Review / Comments ::

I've said it numerous times, I love the piano, it is my favorite musical instrument; and when someone recommends a solo piano album, I usually jump at the chance to add it to my music collection...

To be honest, I ran into Rob Costlow's "Sophomore Jinx", while doing some research for an upcoming review. I was convinced that I had to have this album, when I read his reviews page, and the first entry was a brief comment from one of my all time favorites, Jim Brickman:

"Rob Costlow definitely has his own style. His original compositions are refreshing and I would recommend his CDs to all music lovers. Keep your eyes and ears on this guy."

- Jim Brickman

Without even listening to a sample, I went over to Amazon and added "Sophomore Jinx" to my shopping cart. I was shopping for other albums as well, that's why I didn't purchase a copy from Costlow's site.

Solo piano albums are the most enjoyable for me to review, since I can hardly do anything while they are playing: I get totally wrapped up into the music...

The tracks of "Sophomore Jinx" flow perfectly, and quickly became an instant emotion gripping album, that is a totally unique experience.

Costlow states in the liner notes:

"Sophomore Jinx is about second chances, second hopes, and a second shot of doing what I love."

"Feel what I'm trying to portray in my music and PLAY IT LOUD. It's boring otherwise"

Playing it "LOUD" makes the experience a thousands times more emotional, and I would recommend it to anyone who is listening to "Sophomore Jinx", especially if it's being played on a surround sound system.

Editors Note (08-2005) :: I originally received a copy of Costlow's first version of "Sophomore Jinx"... in it, it contained a number of "solo" songs that, in my opinion just didn't fit with the album.

After corresponding with Costlow, he said he agreed, and that the album was recently released without the solos. He graciously sent me a new copy, free of charge to so I could amend my review.

So, it is my humble pleasure to update this review, and bestow Streams-of-Time's highest rating 5 out of 5 stars Top Pick! upon "Sophomore Jinx".

Related Web Links ::

Official Site:  http://www.touristrecords.com/

Available At ::

Tourist Records (CD)

iTunes Music Store (Download)

Magnatune (Download and/or CD)

Amazon.com (CD)

Album Copyright Information ::

© 2005 Tourist Records

Review Date ::