Review of Dana Cunningham’s New EP: What I Hear

Truly, the name justifies the beauty of this EP from Dana Cunningham–though it is a collection of just four popular Christmas Carols that would attract anybody’s curiosity during the holiday season, but if you get to hear these intriguing renditions, you will be left marveling at what did you just hear!

I mean there’s more to this collection, a lot more, than what you imagine or expect from a holiday-themed album. For me, this is what the piano is capable of doing–making you feel almost stunned with every note coming out of every key. I can’t wait to hear Dana’s full-length album that is expected to be released next year.

Album Name: What I Hear (EP)

Artist Name: Dana Cunningham

Total Time: 16:37

This year has given me one of the finest albums I ever heard–16670 by Matthew Mayer. And when I started listening to the very first song of Dana’s album, I was just transported there–had the same intense feeling of a sonic warmth around me. “Do You Hear What I Hear” is a beauty! I don’t know how these musicians do it–capture the very existence in notes. The way she sports with the higher notes and the left hand keeping you grounded is just amazing. As the song moves into its last minute of play, the cello provides it a smooth flow.

The shortest piece is “What Child is This,” but the piano has a flair of its own, and if the musician knows how to get a different mood from the same set of keys available from the instrument, they can convey the intent in a unique way. Dana has done this very noticeably, so much so, that I did not realize when this song even ended.

“We Three Kings” is again a very powerful rendition. The longest of the four, it carries the intensity and seriousness of magnanimity of the occasion. After two minutes into the song, the cello makes its way with deep and meaningful notes, adding a glorious touch to the scene. Subtle and delicate, Max Dyer has done a commendable job with the cello.

I remember singing “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” with passion and zeal, but listening to Dana’s take of this song has given me a totally new perspective to this song. How soothing is the celebration and the call! Just brilliant!

As I read about Dana and got to know about her connection with the natural elements, I could just visualize her sitting in the open and playing with them composing various notes, layers, and halts, with her fingers caressing the air, dipping in the water, and touching the petals’ ends as if she was figuring which keys she needs to press among the “blacks and whites.”

What should I say–I mean, this is what you would want to hear when you are willing to spend your time and energy on something that somebody has created.

I am sure if you could spare some time, you will hear “what I hear”!

Listen it on Spotify: