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The best kept secret in music
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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.
As you may have noticed, I received an older copy of the album, easily distinguishable by the difference in cover art. That's what I get for not buying it from Costlow's site. I have a personal policy, in which I post the cover art of the album that I'm reviewing. Yes, the album is probably the same, but there is that remote change there could be a difference; thus that is why the older cover art is posted here.
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... it's almost an instant meditative state for me. "Sophomore Jinx" had a few twists in the album that I hadn't expected...
Solos. There are 4 solo tracks, and the final track is an outtakes session from a photo shoot. I found that the insertion of the solo tracks, threw me off course. The tracks just didn't fit in with the greater album, in my opinion. They were typically really fast, and a little nerve racking. After listening to the album a few times I decided to have iTunes exclude them.
By omitting the solos and the outtakes track, the album flowed 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 gripping, and I would recommend it to anyone who is listening to "Sophomore Jinx", especially if it's being played on a surround sound system.
It is not my place to say how an artist should compile their album, but I feel that if the solos and the outtake session were placed at the end, as bonus tracks, then "Sophomore Jinx" could easily have received Streams-of-Time's highest rating 5 out of 5 stars Top Pick!
However, because of the injection of the solo tracks into the album, I'm awarding "Sophomore Jinx", Rob Costlow's debut on Streams-of-Time: 5 out of 5 Stars, Special Mention. This album is truly unique!
Costlow has just updated his website stating that his latest album, "Woods of Chaos", another solo piano piece, will be available for sale on April 26th, 2005! I can't wait. - Streams-of-Time.net
Rob Costlow says that he creates music as a way of relieving the stresses of the world. With his smooth, skilful piano playing he easily passes that relief on through each note. When he lays his hands on the keys, the music he creates transports the listener to a less complicated, more relaxed world.
His first release, Sophomore Jinx, is a collection of original melodies that showcases the talent and bright future of this contemporary solo pianist and composer.
Costlow says that his ultimate goal is to create music for television and film and after listening to songs such as "Lost or Found," "Summer Garden," "Bliss" and "Oceans,” it is easy to imagine that his plans will become a reality.
This is a great album for anybody looking to enjoy the simple things in life and escape from the daily barrage of boy bands and pop divas.
Jinx, which was recorded over a 3 day period, is the first professional album released under Costlow's own label, Tourist Records.
- Heather Ross, GenerationWoman.com - GenerationWoman.com
Midwest Musician Makes His Own Path, Opens Minds, and Avoids the Mainstream Mindset
Fishers, IN – June 6, 2005 -- In an age of pre-fabricated boy bands and pop divas, few would imagine that the work of a solo pianist would garner much attention. However, the debut album Sophomore Jinx from artist Rob Costlow is becoming known around the world and his brand new release, Woods of Chaos, is bound to do the same.
Costlow’s firmly anchored to the ground with his music and priorities. “My mission is to broaden the minds of musicians and music lovers. Too many musicians get wrapped up in their own world. I try new things and do a lot of grass roots marketing, so I can open up new doors and get into the minds of music lovers who’ve been waiting for something new. This is not to serve myself, but to inspire and serve the world better. I’ve had so many children and adults approach me at performances or via email asking questions and inspired to take lessons or practice harder. Music is a great self-development outlet, and the classic instruments are great tools to build character, discipline, and creativity. We all have a choice to move forward or stay put. I choose to move forward and do my utmost to help improve people’s lives. My music is doing this, and I’m extremely grateful. A lot of people who hear and purchase my music for the first time tell me they wouldn’t typically buy or search for instrumental music. However, they can relate to the music. The music is universal, which I believe is the core factor drawing in the untypical fan. The broader my audience, the more my efforts will blossom.”
Jim Brickman (platinum selling pianist) states, “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."
Costlow mainly credits the Internet for his success in gaining exposure and fans. Costlow states, “If you want to get something done, do it yourself. Don’t expect or wait for something to happen. Make it happen. Use all the resources you can.” In early 2004, Costlow placed his music all over the Internet, which recently led to a special foreign fan to fall in love with Rob’s music. This fan had a contact at a Singapore record company. In November 2004, Costlow signed a foreign record deal with Orange Music, which distributes music to six Asian territories. Sophomore Jinx, released under the title “Oceans” in Asia, is already an all-time best seller for the label. Costlow also distributes and sells CDs through his U.S. label, Tourist Records™.
Could boy-band fatigue be setting in? Are people searching for something to help them escape from the insanity of a world that seems more and more crazy? Costlow has managed to gain an audience by opening up the minds of music lovers of all ages. Perhaps we’ll soon see Costlow at the top of the charts along with the many cookie-cutter groups currently filling those positions.
CDs of Sophomore Jinx and Woods of Chaos can be purchased through Costlow’s website –
www.robcostlow.com.
About Rob Costlow and Tourist Records™
Growing up in a large family helped Rob become focused and tenacious. As the youngest of six boys, Rob had to get used to seizing every opportunity that came his way. While working on his Masters Degree, Rob unofficially started Tourist Records™, based on a fictitious business plan. In 2002, Rob released his first professional solo project, Sophomore Jinx, containing all original music. He officially founded Tourist Records in 2004. His compositions are inspired by his family and earthly adventures throughout the United States, Canada, Italy, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
Rob’s ultimate goals are to create music for television and film as well as help other artists who are dedicated to creating original music make their own impact in the world. He currently lives in Fishers, IN with his wife Melissa. Visit www.robcostlow.com for more information on Costlow. - robcostlow.com
• Jim Brickman’s (platinum selling pianist/songwriter) artist pick of the month for June 2005.
