Blue Wolf Reviews

Tag: Piano

  • Love Themes for Solo Piano

    Love Themes for Solo Piano

    Dan Chadburn’s music is always something special, holding within each of the pieces something beautiful to be discovered, treasured and enjoyed. Love Themes for Solo Piano, his latest release, dedicated to husband Tom Nichols, is indeed something very special, as the pure love and joy is captured within each song.

    Several of the compositions have evolved in an ‘improv’ manner, later formalised, with others being born in the more traditional manner, but regardless of where the music came from, this is a gentle, caring and loving collection of pieces to delight the very soul.

    What better way to commence than with the delicate Starlight Waltz which touches the romantic in us all, as the imagination captures two dancers, lost in their own time and space, twirling, floating, drifting, in time with the music.

    Gentle Touch allows so many feeling to be present; the delicate touch given to a newborn child, a lover’s hand offering a gentle moment, a graceful and delicate moment at days end, reflecting, enjoying being in the moment when day meets night.

    Grounded has a slightly different feel, as it encourages time spent to be in the moment, time to be still, be peaceful, to reflect, enjoy and refresh before floating into the deliciously sensuous Stars Above Sedona, which, should the night skies of the desert regions have ever been viewed, the myriad of stars crammed in what seems to be a never ending jewelled night sky, needs no further explanation, other than to say perfection captured.

    The richness of Chadburn’s skill is perfectly displayed in Reminisce, a piece which contains from beginning to end, a gentle smile wrapped in love, with the final track Shalom, dedicated to his mother, Margaret, who passed away during the production of Love Songs for the Piano: a piece filled with reverence, love and gratitude, created as an improv piece and one that makes an elegant, graceful conclusion, to a body of work which reflects on the wonder of endless love.

    Once again, a serene, graceful and heart-warming collection from Dan Chadburn and his piano. Perfect!

  • A Presence Of Three Minds

    A Presence Of Three Minds

    It is always intriguing to discover what Holland Phillips has create with each of his albums. A Presence of Three Minds, his latest work, immediately captures the imagination as to what is there to be discovered.

    Created as a healing work and as sometimes occurs a separate force takes over, almost muscling in, demanding the work goes where directed. Such was the case with the creation of this magical, healing collection.

    At the conclusion of his last album Leaning Towards Home released in 2018, Phillips had a plethora of pieces still waiting to be used. Noted for his healing work through music therapy, with formats which resonate, he set out to create some more songs with healing in the forefront of his mind.

    Life managed, as it so often does, to change his direction which resulted in a very different influence being immersed into his compositions. Three different strands emerged, creating a quandary of what to do, which way to go, what blend to select.

    The realization that perhaps all three could be used has resulted in another stellar collection from Holland Phillips, beginning with From the Depths, a piece which is deep, reflective, almost brooding, before changing to more melodic, almost an acceptance, of the many changes and challenges life delivers.

    A lovely quirky piece is Last One Home; light, enjoyable with an inbuilt reflective smile, which delights the heart and soul, as it gracefully unfolds with delicate keystrokes. Finding Pixies is also still in the quirky space created, as it trips and flits across keyboards producing some interesting mixes of time, light and space.

    Being Alone in A Crowd is something we have all experienced when we are there, present, but no one seems to see us, feel us, understand the depth of despair and anguish: so saying, this track has a lovely soothing quality to the construction, which wraps around the spirit offering solace and understanding.

    A very catchy little piece is In The Queens Court, returning the imagination to Renaissance times using the various instruments in counterpoint: a gorgeous piece. Whereas the spacey song Arendell Rising is almost otherworldly, mellow, gentle and reflective, once again showcasing the immense depth of talent that is Holland Phillips.

    This sets the scene for the final song To The Heavens which has a wonderful cinematic depth and breadth to the music, encompassing and reflecting upon a journey where thankfulness is given for the safe, if somewhat well-travelled arrival, ready for a fresh new beginning.

     

  • Art on the Piano

    Art on the Piano

    Delicate and gentle the first track on Holly Jones’ album Art on the Piano offers the perfect introduction to a journey full of healing, comfort and pleasure.

    Working as a physical therapist, Holly Jones has a deep understanding of the power of music to heal, which is present in each of the eleven songs that make up this gentle and delightful work.

    A Blackberry Sky is a lovely subtle and relaxing introduction to what can be very easily accepted as an artist painting a great work on a canvas, each of the pieces created presenting a story, which is uniquely understood by those who look or listen.

