2007 / Enchanting Music
55.2 minutes

Beginning with the opening track "Laskshmi",
"Goddess" takes you on a divine journey.   When
you need to escape the rigors of everyday life,
sit back, relax and let your ears be caressed by
graceful melodies and lush harmonies.   You will
find your mind drifting as you listen to tracks like
"Sarasvati" and "Ishtar".   The CD is perfect for
meditation practice as well as qi gong and tai chi.

Buy Now for $14.95!
or Order by Mail

Track Listing
You can listen to any of these tracks
by selecting them in the MP3 player
in the top left corner of this window.
Make sure you have Adobe Flash
installed, which is available here.

1.    Lakshmi
2.    Kuan Yin
3.    Sekhmet
4.    Aphrodite
5.    Sarasvati
6.    Ishtar
7.    Isis
8.    Aine
9.    Ostara
10.  Sedna
11.  Diana
12.  Pele


Reviews

One of the most rewarding aspects of reviewing CDs is that every once in a while, a recording comes along that really whacks me upside the head. David Hicken’s “Goddess” is one of those albums. I had listened to samples on Hicken’s site, but they did not prepare me for the absolute beauty of the music on this album. It grabbed my attention as soon as I started listening to it, but since the music is rather uncomplicated, I wasn’t sure I would like it as much after listening to it a number of times. On the contrary. Rather than becoming trite and tiresome, these gentle little nuggets become more dear to me each time I hear them. In fact, I’ve been dragging my feet a bit in writing the review because I know that once it is written, I won’t have time to listen to “Goddess” again for a while. Happily, David Hicken is releasing part two of this trilogy as I write, so my blissful listening experience can go on. Each of the twelve tracks is named for a mythological goddess from various parts of the world. My only reservation about this album is that the warrior goddess and the goddess of volcanoes and fire are as serene and benevolent as the moon goddesses, but if that’s the worst thing I can say about it, you are in for a real treat! Parts of this album remind me a bit of Kevin Kern and Michael Dulin (without any orchestrations - these are all piano solos), but David Hicken’s is a unique musical voice. A very accomplished musician in several instruments, I suspect that Hicken, like Kern and Dulin, is so secure in his musicianship that he has no need for a lot of flash or bravado. The music is such an entity unto itself that it has the ring of truth in its simplicity.

“Lakshmi,” Hindu goddess of prosperity begins the CD. The graceful melody gently floats on a peaceful cloud of sound. “Kuan Yin” is the Chinese goddess of compassion, and this piece is all about open-heartedness and  kindness. “Sekhmet,” the Egyptian warrior goddess picks up the tempo a little but is very non-threatening, charming her adversaries into submission rather than physically beating them - I like that!  “Sarasvati,” Hindu goddess of the arts, is poignant and bittersweet, alternating between major and minor modes throughout the piece. “Ishtar,” Babylonian goddess of the moon and Venus, is cool and aloof, elegant but approachable. “Isis,” another a moon goddess, is also a bit distant and elusive, but ever so beautiful. Her gentle serenity is so inviting. “Ostara” is the Teutonic goddess of fertility and springtime, and conveys warmth and hope. “Sedna” is the Inuit Eskimo and Alaskan goddess of the ocean. The left hand plays rolling, broken chords while the right hand dances lightly on the surface, again very tranquil and exquisite. “Diana,” Roman moon goddess, flows in coolness and grace. The closing track, “Pele,” is warm and wistful, ending this extraordinary musical hour with a smile and a sigh.

If you haven’t been able to tell, I REALLY like this album, and expect it to be on my “favorites” list for the year. Give your ears as well as your spirit a rare treat and check it out at www.davidhicken.com, cdbaby.com, amazon.com, and iTunes. I wholeheartedly recommend “Goddess”!

