for several agreeable duos, while the solos are as welcome as are old friends. For a soothing interlude of warm, peaceful music, you cannot do much better than Tom Salvatori and Iris Litchfield.

-RJ Lannan, The Sounding Board, NAR, 2007

“When Evening Falls” is an utterly charming collection of original solos, duets, and other ensemble works by pianist Iris Litchfield and guitarist Tom Salvatori, often accompanied by cellist John Catchings. The cover artwork gives you a clue that you are beholding something exceptional, and you are. Iris Litchfield is a classically-trained pianist who recently began composing for the piano after retiring from teaching math in England. It is interesting to note that the demo tape she sent to Salvatori Productions was recorded on an upright piano with a squeaky pedal and a ceiling fan humming overhead. Tom heard something special in the music and worked hard to find a studio in Englandwith a good grand piano (a 1934 Steinway D) for Litchfield’s first studio recording. The final take of her music brought the grown men in the studio to tears, and it’s easy to hear why. The music is not overly complex, but is honest and heartfelt, with a slight touch of innocence – truly a fresh voice on the music scene. Litchfield has released CDs in Europe, but “WhenEveningFalls” is her first release in the US. Tom Salvatoriis also classically-trained, and his guitar pieces are equally moving, with their gentle, straightforward messages. Catchings adds just the right contrast to the piano and guitar, and brings a soulful quality that only comes from a masterfully-played cello. “When Evening Falls” will definitely be on my list of favorite CD’s for 2007!

A haunting piano solo called “Autumn Colors” opens the CD. Fall often evokes feelings of melancholy as nature prepares the world for winter. Those feelings are captured perfectly in this piece, and it wonderfully sets the tone for the album. Next is the first duet, “Sleepy Eyes Lullaby,” a soothing, caressing piece for guitar and cello. “Breath of Spring” is a quiet duet for piano and cello, full of hope and optimism. “Guitar Lament” is a gorgeous guitar solo that seems to tell a story. “Nature’s Serenade” is a sweet and graceful piece for all three musicians. Very simple and uncomplicated, it suggests warm sunshine and a gentle breeze – lovely! “Reflecting Absence” is a stunningly beautiful piece for guitar and cello. Comprised of several movements that range from slow and reflective to more impassioned and emotional, this seven-minute masterpiece is worth the price of the CD alone. (I can’t imagine that the studio guys didn’t need their hankies for this one, too!) “Carousel” is mostly a piano solo, but Salvatori comes in for two of the verses, bringing additional charm to this warm, happy little piece. “Labyrinth 2” contrasts the smooth, deep cello with the bright finger picking on guitar, creating an aura of intriguing mystery. The piece ends rather abruptly, intensifying the mystery. “Come Stay a While” is like a hug from a long-lost friend. Violin and viola are added to the piano and cello, making this a chamber piece that overflows with emotion and love.

I can’t sing the praises of “When Evening Falls” enough. It is simply one of the most beautiful CDs I’ve heard in a year of unusually good instrumental CDs. Sure to be a favorite for a long time to come! It is available from cdbaby.com and amazon.com. Samples of the music are also available at www.salvatoriproductions.com. I give “When Evening Falls” my highest recommendation!

- Kathy Parsons, Mainly Piano, 2007

Take three talented artists, mix and match them in various combinations and who knows what will result. In the case of When Evening Falls, you end up with a beautiful collection of soothing and introspective instrumental pieces. Featuring the considerable talents of acoustic guitarist Tom Salvatori, pianist Iris Litchfield and cellist John Catchings (with some violin and viola assistance on one track and bass on another one), the fourteen selections on this album are divided up into solo numbers by Salvatori and Litchfield or assorted permutations of one or the other or both with Catchings. The album is cohesive with a consistent mood maintained throughout. The two composers (Salvatori and Litchfield) were obviously simpatico when it came to the aim of When Evening Falls, the title of which aptly portrays the mood evoked by the music. Peaceful, somber, warm, nostalgic and reflective, the CD is emblematic of what I refer to as “autumn afternoon music,” meaning it’s suited for grey skies, falling leaves, and a crisp bite to the air. Whether one bathes in this music while seated before a fire, or perhaps driving through rolling hillsides and small rural towns dressed in gold and red for the season, When Evening Falls weaves a comforting web of warm yet often sad or reflective music.

As if the music itself wasn’t enough, the CD’s artfully-designed Digipak (by Stephen Ravenscraft) is a veritable work of art as well. Hell, even the font choices are spot on (you’d be surprised how rare that is). From every perspective, When Evening Falls is a splendid recording and a must have for lovers of gentle “nighttime” acoustic instrumental music.

- Highly recommended. Rating: Excellent  - Bill Binkelman, New Age Reporter, 2007

He’s known as a guitarist’s guitarist, an expert at both classical guitar and the combination of classical with any number of musical genres. Tom Salvatori enchanted listeners with his last album from 2002, Late Night Guitar, which was a children’s album disguised as an excellent, meditative study in the healing power of the nylon string guitar.