    Flowing elegantly Butterfly encourages visions of a gentle, romantic waltz as the song gently flows, creating a soft scene of almost elusive waltzlike movements, similar to the beauty of a butterfly flitting through the gardens which so tempt and delight.

    The title track Art on the Piano is one of reflection, a different, almost sombre palate introduced to offer time for contemplation, for understanding, accepting or letting go, in so many ways gratifying with depth of understanding woven throughout the piece.

    Short and enjoyable Jellies teases the mind, flitting here and there, seeking memories of summer days, fun, perhaps another tune, a sun filled day full of enjoyment, graceful and full of charm.

    Another beautiful piece amongst the many is Repose, perfect for being in the moment, perfect for the practice of Mindfulness, or simply for being still, allowing the mind to go into freefall, to return once again refreshed.

    Light on the Water immediately brings to the mind ships tossing on the seas, sailors dancing the hornpipe, the call of the ocean beckoning adventure, the rush of the wind in the sails; all this and much more imagined from a simple, well-constructed song which brings a genteel, delicate and healing collection to a perfect finale.

  • Wings

    Wings

    Wings, the title of Peter Kater’s latest and perhaps most spiritual and fervent work, is simply divine, as the simple beauty created on the keyboard is such that it immediately takes you from one place to another of your choosing, without effort or energy expended.

    Considered as one of the early pioneers of solo piano in the ‘New Age’ genre of music Kater has gone on to carve a stellar career from his music, which has seen him earn many Grammy awards over the years. This talent is more than obvious on Wings where the subtle magic of birds soaring on the wing, swooping in glee, simply riding the thermals, floating peacefully on a whim and a gentle breeze, has been captured perfectly.

    No matter how you choose to interpret the music, Wings will simply wrap around your heart from the first note. Each of the songs contain a level of intimacy which very easily leads to the belief the music has been written with your emotions as the very inspiration for the pieces.

    But where to begin with the pieces: Raven’s Wings as the introduction makes this raucous bird which often appears clumsy when on the land, something special to observe as it flies gracefully across the skies, at home in the perfect elements; graceful, elegant and perfectly designed. An intriguing and beguiling piece.

    Delicate, intimate and captivating is the delicious piece Hold Me Close, a song so easy to get lost in that returning to the mundane is a little shocking!

    Flight is a somewhat sombre song, hinting at the often-challenging journey undertaken regardless of whether you have wings or are a pedestrian of life. Measured, thoughtful and definitive the melody captivates, adding a lovely robust balance to the body of work.

    Drifting and gentle Swallow River simply floats across the ether, dreamy, elegant and immensely peaceful. Remembrance follows in the same metre, allowing the tranquillity and deep spiritual healing woven throughout to be absorbed into the very soul.

    Exquisite only barely describes Flight Reprise, the final track, which signals the return to daily life, drawing to a conclusion a journey of deep spirituality couched in immense beauty, a work which allows the imagination to float and soar freely, as do the birds which have provided the inspiration.

    In a year of incredible music, Wings, simply put, is absolutely captivating.

  • Becoming Tomorrow

    Becoming Tomorrow

    As a debut album Beginning Tomorrow is WOW, WOW and WOW again, as the music simply bursts into life as spontaneous, fun and funky, with overtones of a time long gone, when Honky Tonk was played far and wide as means of entertaining, having fun and being in the moment, like right now.

    Jarred walker has exploded into the new age genre with a vibrant, powerful and terrifically fun collection of ten tracks that are definitely guaranteed to have your hips swinging, toes tapping and a rather inane smile plastered over your face, and you are only up to the second track.

    Something New is a somewhat cinematic introduction, but do not be deceived by the opening bars and it develops its own momentum and takes you to the most unlikely of places, seeming to say, look out as here I come and hope you are Along for the Ride, which is a massively enjoyable piece, simply created to be enjoyed, nothing more, nothing less. This piece was influenced by the Linus and Lucy Theme from Peanuts. Naturally, just as zany and enjoyable.

    Starting off slow, which is a change of pace after the first two pieces, Dream of the Firefly lures you in with its gentler sounds, until somehow the piece once again heads off in a completely unexpected direction, as if the firefly’s have formed up and begun to march along to the beat of a very different drum.

