Blue Wolf Reviews

Tag: improv

  • Sketches

    Sketches

    Improv piano is always delightful to enjoy as the music has that certain something, that unexpected element of surprise, as if to say to the creator, let us see what happens when you simply let the melody develop without specific control, expectation or reason.

    Sketches from Michele McLaughlin is an album of improv pieces which when put together create a light, fresh, breezy work that lifts the spirit, gladdens the heart and creates a real dose of that wonderful ’feel good’ feeling.

    A jaunty little piece is the Traveler, depicting an element of the unexpected as a journey is undertaken, a destination in mind the various aspect of the voyage yet to be seen, enjoyed and discovered. A magical little piece full of light and fun.

    The Long Night begins as slightly hesitant piece, reminiscent of those nights when sleep seems so far away, the endless dark allowing those disenchanted elements to enter, to be reviewed, let go into that some other place, where errant thoughts wander, before a fresh morning arrives.

    Somewhere we have all been is Lost: whether emotionally, physically or on a journey where arriving at the destination is via a route which at the beginning of the journey was unplanned. Such can be said of life’s journey as the pathway is always other than what is expected or even foreseen. This lovely solo piano piece captivates perfectly offering the elements of unexpected within the composition.

    Rounding out a lovely collection is the rich, enjoyable Unshakeable which perfectly draws to conclusion a varied, light and very entertaining collection of Sketches.

  • Reflections

    Reflections

    At first listen Reflections comes across as a rather discordant series of pieces that eventually mellows into the ambience of Christmas; a Christmas that perhaps is something held in memories and dreams, a Christmas filled with magic and mystery, a concoction of many things, each special to those who choose to reflect  backwards while looking forwards.

    But as Stephen Wallack is noted for his rather edgy improv interpretations the work comes as an alternative presentation  to the traditional compositions such as Deck The Halls, Rudolf and so many of the favourite pieces much loved over generations.

    Like so much in the world of right now, Wallack’s music could also be considered as a reflection on the strange and unusual times in which we all find ourselves, with a season upon us all that is the same and yet very, very different: a time when the traditions of yesterday are changed but in doing so, offers a time to change those same traditions to another version that perhaps fits the world of today in a different style, but still contains and hold the precious memories of yesteryear.

    The titles are all familiar: We Three Kings, a slow and considered piece, fitting of the three wise men whom travelled to meet the new born Christ child; Jingle Bells beloved of children and adults worldwide is a 4:02 minute piece that is a rather intriguing version of what was originally barely 1:50 minutes in length.

    Joy to the World is a melodious reconstruction with the sound of bells ringing out across the air to bring with it the emotion of joy, before a depth of rich melody joins the traditional with the non-traditional chords created on solo piano.

    The very beautiful, traditional and historic piece Silent Night presented in a soft and gentle style completes a somewhat alternate version of Christmas carols that resonates with the changing world; a collection offering solace, with a slightly different take on the familiar and traditional, allowing through the glorious medium of music, the chance to accept change and create new beginnings. A Christmas gift to cherish.

  • Blue Landscapes III: Frontiers (Music from a Quieter Place)

    Blue Landscapes III: Frontiers (Music from a Quieter Place)

    Inspired by the beauty of the earth and the magic of nature, Blue Landscapes III: Frontiers, a melodious and immensely peaceful body of work from the talented Robert Thies and Damjan Krajacic, is their third album in the Blue Landscape series.

    Such is the standard of this work, it is hard to believe that the album created completely as an improv collection, is based only on the immense talent of the long-time friends and musical collaborators, along with their finely honed talents on piano and flute.

    The elegance of the work is astounding considering Thies’ background is that of a classical concert pianist and Krajacic’s is that of predominantly jazz flautist, both keen to explore new dimensions and expressions for their music.  Their synergy has, in the space of week, resulted in some incredibly sensual, peaceful and mediative music captured in the fifteen tracks which make up Frontiers.

    But how best to put this particular magic into words is the challenge; as is the case with all music, it is an element of sound, spun by alchemists to offer to the listener whatever needs to be discovered, whether it be peace, joy, happiness, relaxation or meditation.

    Drifiting introduces the work in a gentle, sublime and enticing style, which then segues into a variety of pieces with similar themes and tone, although throughout the body of the work, the tempo alters slightly, with piano and flute changing direction according to the effect required.

    How truly marvellous though, to be able sit down with a friend and fellow musician to simply focus on creating music; allowing the energy to take the sound to unexpected places, to create tonal vibration full of colour and healing with no specific requirements; to allow the music to drift, to be born into a fresh new element of tranquillity. The measured Letting Go, completes the work in a manner that does indeed return the listener back to the very real world of everyday, relaxed and refreshed.

    Words simply do not do this work justice as it is the emotion, ambience and graceful dance of the music as it moves into fresh new areas within the genre of classical new age collaboration, which needs to be experienced to be appreciated and enjoyed. Sublime!

  • Jazz Meditations

    Jazz Meditations

    Meditation music is always something special and when a jazz component is added, it broadens the of experience. Dan Rufulo in his second solo piano recording Jazz Meditations combines his love of jazz, modern religious music and traditional hymns to create an album which will have a very wide appeal.

    Commencing with a sombre, very reflective piece Choices, which paves the way to a somewhat eclectic mix of emotions, with the very sophisticated piece Elegant Lady tripping across the keyboard in of course, a very elegant, easy manner.

    One of the all-time favourites, English folk song Greensleeves has been beautifully crafted, holding together the 15th century melody but adding a lovely, modern jazz rhythm which refreshes and delights with a range of discerning elements introduced to this classic piece.

    A thoughtful piece is Idea Factory, consisting of intriguing layers, offering a very different aspect of meditation, in the assured nature of what could be considered as an entrepreneurial piece, fresh, challenging and captivating with the changes of pace and emotion.

    Improvisation#3 is a lovely journey through the diverse world that is a jazz, with the many elements bought together to once again offer a reflective moment, short and perfectly fitting the bill for a quiet moment.

    Each of the twelve pieces that make up this solo piano album commence with a very measured style which goes on to broaden out into a range of differing emotions and style with Mantis, having a more traditional feel, reminding of the wonderful Mantis, perched on a blade of grass, slowly swaying in the gentle breeze, waiting, deciding what to do next.

    Movement 1 Mountains is an interesting composition as it is one of the more diverse pieces commencing with a the more traditional feel, a slow measure which builds to a crescendo to end the piece with a flourish. Followed by Movement IV Fog a sharper, far more brittle song, the two pieces balance each other with ease, showcasing the talent and scope of Dan Rufulo at one with his piano.

    A funky little piece Waltz in B completes what is an album of completely unexpected, thought provoking, original compositions and traditional pieces which create Jazz Meditations.