Beyond

I first saw William when he opened for Il Divo and he had the crowd going wild! I loved his first CD and couldn't wait to see if he would have a second and WOW this one is amazing. Standing in the Storm & Asturias..just close your eyes and you can feel it. A Mothers Heart is truly moving. I loved that he included Kashmir again. Can't wait to see what he does next.

I have to say, I have been looking for different types of piano and instrumental music that is strong and performed with a full heart of feeling. Well this is it, folks!! I have listened to such artists as David Foster, David Lanz, Jim Brickman, Yanni...etc. David Lanz did a very good album I believe it was called "The Symphony Sessions" as well with Mr. Foster. I liked it very much but Mr. Lanz tends to do songs mostly based on solo performances when I tend to like a little extra push and pizzaz in my music. Although, I do have to say that I truly enjoy his rendition of "Knights In White Satin". It is the best instumental arrangement of that song I have ever heard! Jim Brickman has done some very nice peices as he also ads various vocal performances to his music. David Foster however, has been the one key person when being able to hear a well produced melody or an entire album with music I tend to turn an ear towards. He not only worked with several young espiring vocal performers like Josh Groban, whom I can listen to over and over with much respect for his music, but has created many warm hearted piano music for such films as AI, A Color Purple, and my most favorite music of all time, St. Elmo's Fire. I feel I owe David a much gratitude of thanks for feeling my heart with your music over the years in movies and music such as Josh and this album in particular, William Joseph. For me, William is a new commer but after downloading his Mp3 from Amazon today and creating a CD and have listened to it in my home stereo and car stereo about 5 times, this has all the elements of rich, heart warming music that I have come across in a long time. Much like the peformers the create such wonderful music behind Josh Groban, this album brought me to tears several times. If music alone, without an added vocal arrangement, can pull those emotions out of me, then you are in my book!!! I hope you keep creating more and more music of which I will certainly buy. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

The new William Joseph CD, Beyond is truly amazing! If you like GREAT contemporary piano music, you'll love this CD. I found it by accident, but am very glad I did. The music is relaxing and uplifting and just great to put on as back round music for anything you feel like doing. Great in the car too!

William Joseph is a fantastic pianist. When you here him play is just heaven. It's my 1st album from him. I was surprise when i first bought it thinking it had vocals but does not. I was always listening to classical music and piano pieces from different artists. I highly recommend this album. It's triffic and he is very talented and of course The incredible David Foster who is the excutive producer and was arranged by him and William Joseph, William Ross and Jochem van der Saag.
Oh i almost forgot there is a duet with Jesse Cook.

I first saw William Joseph on the Dr. Phil Show and was totally awed by his talent at playing the piano. I just had to hear more so I purchased both of his CDs. Beyond and Within are both very enjoyable and I will probably continue to purchase any new cds that he would come out with.

William Joseph has a gift for the keyboard that is absolutely beautiful, a gift from God.

I listen to this talented pianist over and over--his musicality and technique, including writing the music--just terriffic

This album is great. His songs are inventive. His music demonstrates the hard life of the composer. Such emotion is difficult to find in todays music. When I listen to his music I want to write a movie to go with them. The swells of energy, pain, hope and happiness are so very evident in this album. I can hardly wait for his next album.

This young man is overflowing with talent and creativity. He's as much fun to watch as he is to listen to. This collection is fascinating in its breadth and vitality. Every track gives you new and exciting surprises!

I thought this product wasn't as good as his other cd, "Within". For some reason, "Within" reached home for me, this 1 did not. I think it's because, there was only 2 or 3 songs that got to me. Where as on "Within" the whole cd, got to me. However, he is an excellent composer, I would try his new products when they come out. I use his music to relax, and do my college, homework. Nearing 40, you do what you have to, to open your mind. This works for me.William Joseph - Within

Overall an excellent work by a new artist. He opened the second half of the act during the taping of "David Foster and Friends PBS special and he caught the attention of everyone coming back from the break. He was introduced and then played Kashmir. That was when I decided to look him up and buy his album. I play this album over and over since I got it and I will not tire of it. It perks me up everytime! There is a right song for going into and coming off work.

If you like real music, especially piano, buy this CD. It has a similar style to Raul Di Blasio, who I love as well. Thanks to David Foster who discovers great talented artists and helps them to achieve their goals. And we simply enjoy listening to their music and watch their success.