In 2007 Tom joins forces with pianist Iris Litchfield for a gorgeous duet album of timeless instrumental music–supplemented by the cello arrangements of John Catchings. A seamless blend of vintage classical music and the curative vibes of the New Age meditation genre that was so popular in the mid-90’s. When Evening Falls is the most appealing outing yet from the versatile guitar imagination of Tom Salvatori.

- Robert Silverstein, 20^th Century Guitar Magazine, 2007

When Evening Falls is the perfect CD to cure writer’s block and inspire you. On a sunny autumn afternoon, I sit in Berlin listening to the tender beauty of the guitar caressing ever so gently the piano. It is true, I never took time to contemplate why this should be such an unusual mix, but after I listened, I realized that I had never heard these two instruments in union. It is a marriage made in heaven. Touchingly pure, innocent as all first loves should be. And listening, I’m smiling at its simple beauty. When Evening Falls is the perfect CD for curing writers block and reflecting upon the joys of life! Now I am going to make a cup of tea and start writing the novel I have always dreamed of…thank you Tom and Iris. You have given me the gift of inspiration.

- Kara Johnstad, 2008

I love Iris’s compostions and piano playing and Tom’s compositions and guitar playing so putting the 2 together is for me perfection.

- Dr Catherine Galatola (Turin-Italy), 2007

I am so impressed with Iris Litchfield, Tom Salvatori. Hope there are more coming.

- 5.0 out of 5 stars - Classic - Roberta H. Matzke, 2008

Thoughtful and mature original contemporary compositions, expertly arranged, that bring to the surface deep emotions. Beautiful performances, complemented by excellent sound recording and mixing. Overall, a work which is obviously the result of talent, love of melody, care and meticulous attention to detail in composition, arrangement and production.

Meaningful notes and fine sound reproduction blend to provide pure joy to the listener. You will listen to this CD over and over again. Highly recommended.

- 5.0 out of 5 stars - To listen over and over again - Abraham Bensoussan, 2008

I bought the CD When Evening Falls, to play in my fourth grade classroom during quiet times as background music. Very nice, very relaxing and inobtrusive. The students began asking for it to be played. After school I found myself playing it while grading, and other teachers wandering in to ask what CD that was. I have not found a CD by Tom Salvatori that I didn’t like!

- Denise Aiani, 2006

My mom bought Late Night Guitar for my daughter for lullabies and we like it very much so she got When Evening Falls for my new baby boy to listen to at bedtime. He seems to enjoy it as do I when I rock him to sleep.

- Liz, 2006

So wonderful most enjoyable very delightful listening and pleasurable.

- Web site posting, 2006

 

TOM SALVATORI

LATE NIGHT GUITAR – AWARDS AND RECOGNITION:

LATE NIGHT GUITAR, WINNER OF 2002 CHILDRENS MUSIC WEB AWARD Classic Recording for Children Category! (www.childrensmusic.org)

LATE NIGHT GUITAR debuts at #2 on the New Age Voice Top 100 Radio Play list and holds its strong position in the coveted “Top 5″ through the entire 4th quarter, 2002!

 

TOM SALVATORI

LATE NIGHT GUITAR – PRESS REVIEWS:

“If it catches you at the right time, I guarantee you’ll have a moment(s) where a tear will well, without you being able to do anything about it.” Tim Panting, Reviews Editor, Classical Guitar Magazine (UK)

“Salvatori’s music has been a darling among children’s music critics…although ‘Late Night Guitar’ also appeals to grown-ups. His sense of musicianship is very high…” Chicago Tribune

“Effortlessly breezes past age barriers…you’d be hard pressed to find a more comforting and melodic acoustic fingerstyle guitar album.” 20th Century Guitar Magazine

“Refreshingly unpretentious…particularly pleasing…gentle guitar lines. [Late Night Guitar is] a quality mainstream release to be welcomed by its target audience.” Classical Guitar Magazine (UK)

“I loved your stuff, very soulful and relaxing. The world needs more music like yours. Sonically top notch, full and warm…well done.” Brian Wittmer, Director, A&R, Universal Music Group

“Tom…Your music has become a staple of my show. Beautifully crafted music that grows deeper and more tuneful with each and every play…and as if the music wasn’t enough, what a striking and beautiful CD jacket. I come from a time when cover art was an important part of the whole “album” experience. Your artwork for “Late Night Guitar” is most impressive…Thanks for enabling us here in the beautiful Hudson Valley of New York share your vision…” Ken Harris, WVKR, Walden NY

MakeaStar.com on the song ‘Tucker’s Lullaby’ – “Absolutely beautiful. This piece is chock full of emotion with a soaring melody, mesmerizing theme, and a chord progression that speaks worlds of truth. With just a classical nylon string guitar and a small string and wind section, you’ve managed to assemble quite a moving work here. Some things are best said simply and quietly. Nice…tasteful…warm… rich, and robust sounding. Exquisite. Top performances lead way with perfectly executed passages, perfect intonation, and an exceptional overall feel and mood. Certainly, there are recognizable influences, yet this work emotes an original feel and mood unequaled by the masses. Thus, you have developed you’re own sound far beyond the reaches of the normal bland, stuffy, classical composers/artists. Bravo. A Perfect “10″ – Make-A-Star.com