Kathy Parsons
Solo Piano Publications
12/16/07



Distinguishing notes: David Hicken is a world traveler, originally from England, who's lived in Sri Lanka and Thailand but also sets anchor on the North Shore of Hawai'i, where he recorded this CD at his own studio.
The concept of "Goddess" is to honor goddesses in Egypt, Italy, India, Ireland, Greece, China and Hawai'i, with each composition reflecting the area and the spirituality. This is an armchair tour of ports near and far from a poet of the piano. For the naive, this is also a journey of illumination. We in Hawai'i know about Pele, the goddess of fire associated with volcanoes of the Big Island, but this CD sheds light on others from different realms: Sarasvati, the Hindu goddess of the arts; Diana, the Roman moon goddess; Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of prosperity; Isis, the Egyptian moon goddess; Aine, the Celtic sun and moon fertility goddess and others.
Sweeping waves of emotion and sentiment provoke the imagination to embrace each goddess.
Our take: Something different, with a new-age twist — a treat for the ears and soul.

Wayne Harada
Honolulu Advertiser 
12/28/07


Pianist David Hicken offers the perfect antidote to seasonal stress with this collection of exquisite solo recordings. Each melody is named for a different goddess -- Ishtar, Isis and Pele, to name three -- and although there are no apparent cultural markers to differentiate, say, "Kuan Yin" from "Sedna," it really doesn't matter if you're listing to the CD while stuck in rush-hour traffic or shopping-mall gridlock.
Each melody is beautiful, and each fulfills the mission statement found in the liner notes: "... to produce music that provides a sense of reflection, joy, peace, harmony and hope." It's a mission accomplished for Hicken with "Goddess," and that's reason enough to look for his previous recordings.

John Berger
Honolulu Star Bulletin
12/21/07



“Goddess” is the companion songbook for the CD of the same name, which is one of my favorite recordings of 2007. Composer David Hicken calls his publishing company “Enchanting Music,” which couldn’t be more appropriate. When I started listening to the CD for review, it captured my attention and imagination in a way that just wouldn’t let go. The pieces are very melodic and flowing, and the melodies are, for the most part, quite simple. I wasn’t sure if my enthusiasm would be as strong after several listens, but it only grew. I was thrilled when I saw that Hicken had published a complete songbook and couldn’t wait to get my own fingers into the music. The afternoon that it came in the mail, I took the book to my piano and played it from cover to cover, completely “enchanted.” The pieces are suitable for intermediate players up, with transcriptions that are clear and very easy to follow. More advanced players will love the beauty of the music and the ease of losing themselves in it. I am looking forward to sharing “Goddess” with my own students.

The twelve compositions range in  length from two to four pages, and most have flowing broken chords in the left hand and simple melody lines on the right. A few pieces have solid chords, but not too many. There is enough rhythmic complexity to keep the pieces interesting for more advanced players without scaring off the intermediate folks (a great teaching opportunity for working on playing triplets against duplets). There are some expression indications, but not many, allowing the player to provide his or her own interpretation. The pieces are so beautiful that it’s very easy for expression to come freely. If you’ve heard the recording and play the piano, this is a must-have book! If you haven’t heard the recording (get it!!!!) but love to play gentle, luscious, melodic pieces, you’ll be hooked on these in no time. Teachers, I can’t imagine that students wouldn’t love this music. David Hicken has been a piano teacher for almost twenty years and really knows his stuff.

Every song in this book is a gem - rare! - and I can’t recommend it more highly. It is available from www.davidhicken.com.