I am always delighted when I find a new artist that I like! William
Joseph's music is very exciting and romantic!I have two of his CDs now
and I love them both. There isn't a song on either CD that I don't like.
I hope he continues to play and compose for a long time.

I love this CD so much. I first saw william Joseph on the Dr. Phil show. I couldn't wait to order both Beyond and Within. I think this is the most talented young man. Hopefully we won't wait too long for the next CD. His music is beautiful !

I am always searching for music that is unique, beatiful and memorable. This collection more than fits the model. Willian Joseph is a young talent in a class of his own. The feeling in his music is something that cannot be learned, it comes from "beyond" as with a prodigy. Excellent, I cannot get enough, I cannot say enough, This is a five star-plus in my book.

This is the relaxing type of music my soul craves! I must say it can bring a tear to my eye at times. I love this CD!

I am very pleased with this cd. This boy is a genius at the piano

I first heard a cut of this album on a morning talk show ( I think ) and liked it well enough to purchase it. There is a bit of sameness to it, but the energy is good and I really enjoyed it. If you are a Yani fan you will probably like this artist. I will look forward to hearing other pieces of his work.

I am always looking for new music and sometimes get albums that have fabulous reviews (Like this one). I love paino music so I gave this disk a swirl. I didn't love it at first , but now after my fourth or fifth spin....I LOVE IT!!! I did get now his other album and I am liking that one also. I had to listen to this album to "get it" and really like it. This will be a album I listen to for a long time.

I havent enjoyed a CD this much in a long time a must for anyone who loves the piano

I was first introduced to William Joseph's music on a recent episode of Dr. Phil, where he performed two pieces, Beyond and Asturias. Both were excellent and I looked him up at Amazon immediately after the show. I ordered his debut album (Within) in addition to this one, and am happy that I did. They are both extremely high quality and flow through a diverse range of styles that will keep you interested throughout. His music can touch your heart, but also at times can lift your spirits to the highest heights. His music has inspired me and I think it will inspire you too. Get both Within and Beyond. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.

What a talent! Bought this and his other disc for Father's Day gift,
I am thinking my hubby will be pleased..he likes instrumentals, and it's
hard finding NEW and interesting instrumental music these days. This is
really some great music, and thats saying something from an old rock and
roller!

The music is beautiful, bold, elegant, and entertainting all at the same time. A great CD to own and to purchase for friends in order to share this fantastic production. I have WJ's first albrum and liked it very much but this newly released CD, the sound will blow your mind away.

I loved "Within" and now I love "Beyond". I was introduced to William when he performed in Clay Aiken's Joyful Noise Tour in 2005 and immediately found that I loved the way he plays the piano. I had forgotten how much I liked hearing good piano music!

I hope to see him on tour again sometime. He's a very talented composer, musician AND overall nice person and I'm proud to be a fan!

This is and Alsome album. W.J. is great. I give it a 5 Star rating and will be giving his Cd's for Christmas. Love his Cd's.

Wow! What a CD - I love his style and talent! I have seen him play at Clay Aiken's concert and wanted to hear more. Truly a gifted artist.

I owned Joseph's first album and absolutely loved it so I was definitely psyched to learn that he came out with a new one. Joseph has mad talent in conveying emotions through piano. Cinema Paradiso is nothing short of amazing! It makes my heart soar every time I hear it. All of the tracks are really pleasant and relaxing. If you love classical music, you should buy this album.

Hi William & David (Foster),


I know that you both read the posts here. Everyone will talk about the music, so, I'll hit on something that doesn't get discussed at all.

Great album, William! From one pianist & composer to another, I'd like to say that your style is coming out more and more, getting more distinct.

Since, I have plans to record with the London Symphony Orchestra next year for my own album, I'll share with you my findings of your new album.

I've listened to CD productions for many years, often to the minutest of details. I've studied Humberto's & other people's mixes and engineering over the years. I am a huge fan of Humberto, and a mega fan of you, David, album productions.

Now, you all probably hate me for telling you all this. I hope not, just observations on the technical merits.

When it comes to the production, your first CD was sufficiently better. The mix for Beyond is a little muddy when compared to Within. The stereo spread is not as wide, both on the piano and the orchestra. Plus, orchestra are mixed a little jammed to the center, instead of it being spread in the spectral space a little more. Groban's awake CD is beautifully balanced in the stereoscope, e.g. Romeo & Juliet & Smile.