    Ragtime is garnered in, in This Time, which is once again a light, delightful moment in time to simply be enjoyed, with more than subtle hints of a classical structure, with elements of Scott Joplin’s music threaded throughout.

    Mellow and winsome Looking Back, a piece Walker says was heavily influence by the music of the Carpenters and Burt Bacharach, is very evident with the complexities of the composition and the skilled use of the piano to introduce a range of highlights and slight pauses, which add a unique something to the song.

    Moving on Around the Block bops along, chunky, once again almost Honky Tonk, presented as simple enjoyable fun; a piece walker composed in College to compliment an assignment to write a children’s books.

    End of the Line simply begins and then takes off search of its own melodies which is very intriguing, as there are so many various styles carefully wrapped up in the music that while at times the piece feels familiar it most certainly is not.

    Becoming Tomorrow is a seriously feel good album from a young man out to have a huge amount of fun with his music, which by the end of the album has lifted the spirits, changed the day to one of lightness and fun, then left, having accomplished what it set out to do, to leave you feeling good!

  • Before Today, Beyond Tomorrow

    Before Today, Beyond Tomorrow

    In a career which has produced some elegant, gracious and beautiful piano solos, this latest release from Anne Sweeten, Before Today, Beyond Tomorrow, outdoes her previous albums by far, as each of the pieces contains an element ethereal emotion; delicate, fragile, filled with love and immense hope.

    Born as a work after a third life threatening diagnosis, created during a time when Ann Sweeten was asking WHY: Why her, why three times to the brink? She, like so many before and after her, eventually came to terms with the fact that there is no reason, this is simply her life pathway.

    The words she wrote during that initial time of acceptance introduce the work, Before Today, Beyond Tomorrow. Flawless in their simplicity, perfect in a salute to life and living, the ten pieces composed pay tribute to hope, resilience and the appreciation of the small, and yet perfect moments of life there to be enjoyed in the moment, to be savoured and then enjoyed once again as memories.

    Introducing the album is Across the Midnight Skies, a gentle reflective composition that entrances, able to be related too as there are times in life when gazing out over the Midnight Skies, seeking inspiration, solace and hope brings a certain kind of peace and acceptance.

    Before Today, Beyond Tomorrow is a most intimate piece,encapsulating all the many aspects of the four words in the title. Before today, memories were made, beyond tomorrow is still unformed; fresh, new and full of hope. This emotion has been perfectly captured in the delicate notes of the introduction. When joined by Eugene Friesen on ‘Cello and Nancy Rumble on English Horn the piece has a poignancy about it that could be considered as the hallmark of Ann Sweetens undoubted talent, not just as a pianist but also as a composer. Pure poetry in music.

    Beyond the Clouds is a slightly broody piece; a peice of heavy skies, dark moments with eventual rays of sunshine finding their way amongst the dark clouds. Interestingly Philadelphia 22 is far more driven, precise in its execution, before it drifts slowly into a more mellow moment. Once again Sweeten is joined by Nancy Rumbel on English Horn, Eugene Friesen on ‘Cello with Charlie Bisharat on violin, adding his own particular magic to this classic piece, which softens the initial, almost clinical notes of the piano.

    There are two songs dedicated to her beloved dogs, Blackie Boo, Lullaby for Blackie Boo, and Shiloh. The liner notes have two pieces of poetry written as tributes, which should be read as the music that wraps around them is enjoyed.

    On Through Winter Panes, Sweeten is joined by Premik Russell Tubbs on Soprano Saxophone adding a deep haunting richness to the song which is beauty personified.

    Like Smoke Through A Keyhole could be considered as a euphemism for life in general terms. We are here for a given time, and Like Smoke Through A Keyhole, that time is ephemeral. As a final piece, where Sweeten is joined by Trisha Craig on Flute, it is delicate, once again reflective and yet full of hope and love, encompassing the beauty to be found in the so many small joys to be discovered in everyday life.

    There is no way at all this album can be considered as anything but deeply emotive, as in this collection Ann Sweeten has placed her raw vulnerability on display, allowing the sorrow, sadness and eventual acceptance to flow through the blessed medium of her music.

    “Life itself seems so fragile that I hold it like a wounded bird, so that it may grow well within my care and fly free again, carrying music on its wing.’ Ann Sweeten 2019.

