Heal of the Hand is Robin Spielberg’s debut recording of original piano solos. First released independently by the artist in 1993, it was later picked up by the North Star Music label and became their fastest-selling album ever. This is the CD that launched Robin’s career as one of today’s premier composer/pianists. It remains a best-seller today at is new home, Robin’s own playMountain Music label.
Check out the sheet music, now on sale for $10 through the month of February!
The Songs:
1. Soldier’s Journey
2. Back To You
3. Flower In The Rock
4. Crystal Fountain
5. Return Of A Knight
6. Ireland
7. Montclair
8. Prairie (click to watch a video of Robin playing this song!)
9. Amy’s Lullaby
10. Windows in the Dark
11. Late Night
Heal of the Hand was recorded on borrowed funds in 1993.I thought it would be a good idea to record some of the original pieces that my fans most often requested to hear in the piano rooms where I played. My plan was simply to have a CD to sell at my gig. The recording sold quickly by word-of-mouth and received some fabulous reviews. North Star Records picked up the release in May of 1994 and it went on to become one of their best-selling recordings of all time (#1 for both ’94 & ’95). I signed on with them to make six more records.
What I remember most about making Heal of the Hand is sitting at the piano in the recording studio in my Dad’s lucky flannel shirt with a little stool next to me. On the stool was a bottle of apple juice and a package of Fig Newtons. I did the whole session (6 hours) with Fig Newtons and apple juice as my only sustenance. I don’t get nearly as nervous at sessions now, but I still make sure there are plenty of Fig Newtons on hand! That’s my ‘good luck’ snack, I suppose.
Another thing I remember about the early days of this recording is the afternoon the UPS truck drove up and delivered box upon box of the finished album.This was a bit scary. When I had ordered 2000 CDs. I had no idea there would be so many boxes! The boxes took up my whole apartment. My roommate and I hid them everywhere–under the sofa, behind the chairs, in the basement, in closets, on top of the refrigerator, underneath tables. My roommate assured me that I would be rid of these boxes in a few months–not to worry. I didn’t believe her, and I remember feeling very nervous that I would never in a million years be able to get rid of 2,000 copies of Heal of the Hand. That was 70,000 copies ago…
– Robin
Reviews
This ain’t just mood music, bub. Pretty as Spielberg’s music is, there’s enough fire in the playing and rigor in the writing that it bears up under close scrutiny, something that puts her safely in the class of Liz Story or Philip Aaberg. – Musician Magazine
Spielberg has a fine way with a melodic line, and her picturesque compositions make for entertaining listening. – Milwaukee Journal
This album is subtitled ‘beautiful piano solos’, and it isn’t hard to see why. Lilting, romantic, sometimes nostalgic, these pieces go straight for the heart and then stay there. Extremely moving…evocative, beautiful. – Soundmind Magazine
Heal of the Hand is a collection of 11 original piano solos that all bear the mark of Spielberg’s delicate touch. Her Steinway piano, alternately forceful and lilting, is the sole voice. Each of the pieces is a soothing, wistful foray into musical portraiture. Compelling…gorgeous…enchanting – Donald S. Deane, Essex Journal
Robin Spielberg’s Heal of the Hand is sure to transport you to a ‘mind-place’ of simple, happy, refreshing times. It’s pure delight to listen to…an enchanting release. – Gloria Reiser, Intuitive Explorations
Her hands can heal a troubled heart and mind as evidenced by this 11-song exercise in tranquility, perfect for those days when you just want to relax and watch the snow or leaves fall or the flowers bloom. I especially like ‘Montclair’, a loving tribute to my birthplace. – Aquarian Weekly
This gorgeous collection of beautiful piano solos is graced with romantic themes and tranquil tempos. Spielberg’s Steinway sounds incredible. – P.J. Birosik, The Monthly Aspectarian
This pretty piano album is healing medicine for the soul, soothing and warm…Robin writes beautiful music…this collection is wonderful. – Jennifer Derby, Heartsong Review
Robin Spielberg exemplifies the timeless appeal of the piano in her debut, Heal of the Hand… she has gathered eleven of her own compositions, each with its own story to tell. Excellent sound is due to the production and engineering of Steven Miller, who has worked with several Windham Hill artists. Heal of the Hand is like a new friend, ready and eager to get to know better. – Lloyd Barde, Heartbeats
Robin Spielberg is one hell of a pianist…putting pure emotion and feeling into her tunes. – Baby Sue Music Review