The CFIII grand piano is a little out of tune on some tracks, most especially, Once Upon Love, and ringing with overtones a little bit, whereas the first album, the grand was magnificently smooth, no ringing. It sounded like a Hamburg Steinway D. The then technician did a wonderful tuning.

David, I am a tad surprised that you let passed the piano tuning on Once Upon Love.

By the way, the solo violin on Ave Maria, I can hear the electric current buzz from the microphone pre-amp, right when the the violin begins, you can hear it as the fader on the mixing board is being turned up. It was missed not being filtered out. I first noticed it when listening with headphones, but then I noticed it also without headphones. I know exactly when Humberto used the fader. Also, the violin could be pushed down just a tad, it gets overbearing at times, worst on headphones.

Jochem's mixes and mastering is not as smooth as Humberto's. (No offense Jochem, I'm a huge fan of yours). It doesn't have the warmth as Humberto's, and somewhat rough, with the piano solos be more in your face instead of being pushed back. The piano gets drowned during the tutti. Need to pull forward the piano just a little bit more during that time, and only during that time.Whereas the bass drum at times can be pushed behind the orchestra a little more, to support the orchestra, instead of leading it. Sweet Remembrance has good a mix of bass drum.

In the song A Mother's Heart & Sweet Remembrance Of You - beautiful songs they are, the mid-range mix is turned up a little too high, which makes the piano sound a little thumpy. Perhaps the miking of the lower keyboard is a little too close, thus, the treble sounds like it's further then the bass and mid.

Now, the brass at the beginning of Return With Honor, they didn't come cleanly and evenly. However, the strings of the Belgrade Phil is surprisingly good. I would thought that intonation would be an issue with them, (that's why I am using the LSO). The snares on Return and Sweet is nicely pushed to the back, instead of it being in your face, which can be overbearing.

The album could be warmed up more during mastering.

Solo trumpet on Heroes needed to be by Tim Morrison. He has a wonderful plaintive and heroic sound.

Please don't hate me for sharing these thoughts of mine. I know that you guys are professionals and are open to feedback, that's why I am willing to be honest with you guys. I do love the album, so don't think I'm being pessimistic.

But I also do need your help, David, with my own album. Will you please help me during the production? I'm serious!!

MahlerAdagio@yahoo.com

Henry

A new star is born by the name of William Joseph. I first saw him in Montreal as the opening act for Il Divo and even though the Centre Bell was full to the brim which meant close to 21,000 people and the sound had to be cranked up to an ear numbling level it was still GREAT. I have since bought his first CD and his second arrived only yesterday and has already been played twice. My one dissapointment, but not a complaint as so many artist do it these days, is a couple of tracks are repeats from the first CD. He has to many songs unheard to waste the space. I've got three words for him and his music GREAT, GREAT and GREATER!

Thank you for your dedication.

First, I'd like to say THANK YOU to William Joseph for giving us this kind of rare, piano driven, quality production!! -------Joseph is involved in almost every aspect of this album, and what we have is NOT 'new age' music as Amazon likes to classify it, but a piano driven, eclectic selection of well produced songs.-----Joseph's pieces, unlike a lot of 'new age' music, are NEVER far from a strong melodic structure. This music DOES have definite classical and even pop sensibilities, which make it perfect for my tastes!---------In other words, if you like a variety of piano driven songs, with a variety of speed and style within a structured, well-produced framework, then you will LOVE this album!!--------Yes, you do have to 'walk and chew gum at the same time' somewhat to keep up with the variety of selections here. Yet, if you are like me----- constantly looking for piano artists who are not afraid to venture beyond a 'purely classical' framework, yet will still show the beauty of the piano and all it can do with a little adventure outside 'the box' so to speak of a particular 'style' of music,--- then!, you are ready for an artist like Joseph William!------Then also, after you purchase this 'gift to your ears', go and get his first album 'Within'!------With such a fine selection of songs from two albums, now go ahead and re-arrange all his songs if you want according to your mood when you listen, and I very much appreciate Mr. Joseph giving us such a variety of musical moods that this can be done again and again.---- To be sure, you will love the piano even more because of these fine albums. I have not been able to stop listening to them since I purchased them! -----Thanks again William!!--------Can't wait for album number three.-------and happy listening everyone!