Ophelia Handberry

"This expressive pianist can go from the hot and jazzy to the tranquil, contemplative
tracks. Ophelia marries the sounds of Jazz, Classical, New-Age and Contemporary music.
Ophelia is a wiz at the piano." -The Chicago Star-

- ~The Chicago Star~

Wind and Wire

OPHELIA HANDBERRY

One thing that's instantly apparent on Rhythmic Jubilee (well, by the first minute of the first track at least) is that Ophelia can play some mean piano! She really lights it up, folks. This is no George Winston CD, so don't come looking for a laid-back relaxing musical excursion. Despite the presence of palm trees on the cover of the album, this is high octane passionate jazz fusion music, literally exploding at times with energy and fire. I was reminded of albums such as McCoy Tyner's Trident more than once. On almost every track, Ophelia is joined by drummer Jo Tan Afanador and bassist Stevestyles Rodriguez, and on some tracks by violinist Larry Deming with additional keys and piano on one song from Paula Handberry, who I assume is the artist's sister since Ophelia last name is the same. The rhythm section on this album is among the strongest and tightest I've heard in a while. Afanador and Rodriguez stay with Ophelia's high-spirited pyrotechnics on, e.g. the opening title track, as well as providing appropriate support on the more relaxed (relatively speaking as nothing here is actually THAT relaxed) vibe on songs like "Pale Golden Moon."

Besides playing piano, Ophelia also handles some synth strings on the song "Island Beat" and some synth and marimba on the title track. But, of course, it's her piano playing that dominates this CD. Dominates is actually too mild a word. Her fiercely dramatic keyboard artistry literally grabs your attention and seldom lets you go. Violinist Deming gives her a run for the money, though. He can obviously play too as evidenced on "Sun Screams" where the two of them go back and forth, lighting up the skies with their talent.

Probably the slowest cut on the album, and the one that comes the closest to approaching a new age music sensibility, is "Crossroads," although the song still features plenty of kinetic drum work by Afanador, but at a lower energy level than other selections. "Travelin' " which fires up immediately after it, resets to zero and gets the blood pumping and feet tapping with Ophelia's rapid runs on the piano as well as plenty of pumping bass and a jazzy funky rhythm laid down on the drums. "Tropical Moon" closes out the album with its slowly evolving eight and half minutes, starting off with introspective solo piano as the notes sparkle like moonlight off the surface of the ocean. Soon enough, all the players gather in and the tune heads into cheery and funky territory, with everyone seeming to have a great time playing together. The other longer than usual song on the album is the piano duet (plus rhythm accompaniment) "Island Beat" which (not surprisingly) has the strongest element of world fusion running through its seven and a half minutes, evoking the sun-drenched party atmosphere of the Caribbean (although the use of tropical-sounding percussion instruments throughout the album lends most cuts at least a partial "island" feel).

Rhythmic Jubilee is appropriately titled, since the word jubilee is synonymous with "festival" or "celebration" which this album assuredly is, i.e. festive and celebratory. When you want to dance around your house feeling glad to be alive, this is the CD to reach for. In the hands of Ophelia and company, your cares should be chased away and replaced by smiles and laughter, along with the desire to visit a sandy beach or two, I'd warrant. Recommended, especially to fans of jazz piano (and not smooth jazz...this is the real deal!).
- Review by Bill Binkelman

Rhythmic Jubilee
Ophelia Handberry

“Rhythmic Jubilee” is quite a change from Ophelia’s previous releases. Big, bold, and jazzy, it is subtitled “An Eclectic Vision of Tropical Splendor.” All of the music was composed and produced by Ophelia Handberry, and she performs on acoustic piano and keyboards, joined by Paula Handberry on additional keyboards, JoTan Afanador on drums, Larry Deming on violin, and Stevestyles Rodriguez on bass guitar. This is Ophelia’s first release with “live” musicians, and the energy is infectious. Much more celebratory than soothing, this is music for fun times or just to feel good. On a couple of the tracks, the drums are a bit overbearing, but emphasize the party spirit of the music. “Island Beat” is listed as a piano duet, but percussion and synth strings accompany this lively, joyous bit of merriment. “Crossroads” is more of a ballad or even a slow dance with violin and drums backing up Ophelia’s melodic piano. “Travelin’” brings a bit of funk to the mix, adding to the fun. “Sun Screams” first appeared on Ophelia’s 1998 release, “Native Ground,” with keyboards. This “live” version really jumps, illustrating once again what a difference “real” musicians make over synthesizers. “Tropical Moon” begins as a gorgeous piano solo; about three minutes into it, the drums enter and the mood and tempo both change to a more upbeat and energetic jazz mode. As the piece evolves, the full band is onhand, having a blast making music together, with the various musicians taking solos.

For joyous tropically-influenced music, it doesn’t get much better than this! With “Rhythmic Jubilee,” Ophelia reveals another side of her very eclectic musical self, and it’s a joy to behold! - Reviewed by Kathy Parsons

"What a marvelous musician and composer. The jazz and classical influences combined with earthy undertones are stirring..." - Music Choice

"Ophelia is truly a gifted person. Not only is she technically sound in her playing, but the feeling she conveys through her music is deep, passionate, and inspiring."
- Review by C. Russell

"Ms. Handberry released some abundant energy that powers her creativity..
Her body kept time with the lively melody while her piston-like fingers raced
across the keyboard.

- Reviewed by F. Sikorski

In a word: Gorgeous! That describes Ophelia Handberry's 13-song release on Ohklectic Records. It could be called music to relax by, listen to by candlelight or be inspired by, because it is all of that and more.

Ophelia is an accomplished, talented musician and producer who plays inspired piano in dramatic fashion. Her sound is full, rich and sparkling.

The keyboard virtuoso can caress the instrument lightly or punch with vigor and energy -- whatever is necessary to make the mood. The opening two tunes, " Again," and "New Beginnings," are highlights of the CD and are so stirring you want them to go on past the four-minute standard.

A bit later into the list, her textured sounds give way to a bit of Enyaesque spirit, or possibly even Yanni.....

Another cool tune is "Exotic Spice," a neat combo of flute and piano which shows off the light, elegant and very quick touch Ophelia is capable of.

The next tune, "Jump!" has a Calypso flavor and the finale, "Ice 2000," rises and falls, building to a pulsing beat driven by electric keyboards and light percussion.
Ophelia´s press kit contains these words, and they are so appropriate: "Escape your everyday routine with Ophelia´s eclectic mix of captivating, upbeat melodies and smooth, passionate compositions that will inspire you to echo your own dreams."

Nuf sed...

- Review L. Reynolds