Bill Binkelman
Zone Music Reporter
October 15, 2012
"Travels is the ultimate showcase for Hammer's abundant talents
at the keys of a piano. Whether delicately performing a slow, meditative piece, pounding
away with passion and drama, or ripping it up with fun and humor, his playing skills and
his composing/improvising abilities are spread across both discs."
RJ Lannan
Zone Music Reporter
October 12, 2012
"I could put these two records in the player and never have to take them off again.
Doug Hammer has put together a work that seems to cover every mood, every feeling and every dream I might
have. He transported me into his world of sights and more importantly, sounds that make up a life's journey.
Put on the music, travel and dream on, but in the end, you will find yourself home again."
Donovan Johnson
Enlightened Piano Radio
June 30, 2012
"This album is a true gem! I would strongly recommend this album to anyone. I'd especially
like to recommend it to anyone who may have some misconceptions about what fresh, original New Age piano music really is.
I have no doubt that one listening, with an open mind, may change your opinion of this genre. As for the rest of us, get
ready for something that will take your New Age piano listening experience to another level completely.
Travels is a true work of art. A creative masterpiece. And after spending a decent amount of time
with it, I can say that I'd feel musically incomplete if I'd never listened to this work."
Kathy Parsons
MainlyPiano.com
November 8, 2011
"Travels is an incredible two-disc solo piano release by Doug Hammer. With a total of thirty-nine
original compositions, it is amazing that there is no filler on either disc. Disc 1 is a collection of nineteen
composed pieces written over the course of several years, and Disc 2 contains twenty improvisations
that were
written and recorded in one take. Disc 2 is subtitled
Detour
because it arrived unexpectedly while working on Travels..."
MORE
Marius-Christian Burcea
RFI Romania
November 8, 2011
"I rarely write reviews for solo piano CDs, but this one is special. I can wholeheartedly say
that Travels, the new album by Doug Hammer, sounds beautiful and sometimes even superb.
The variety of styles is impressive, each of the 39 tracks possessing its own characters, space and moods. Under his
fingers, the piano became an instrument of emotional colors, poetry and countless nuances, intimate yet ready to explode
and be heroic. The elegant musical discourse develops with lofty amplitude, and sensitively graded ups and downs, sometimes
whispering the tones with lyric delicacy, other times reaching dramatic peaks through passionate timbres.
This is a wonderful engaging album, full of options for a great listening experience. Its wide range of melodic and rhythmic
approaches unfolds a rare tapestry of virtuosity and delight."
Marie Michaels
Music Beyond Words, Denver, CO
"The best part is that I pop it into my car and find another cut that I like ...the reviews are
correct, it is great from start to finish."
Brian
"It really does feel like a journey. Each and every song brings something different to the table and
I love it. There are times when I hear roots of Solace in there as well which I love. I have to say my favorite song
is "The Turn of Time"! The piano mood just speaks to me in a way that is hard to put into words. Keep up the good work
and thanks for great music."
David
"Amazing album. Turn of Time is my favorite. Every song on this album has such a relaxing sense
about it with flowing melodies and beautiful sounds."
Apple Coder
"There are many out there that play piano, I am one of them, but when someone comes along like
Doug Hammer and makes this composer listen to every track in its entirety over and over, there is something special here."
Stephen
"Doug has an amazing penetrating style and in moments you feel the truth of heart in his inspiring
works. His range and subtle comprehension of the many genres of music allow him to add colorful and broad dimensions to his pieces.
I am drawn in. I am undone!"
Amethyste
"Is it Christmas already? It feels like it is, because Doug Hammer has just spoiled us not only with
a new release, but TWO!!! Double the pleasure, double the fun, double the tears, double the time I spent in my own mind
putting Doug Hammer's music to what I have lived in my life. The title Travels really is the perfect word for this
Album. It does bring you on a wonderful excursion of feelings, life happenings and leave you with a sentiment of hope for another
tomorrow filled with excitement and wonders. Doug's playing is beyond worldly. I cannot describe in words what it is, but it is
from a divine world that I have been able to experience by listening to his beautiful creations. This CD is a MUST have for
anyone who wants to experience what it is to "fly free". Doug Hammer's Travels takes you on a wonderful
journey. Trust me, I know you'll be glad you did!!"
Gunnar
"After 4 long years, Doug finally presents his brand new double album Travels that is
extraordinary in many ways. Travels sure is a cinematic, musical mind movie full of pure experience, feelings and emotion,
that have stunned me by their perfection. Right after the first song started playing I saw memories of my own life in front
of me (growing up, falling in love, dealing with hardships, etc). I don't know a whole lot of artists that can do something
like this. Doug's music goes straight to your heart and touches you deeply. My favorites so far are: Outbound Train, Maine
Morning, In Memory and the gorgeous title track Travels. The tip-toe between a perfect production
(crystal clear piano sound) and emotional, heartfelt music is put into scene ideally - and very successfully! The beautiful and
unique CD package with added texts by Doug, complete the picture of a wonderful, timeless production. Let's hope that we don't have
to wait too long to see what Doug will do next."