Kathy Parsons
Solo Piano Publications
12/27/07



In the short but informative sleeve notes, Hawaiian-based composer David Hicken says, "My intention is to produce music that provides a sense of reflection, joy, peace, harmony and hope." Mission accomplished as far as this reviewer is concerned. "Goddess" is the stunning first part of a trilogy of themed recordings (the others being "Angels" and the 2008 release "Faeries") and fulfills all the criteria that makes a CD a Piano-Heaven award winner.
David, originally from England, UK, has an undisputed gift in his ability to create timeless melodies that reach out to the heart of the soul.   
Each of the twelve tracks on this CD is, as the title would suggest, named after a Goddess. The CD opens with the lovely "Lakshmi"- the Hindu Goddess of prosperity. It is very much in the style of Kevin Kern, and is instantly appealing with its sweet melody. Gentle, yet uplifting, this is a beautiful opening to a CD in which every track oozes natural charm.
This CD appeals for many reasons, not least because there are a number of styles contained within the twelve tracks- and yet the composer's trademark ear for melody and soporific qualities are never lost. The style of Michael Hoppé ("The Parting") instantly sprang to mind as I listened to the album's second track, Kuan Yin- the Chinese Goddess of compassion. A calming, more beautiful piece you'd be hard pressed to hear.
"Sekhmet", the Egyptian warrior Goddess, provides confirmation- not that it was needed- of the CD's remarkable ability to de-stress and relax the listener. Another beautiful melody takes hold, and the listener is invited to take their own soothing journey.
The CD's fourth cut, "Aphrodite", is very appropriately named. The Goddess of love and beauty would surely be nodding her head in approval within the clouds above Mount Olympus.
Equally appealing is "Sarasvati", the Hindu Goddess of the arts. It is whilst listening to this track, I realised this musician's ability to end his pieces in a delightful way- David's compositions don't merely fade out; the endings themselves are mini-works of art.
"Ishtar"- Babylonian Goddess of the moon- maintains the album's highly-melodic standards and relaxing qualities. A very appealing melody caresses the listener from start to finish.
In an album full of highlights, it takes some doing to select a favourite- but, difficult though it was, a selection has been made. "Isis" (the Egyptian moon Goddess), is the album's seventh cut, and I simply love this piece. Almost minimalist in form, "Isis" is achingly beautiful. Not a note is wasted. Totally uncluttered, this slow-tempo track would be perfect for Spas and other relaxation retreats. The melody's variations within the piece ensure it will never lose its appeal. The crystal-clear qualities of the upper register of the piano also serve to demonstrate the impeccably high standards of production within the recording, and maybe also hint at the unspoiled waters within and around this composer's homeland.
"Aine" features a simple, memorable melody and is named after the Celtic sun and moon fertility Goddess.
David Hicken's CD is remarkably consistent in that every track is a winner, and there are absolutely no fillers contained within this album. As if evidence was needed, the reader is invited to sample "Ostara"- Teutonic Goddess of fertility and Springtime. It is another beautiful, soothing piece that holds instant appeal from the very first listen.
"Sedna"- Inuit Eskimo and Alaskan Goddess of the ocean- begins comparatively upbeat, but any gentle waves soon calm, and the track is another for drifting into one's own world.
Goddess' penultimate track, "Diana", captures the Roman moon Goddess. A gently rolling piece, "Diana" is perfect for meditating and again features one of David's elegant, yet simple, endings.
"Pele" is apparently the Hawaiian Goddess of fire and volcanoes. One might think that this cut would be significantly different in terms of dynamics or tempo when considering the subject matter, but nothing could be further from the truth. Clearly, Pele is at rest here. Perhaps she has been listening to David's album. It is a lovely way to close a perfect CD.
The cover artwork is definitely worthy of mention, and is most appropriate to the album. It features Queen Madbh, by artist Howard David Johnson. I was captivated.
"Goddess" is a tremendous album. Fans of relaxing, melodic piano music will lap up this CD. A relative newcomer on the scene, David Hicken deserves to become a house-hold name, and it can only be hoped that the Grammy panel are made aware of this composer, as he is blessed with enormous talent. 

Stephen Cairns
Piano Heaven



We have worshipped goddesses since prehistoric times and today is no different. The media is filled with the chronicles of powerful women. Politicians, actors and sports' notables have garnered recognition for poise, strength, and leadership. On Goddess, the newest release from David Hicken I was treated to a solo piano tribute to the women of myth, history and imagination. David's music is slow, sweet and above all, subtle. There is warmth and reverence throughout the album. No raucous chanting here. Only the deliberate worship in delicate music of women that have touched many lives over many centuries.