     

  • Beautiful Journey

    Beautiful Journey

    In this amazingly complex and beautiful third album Beautiful Journey from the talented Brenda Warren, she has raised the bar even higher in the genre of New Age music, with this heartfelt and deeply emotional work, by taking a personal journey through all the many and varying aspects of life, love, joy, happiness, sadness, sorrow and acceptance.

    On this journey she has been joined with a stellar cast of award wining musicians in Charlie Bisharat, Premik Russell Tubbs, Tom Eaton, Jilly Haley and many others, to create a wonderful blending of layers of sound.

    Opening with the evocative solo piano piece Imagine Spring, it offers a fresh new beginning after the dark, closed in days of winter. Beginning on a slightly hesitant note, indicative of the first tiny flush of a new bud, before opening out into a full, rich splendour of colour and feeling which is a lovely beginning to this divine work.

    Passing Through has the haunting undertones of female wordless vocals which then with the addition of a wind component to the composition gives a delicate, almost impermanent air, underlining the point, Yes, I was here, but now I have moved on.

    The signature piece Beautiful Journey is another beautiful solo piano piece, strong, resilient, full of emotion, showcasing the immense talent Warren has for composition with deep emotional ties.

    Moving away from the more sombre tones is the light and dainty Beneath Cherry Blossom which has a built-in smile. Warren has captured a very definite perspective of Japan at Cherry Blossom Time, when the Cherry Trees are in full and glorious blossom. Perfection between heaven and earth, magic for the soul.

    Blue Sky Day is definitely a tribute to those perfect days when the sky is nothing but blue everywhere you look, the air is fresh and anything is possible; a day that lifts the spirit and sooths the soul with pleasure and joy.

    Pure bliss comes with Drifting; the bliss of letting go, simply allowing the music to absorb and take you where it will, a gentle and thoughtful piece that offers the opportunity to take a moment out of time; to simply be right there in the moment.

    Rounding out this emotional and enriching journey is Forgiveness, once again a piece about moving on, forgiving and by forgiving setting yourself free to once again be able to live a happy and joyful life. Sombre in parts, reflective in others, it is a sincere and powerful completion to an album rich in the fullness of life.

    Will Ackerman says about Brenda Warrens work ‘Her work is deeply heartfelt and stunningly emotional…a glimpse into her artistic soul.’ A perfect summation.

  • Waiting’s End – solo piano vol:1

    Waiting’s End – solo piano vol:1

    Deep spirituality and a rich career in music are the underpinning aspects of this debut album Waiting’s End from gospel singer songwriter KeithTim Anderson, an album in which he has captured the very essence of peace, calm and reflective ambience in the eleven tracks which make up the collection.

    Having had a stellar a career as a gospel singer songwriter, he penned a piece of music for solo piano and discovered he rather liked the piece. A second piece followed. Returning to his family home for Thanks Giving Anderson lost his voice through laryngitis. Not able to sing at his parent’s church he combined the two solo piano pieces in a small concert which was received to great acclaim, laying the foundation for this healing and peaceful album.

    He refers to each of the pieces as ‘musical snapshots’ written to capture a moment in time, fleeting and yet memorable, distinctive in their difference and yet blending to create a continuous soundscape to that touches a deep chord within the listener.

    Several of the pieces have a comfortable familiarity to them that allows the music to be instantly accepted without any need to do more than enjoy the piece, allowing the gentle melodies to relax and refresh.

    Autumn Rain begins with an upbeat tempo which is intriguing as well and entertaining, inviting further investigation and setting the scene for what is yet to be discovered. Hope Again is a delicate and thoughtful song based in the gentle words from the Book of Lamentations, ‘I remember his mercies and I have hope again’. (paraphrase)

    Each of the titles have a lovely line from the Bible to accompany them, offering soft words to reflect upon. Remember When comes from the Songs of David in the book of Psalms with the reminder to ‘Forget not all his benefits.’

    Someday is a piece which will resonate with words of wisdom offered by John, ‘Someday, you will understand, thought you don’t now,’ (paraphrase), a fitting basis for a lilting melody.

    Waiting’s End the final song and the title track, is a deep and most enjoyable piece that offers a refreshing and bright new beginning after the often-troubled times lived and overcome.

    As a debut album this can be considered as a work of love and understanding from an artist who, through a life challenge, discovered a new beginning, one that has offered many blessings and the gift of relaxation and healing through the beauty of music.

