Clouds on the Mountain

Patty Stevenson's hauntingly beautiful collection of 16 piano solos transform the magic of the high desert into song. All the pieces were written by New Mexico composer Gretchen Van Auken. The magic heard on this album developed when these two artists first met. According to Patty, 'We had actually grown up just one block apart, but didn't meet until year later, after we'd both moved away. The first time I heard Gretchen play her music, I felt like dancing with joy.' Gretchen Van Auken lives a peaceful life along the Gila River in Southwest New Mexico where she enjoys composing, teaching, tuning pianos, gardening and hiking in the hills. She prefers her life close to nature and clearly expresses those feelings in her music and poetry. Patty Stevenson began studying piano at age 4 with her grandma who operated a Chicago music school with Patty's grandpa. Patty continued her classical training thru college. An accomplished pianist, Patty is also a folksinger, songwriter, guitarist & harpist, performing solo and as a duo with husband Craig Siemsen. 'Clouds on the Mountain' features works with a new age, relaxing sound, underscored by classical technique and command of the piano. -New Haven Register.