The album opens with Lakshmi, the music for the Hindu goddess of light, beauty and fortune. It is a very delicate song that sounded as if I was witness to a birth of beauty. What was blatantly absent was the lack of any Middle Eastern influences. Hicken's own rendering is more than satisfactory however as he presents a goddess of ancient splendor known for generous attributes.

Sad and bittersweet, the tune Aine was one of my favorites on Goddess. Once again, Hicken does not offer the obvious, some Celtic tinged melody, but a straightforward song of pastoral beauty. I could still hear the references to the misty covered hills of the Emerald Isle, but only as nuances. As many of our subjects, Aine is a goddess of fertility and the subject of many a Midsummer Night’s Feast.

The Roman goddess of the hunt, watercourses and childbirth is the subject of Diana. Of all the cuts, this is one of the best. Thought provoking and deeply beautiful, the tune is a fitting tribute to a goddess and namesake to women of flawless character and dignified respectability.

It is said the Madame Pele the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes walks along the road in the form of an old woman and it is bad form to not offer her a ride. I have heard some interesting stories about the people who zoomed on by. David captures the quiet dignity of this well-known and respected deity on Pele.

Although born across "the pond" in England, David Hicken makes his home on Oahu, Hawaii. His training and prowess at the keyboard goes back to the age of three. He is noted for his performances in Europe and the U. S., some of them on the classical organ.

I liked all the cuts on Goddess, but I am ambivalent about the album. Usually, when I see an album cover and a title that are related I assume that I will hear familiar elements that enhance the theme. I heard no Oriental, Egyptian, Celtic or Middle Eastern influences in the music, which I think may have enhanced the recording. Not all goddesses are beneficent. I know the artist wanted to make a unique recording and that is probably his intention. Had he labeled the recording as "peaceful, pastoral pieces to soothe the spirit" I might have enjoyed it more.

RJ Lannan   New Age Reporter
3/3/2008



Pianist David Hicken crafts New Age music with a soul. Not that the genre is the emotionless stereotype that detractors have often presented, but it does have its share of cold, detached efforts and robotic execution. With Hicken, emotions are the heart of each composition, especially on the elegant Goddess. A quick scan of each track will immediately reveal (if it isn’t obvious to you) that this CD has a unifying theme, a tribute to the various goddesses from culture to culture. What inspired Hicken to write a unique soundtrack for each one is a mystery that only he can answer. All we can do for now is savor the beauty contained within.
Goddess is an ode to loveliness. The hauntingly pretty “Lakshmi” drips with rain-soaked melancholy; its gorgeous melody paints strikingly vivid imagery of water and tears. “Kuan Yin” and “Sarasvati” are dreamy and reflective, the latter gripping a darker undertow. “Sekhmet” is probably the standout on the disc, featuring some of Hicken’s most incandescent piano playing. It is smooth and ethereal, making you want to gaze at the stars. Goddess is poetry in motion, the sounds of nature as interpreted by a gifted musician whose imagination drinks from the evening skies.

Julian Wilson
Trans Europe Xpress



I will leave it up to you to properly identify the various goddesses that New Age artist David Hicken has named each cut after on this album. Their discovery will create more depth in your listening pleasure as you can match the qualities of every track with their namesakes. (You can actually read about them in the sleeve; however, I recommend surfing through the Internet to gain the most knowledge.) And it’s CDs like this that the Calm Cafe exists. You can call this collection of tuneful, stylishly played instrumentals Easy Listening if you wish, but that would be simplifying the dazzling artistry being showcased here. Hicken is a magnificent pianist; his fingers seem to be tracing awe-inspiring sights that we are unable to view ourselves.
Given that Hicken lives in Hawaii, perhaps it’s not surprising that much of Goddess has a tropical atmosphere, from the lush feelers of “Sekhmet” to the torrid glow of “Isis.” Much of the material here is slow and peaceful although there are upbeat moments such as “Aphrodite.” This is music that is best appreciated on a top-notch sound system, letting it surround and also color the room. 