• Adam Curry featured Rob's music in June 2005 (6/14 - 6/25 – 6/29) on his Daily Source Code podcast, which has led to features and interviews in hundreds of other podcasts and other numerous opportunities.
• Signed a distribution contract covering 6 Asian territories with Singapore based record label, Orange Music. Sophomore Jinx (released under the title “Oceans”) is already an all-time bestseller for the label. Woods of Chaos was released on 7/11/2005.
• Signed a distribution and marketing contract (non-exclusive) with INgrooves, the world’s largest digital record label.
• Radio stations around the world are starting to play Rob's music, including Sirius Satellite Radio, Radio Kansas (US) and Celtica Radio (UK), all serving over 1 million listeners.
• Several tracks from the albums have been licensed for use in film and video.
• Ranked #1 Best Keyboards (acoustic, all-time) and #1 Best Potential Movie Soundtrack (acoustic, all-time) on GarageBand.com.
• Sophomore Jinx and Woods of Chaos are both best sellers on magnatune.com (online non-exclusive record label). - Tourist Records, LLC
8/1/2005 - Rob was featured on Indiana's Channel 13 news. To view the segment visit www.wthr.com and click “Piano man” under Eyewitness News Videos. - Channel 13 - WTHR
Discography
Woods of Chaos (April 2005)
Tracks:
Meant to Be
Reflections
Semester Days
Friend
True Gemini
Down the Road
Tulip Trees
Not Alone
Woods of Chaos
Twilight
Album notes from Rob:
This second album is a reflection of my battles, successes and determination to move forward. I’m not scared anymore. The "Woods of Chaos" will always be there, but I'm able to overcome the beasts and find peace.
Let this album take you on a journey. Create your own experience with each song. Enjoy!
Sophomore Jinx (January 2002; re-released April 2005)
Tracks:
I Do
L.A. / Passing By
Lost or Found
Summer Garden
Bliss
Goodbyes
Forever
Oceans
Family
Album notes from Rob:
Sophomore Jinx is my first professional recording effort. This album is about second chances, hopes, dreams, and following my passion.
Oceans (Asian version of Sophomore Jinx released November 2004)
Tracks:
I Do
L.A. / Passing By
Solo 1
Lost Or Found
Summer Garden
Solo 2
Bliss
Forever
Solo 3
Goodbyes
Oceans (radio version)
Solo 4
Family
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
By the time he was twelve Rob Costlow was annoying his piano instructor by adding unwritten endings to songs during rehearsals and recitals.
This soon brought an end to the lessons that began at age five.
"I hated, literally hated, taking lessons and especially practicing other people's music," admits Rob.
It was another piano player, platinum selling, new age artist George Winston, who fueled this rebellion. After one of Rob's brothers introduced him to Winston's music, Rob realized that his musical future was going to take a different path than the one set by his teachers.
"It was so different than typical piano music," says Costlow. "It's what drove me to create my own. I said to myself 'I can do this--this is a way that I could actually enjoy piano and benefit from all of these lessons and practicing.' It allowed me to express myself and also provide a great stress relief."
While Rob has come a long way since those lessons and from his native Indianapolis, his love for creating original compositions is still at the heart of his contemporary solo piano music. His compositions are inspired by love of his family, including his wife Melissa. Travels throughout the United States, Canada, Italy, Mexico, and the Caribbean also provide inspiration.
"Traveling shows me how much is out there and how there is so much diversity in the world," says Rob.
Growing up in a large family helped Rob become focused and tenacious. As the youngest of six boys, Rob had to get used to seizing every opportunity that came his way. While working on his Masters Degree, Rob unofficially started his own record label, Tourist Records™, based on a fictitious business plan. In 2002, Rob released his first professional solo project, Sophomore Jinx, containing all original music. He officially founded Tourist Records™ in 2004.
Through Tourist Records™, Rob wants to create music for television and film as well as help other artists who are dedicated to creating original instrumental music make their own impact in the world.
"Music is a release from the stresses of the world," says Costlow. "I never force myself to write. I do it when it comes to me. I'm taking things a day at a time."
________________________________________
Rob's Mission
“My mission is to broaden the minds of musicians and music lovers. Too many musicians get wrapped up in their own world. I try new things and do a lot of grass roots marketing, so I can open up new doors and get into the minds of music lovers who’ve been waiting for something new. This is not to serve myself, but to inspire and serve the world better. I’ve had so many children and adults approach me at performances or via email asking questions and inspired to take lessons or practice harder. Music is a great self-development outlet, and the classic instruments are great tools to build character, discipline, and creativity. We all have a choice to move forward or stay put. I choose to move forward and do my utmost to help improve people’s lives. My music is doing this, and I’m extremely grateful. A lot of people who hear and purchase my music for the first time tell me they wouldn’t typically buy or search for instrumental music. However, they can relate to the music. The music is universal, which I believe is the core factor drawing in the untypical fan. The broader my audience, the more my efforts will blossom.”
- Rob Costlow
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