  • Where Giants Roam the Earth

    Where Giants Roam the Earth

    There is a most beautiful backstory to the creation of this latest album Where Giants Roam the Earth from Milana Zilnik, in that a surprise journey, organised by her husband, to meet David Klavins the creator of the World’s largest Piano, at least in 2015, loving known as ‘The Giant’, provided the inspiration behind her latest solo piano album

    A lovely lilting piece Invitation to the Dream captures the imagination, introducing a wonderful journey into a world of long ago, when Giants did indeed rule the earth before segueing effortlessly into a completely different emotion, a deeper, sharper more intense piece Where Giants Roam the Earth, perhaps in a salute to her meeting the ‘The Giant’, a massive instrument with a profoundly beautiful, rich sound and a far  larger spectrum of overtones than the traditional piano.

    The Piano As Big As A Tree is a definite tribute to this massive instrument. In her own words she describes the experience and the inspiration as, ‘There is a distant land far far away, where giants roam the Earth and music flows as a river. I was lucky to visit that land where pianos grow big as trees, where composer’s fantasy meets the magnificent musical reality and the sounds wrap in their enchanting veil.’, which has created a truly enchanting and delightful piece.

    Burning throws a different and more introspective piece into this so far intriguing mix, with a contemplative blending of gentle and powerful influences, underpinned with a sombre, deeper base thread. A waltz is always a lovely romantic piece of music and in Haunted Waltz, Zilnik has very skilfully managed to combine a delicate jazz undertone to the waltz metre to create a lovely, modern and very intimate song. Gorgeous.

    Spring Tale showcases yet another area of this talented pianist’s skill as it dances along, fresh, interesting and yet in some senses almost reluctantly letting go of the winter from which it is emerging.

    The final track on this fourteen-track album is Coming Home, a song filled with vibrancy, a feeling of joy with a far lighter tone to represent the happiness and anticipation always there at the return of any long journey away from the beloved and familiar things of everyday life.

    An album filled with wonder, awe and passion this is one that will become a much-enjoyed work, as it has a very broad appeal and delightful range of influences designed to intrigue!

  • Guide Me

    Guide Me

    In a broad immensely powerful introduction to Guide Me, the second album from Samer Fanek he shouts, ‘here I am, listen to me’ before proceeding to enchant and impress with the volume of feeling, a richness of sound, a delicate tribute, which is all encompassing, beautiful and totally enjoyable from the first, to the final note.

    In his return from the dark days, this award-winning musician has created an album of immense beauty as he takes a musical journey through life, from announcing his return in Grand Opening, as if he were a showman for life itself, in what could be considered a panoramic piece with its depth and richness.

    Deliberately structuring the tracks to rebuild life journeys, he offers a lovely piano solo in Long time Ago, a nod to the time before birth, a time of waiting, pausing to reflect, before moving into Newborn, celebrating the beginning of new life with a more comprehensive and intricate mix of piano and orchestra; a glorious and upbeat song.

    As the music unfolds the story of growth is revealed in the lovely pieces Now You See followed with Guide Me, the signature title and one that comes with the understanding that all of life is given, but needs guidance to be able to learn and understand; a quirky piece which brings with its memories and a smile, sometimes wry!

    Before Dawn which enchanting with its elegance, and freshness heralds in new beginnings, a fresh start, hope and joy before Chasing Time arrives, deeper, perhaps more personal and yet one of the pieces that could be very significant in this majestic work, as it showcases the very real talent of Samer Fanek.

    In dedication to his mother Lila, is the richly robust For Lila, a vibrant piece with a rich orchestral sound of strings is without a doubt a glorious tribute of love. In complete contrast is the funky track Sense of Purpose, as if finally, life is presenting a focus, a reason, a destination: Powerful, fast and full of amazing layers this piece offers an upbeat sense of fun, freedom and rebirth.

    Finally, the last track arrives all to soon in Back To Hometown to complete not just this album, but offers an immense desire to return someday to his native Jordan, to the place of his birth; the long journey home and the feelings of homesickness, the desire to return to be able to reflect and renew are all presented in this beautiful solo piece, drawing this interesting, intriguing and glorious work to a close.

    Samer Fanek is indeed a talent in the New Age genre of music, one of a new style of musician and composer creating what many refer to an elite division within the entire scope of modern music. They have no boundaries, they create with the wonder of modern technology and time after time, deliver the goods to an exceptional standard. Here’s hoping Faner follows his dream, to be able to create his amazingly rich sound on the stages of the world with a very real, full orchestra.