Lucinda Coyne
The Calm Cafe



Even music fans who have little appreciation for New Age music might find David Hicken (http://www.davidhicken.com) to their liking. I do not use the term New Age in the most strict fashion here as Hicken's piano pieces are as chilled out as smooth jazz and evocative as a film soundtrack. Indeed, there is reel-to-reel drama unfolding in "Isis" as it gradually builds up and in "Kuan Yin," which is withdrawn yet ethereal.

As a pianist, Hicken reminds me more of classical musicians as his style isn't the icy repetition that has given New Age such an undying stigma over the past few decades. He weaves lovely melodies and sparkling hooks with the sense of wonder of a master magician. I am most impressed by not only how every track holds my attention but keeps me mesmerized, falling under their spell. You can really zone out of this world with this CD, escape from the troubles of everyday life.

And, really, the basic appeal of New Age music is not in its technical complexities or high-tech production; it's how it softens the blow of daily stress, a massage to the soul. There are no words because your emotions are what interprets the music. You shut down your thinking systems and let the sounds flow through your consciousness. Some New Age artists fail to do this, but Hicken is not one of them.

"Goddess" takes you away, brings you to another level of existence that is breathtaking and invigorating.
 
Adam Harrington (Whisperin & Hollerin)



Have you ever heard the theory that you are influenced by your surroundings and habitat? If there was ever clear evidence to support that theory then look no further than the solo piano recording of David Hicken’s Goddess. Recorded at David’s studio on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, with a 24 bit state of the art technology, the production and compositions are simply breathtaking despite the simplistic quietude.
                                 
Born in England, David moved Stateside at the tender age of seventeen to attend the Peabody Conservatory of Music. Featured in several symphony orchestras as well as a teaching piano for almost 20 years, David finally decided it was his time and has released a trilogy of albums the first being the gorgeous Goddess. A very light blend of classical touches deeply entrenched in meditative, melodic and mainstream New Age chimes, Hicken’s compositions have an instant appeal. Needless to say, comparisons with Kevin Kern and George Skaroulis are unavoidable but he is more than a mere copycat.
The album pays tribute to the divine female idols of the unseen world and with it comes an unadorned and exotically naked performance that is beautiful and vulnerable. The gentle power of a woman can be felt throughout his performances from the beginning to the end starting with rich the touch of “Lakshmi” to the gentle fire of “Pele”. While it is sometimes difficult to differentiate one song from another, the result is a very cohesive project that is rich in meditative qualities. In contrast there is the more regal sway of “Isis” and “Pele”, without distracting from the cohesive pastoral theme of the album.
David does it all from performing to composing to production which is crystal clear. Self promoted, the labels truly missed out on this talented up and coming artist. If the divine music of Goddess is any indication of what to expect from his trilogy, then one can only anticipate that Ishtar the Goddess of love and war will be watching the labels kicking themselves not once, not twice, but thrice.

Michael Debbage
Solo Piano Publications



ENCHANTED
DAVID HICKEN/Goddess:  Some babe Hicken likes must be a massage therapist kvetching that there’s a lack of good music for massage sessions.  Not that this set feels like it set out to be massage music, it winds up that way.  Gentle solo piano that is 180 degrees away from so much of the mashed potatoes these efforts turn into all to often, Hicken knows his way around the keys and serves up that knowledge in a graceful and delightful style.  Easy to lump into the new age/blabla bag, it has more than that on the ball and is a winner for NAC piano fans as well as people looking for some good, solid listening.

Chris Spector
Midwest Record
12/02/07