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03/05/04
"Paradise" is a rich and lush collection of original pieces that combines electronic piano and
keyboard sounds with a variety of composing styles that are sometimes melodic and at other times more ambient. I am often reminded of Suzanne Ciani's electronic music while listening to this CD; Vivian Khor also
composes strong but gentle and decidedly feminine music that is graceful and very accomplished. Several of the pieces are mysterious and haunting while a few are more upbeat and sunny. The CD carries a smooth and
peaceful mood all the way through, making this a good choice for relaxing, reading, or meditating.
The opening title track is especially "Ciani-esque" from her "Velocity of Love" era, and flows like a cool,
lazy stream. "Rivers of Blessing" also has a beautiful, leisurely flow to it, and is one of my favorites. "Soothing Moments" is another favorite; melancholy and wistful, a simple, emotional melody floats above
atmospheric string washes. "Cloud9" is the longest track at 7 1/2 minutes, and floats along as the title implies; piano is accompanied by ambient, atmospheric sounds that give it a very dreamy, peaceful feeling.
"Unconventional Wisdom" is quite different; very mysterious, this piece has little or no melody and feels very exotic. I also really like "Another Moment," which is reflective and tranquil - gorgeous!
"Paradise" is an excellent album, and I've thoroughly enjoyed it in a number of different settings. It can set a mood of quiet peace as a backdrop or serve as a wonderful massage for the mind. Very "new age" in the
classic sense, but Vivian Khor has her own distinct musical voice. It is available from www.delvianrecords.com, and www.amazon.com. Music samples are also available at www.viviankhor.com .
Kathy Parsons
Solo Piano Publications
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08/03 "Paradise" is charting in the top 100 radio charts!
July 2003 debuted at #23
Aug 2003 #49
New Age Reporter: www.newagereporter.com
Top 21 Ivany review, Nov 2003
Women's Review: www.coolgrrrls.com/2/cds/sizzlingcds4.html
Nov 2003 #1 CMJ KMSU, Nov 2003
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ALL MUSIC GUIDE
Although California resident Vivian Khor is of Asian descent, Paradise isn't among 2003's more overtly
Asian-minded new age releases. There have been an abundance of new age discs that were heavily influenced by Asian music — Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, or otherwise. But Paradise doesn't fit that
description. Rather, Khor favors a more conventional approach to new age that gets its inspiration from romantic movie themes as well as the recordings of Suzanne Ciani (who is obviously a major influence). While
the self-produced Paradise isn't one of new age's more challenging, innovative, or cutting-edge CDs, Khor's material is generally enjoyable. The adjectives that are usually applied to new age discs — calm, tranquil,
peaceful, serene, placid, soothing — easily describe Paradise, and the song titles are stereotypical new age titles. When you see titles like "The Joy of Life" and "Soothing Moments," it's safe
to assume that you're getting a new age release — and, of course, that's exactly what Paradise is. But if Khor's work is less than groundbreaking, Paradise never comes across as stiff, cold, or mechanical — just the
opposite, in fact. For an album that is so heavily produced and programmed, Paradise has a lot of warmth and charm. It also has a very piano-minded outlook; most of the time, Khor uses her keyboards, synthesizers,
and sequencers to make Paradise pianistic-sounding (which makes sense when you consider that she has been playing the acoustic piano since childhood). Paradise doesn't pretend to reinvent new age's wheel and falls
short of exceptional, although it's a pleasant, worthwhile effort from the West Coast musician. — Alex Henderson
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Great album!
I ordered it from Amazon.com. I play it every evening and separate work stress from what time is left in the day. Thank you for great compositions. It will come in first on my list to NAR this month. I didn't want to wait for Sunday Passages to listen to it, so I have it now. Beautiful cover too. Tyra ~ WFWM
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Sherman Amsel:"a very relaxing and beautiful album" IT Engineer, Seagate Technology.
John Poliquin:"it's great" Hockey Player
Phil and Susie Kaplan:"it's great" Volleyball Coach at Cabrillo College
Rick Maday:"very nice" Owner of ICS Creative, Multimedia Arts and Publishing
Helen Yeo: "It's Beautiful!!!! I like Restful Moments the best. Thanks for sharing your music and talent with
me"
Biochemist PhD Roche Parm.
Rick Witten:"My favorite is jazz music, but this is wonderful..."
Security Guard at Seagate Tech.
James Terrell: I got a chance to hear your CD
'Restful Moments', which Stephanie referred me to. Based on her recommendation I purchased a copy and was not disappointed. It falls into a type of contemporary mellow jazz I listen to frequently, and am always on
the lookout to hear.... appreciate the sacrifice you made to get it produced. It's definitely a labor of love that makes life worth living. I will tell others .....
Seagate Employee
Terry Maushardt:
"your music is exquisite! It goes beyond the dimension of this reality.."
Seagate Employee
Alexander Matthew: "Thank you for the gift of your music...you should be very proud. Your disc is
extremely musical and professional, melodic and rhythmic. Your music is exquisite!"
Director of Psychology NC Hospital and Great Musician, released album: American Boy.
Ken Ellis: "Your music
is quite something. I did not think I was going to like it this much."
Realtor
Joyce and Henry Piche: " When I was working as an elementary principal and doing all sorts of
educational workshops, I was under a lot of stress. I always kept my eye out for music that was restful and could help calm me down, pause a moment, and take a breath. I find that that is what your music does for me. Joyce and Henry are retired teachers from Michigan USA, they have one heck of a pension going for them. Joyce was a former principal. I had a wonderful time in Old Quebec and the Citadel with them.
Andy May, SwiftRiverMusic Production: We are now a fan of your music. You should be proud of yourself. Keep it up! You have done a lot of work.
Record Producer
Mary Ann Burfield: Your music is
beautiful...relaxing and mysterious at the same time. I listen to it in my car during the long drives to and from work. Thank you for sharing your talents! Admission Counseling Nurse, UBH.
Martin
Linde: Love you creations. Top Seller Artist from MP3.com, featured on Newsweek Magazine, Composer, /Bassic
Andrew: Got your CD, love it! I play it when I'm creating logos to keep my right brain
flowing! WebmasterExpert.com,
Nancy Matter: I really like your music. Mastering Engineer, Moonlight Mastering
Claude:Tre Bien!!! Mont-Ste-Anne, Lift Guide
Zoe: I need to buy some of your CDs
for my stores. I would like to carry your CD also. ZOE ZOE gift shops Canada
Nicole Bougette:I really love it! School Teacher, Quebec
Veronique Lapointe:Thank you so much for the CD...your music is
so relaxing. My husband and my daughters love it !!! Quebec Caisse Bank Manager
Angeline: I listened to your music. I loved the music! It's good! Gondola Lift Guide.
Alaine: I want to buy your next CD! When can I have it? Mont-Ste-Anne Guide.
Robin Randall: This is good message music. I play it in my class. Musicians Institute Songwriter/Instructor Wrote TV clip to
Baywatch
Brian Ballard: You remind me of music like "Somewhere in Time" I love this kind of music, it's quality music that last. You have an audience, don' t give up, you have an audience out there.
I need a copy for my mother also. Magic Man
Jeff MacDonald: The other night I really needed some peaceful music and, as I hadn't listened to your CD yet, I thought it would be the perfect time to check it
out.
Well I can tell you that it perfectly hit the spot. My only sad point of the music was that the CD ended sooner than had I wanted it too. Bottom line is that you've got some really nice music and I can see why you're doing well on the AC/new age charts. Louder Productions, Recording Consultant
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