Blue Wolf Reviews

Tag: Piano

  • Small Treasures

    Small Treasures

    It began with a painting, moved to a poem and finalised in an album of the most exquisite music created to date, from Belgium composer Kerani, in a very personal offering of understated magic, Small Treasures. Noted as a composer of broad, sweeping landscape style pieces, this delicate and gently emotive collection is perfection.

    Irish singer songwriter Chanele McGuinness introduces the charming collection, as she sings the delightfully written stanzas of the Temple of Roses, a poem by American lyric poet Sarah Teasdale (1884-1933), devoted to love and romance with the original title of ‘A Fantasy’.

    A string quartet formed from members of Andrea Rieu’s orchestra, accompany Kerani on piano in the nostalgic Fields of Hungary, written to pay homage to her parent’s Hungarian background. Inspired by the poetry of Petofi Sandor (1823-1849), the piece rises and falls, charms and intrigues, with the melody carried by concert flute played by Helen Hendriks, adding a lovely dimension to this song.

    Ron Korb contributes his brilliance on Japanese Flute in Sakura, a 700-year-old renga written by Monk Kusai, describing the seasonal and yet fleeting beauty of the cherry blossom, providing the inspiration for this exotic, dainty and flowing offering.

    Oscar Wilde’s description of his love for a beautiful woman in the piece Fantasy in White has now become a light piano piece interwoven with the delicate touches of the string quartet, which fits perfectly to the sentiment; ‘Her ivory hands on the ivory keys Strayed in fitful fantasy……..’

    Chanele McGuiness once again adds her dulcet tones to Celtic Mystery accompanied by Isaac ‘les’ Muller on Irish flute, with wordless vocals contributed Davina Van der Zee, which perfectly portrays the evocativeness of the Irish and Ireland. A long introduction simply sets the scene for the invocation from druid Amairgin in ‘Song of Amhairghin’, a beautiful and traditional blessing.

    Classic flute ushers in the refreshingly lovely Garden of Dreams, enhanced by the singular beauty of the violin, to create a lovely reflective piece, which is followed by Where the Heart Belongs, written by Kerani at the age of fourteen years and only now put to an orchestral score.

    Brazilian guitar, played by Carla Maffioletti, sets the mood for the Echo of our Souls, based on the poem ‘A Lovers Call xxvii’ from the romantic poet Kahlil Gibran (1883-1931); a man who was a poet, artist and considered as somewhat of a political and literary rebel: there could be a definite connection discovered here between Gibran and Kerani! A sweeping, hauntingly beautiful piece, reminiscent of Kerani’s recent album Arctic Sunrise.

    Kerani’s mother, Ruff Roza (1935-2015) left a legacy of charming poetry, one of which, To The Heavens, has been used to form the reflective piece for orchestra and piano, enchanted with wordless vocals, which is a gloriously rich tribute to the love of her parents and their lives together.

    Reflections of the Heart draw this outstanding collection to a finale, a piece once again inspired by a poem from Spanish Poet Antonio Machado (1875-1939) who feared he may be running out of inspiration, when he asks the poignant question “Has my heart gone to sleep………………..’. This piece may be familiar as it was originally as a 27 minute long piece, ‘Reflections’, for her mediative album ‘Wings of Comfort’, and has now been remastered as shorter orchestral piece, full of beauty and life.

    A small booklet accompanies the CD with the snippets of poetry used as the inspirations overlaying a collection of paintings from Kerani as the background.

    Regardless of which format you choose to enjoy this singularly beautiful work, as simple music designed to enchant and refresh, or as a music video, the work can only be considered as subtle, sensitive, intimate, presenting a very endearing perspective of this talented musician and her work.

    Small Treasures rated 5th on the influential New Age Music Charts for October, only days after the release and could well be destined to be an award winner.

  • Fellowship of Solitude

    Fellowship of Solitude

    In a rather pensive mood, celebrated pianist Lynn Tredeau presents her latest offering Fellowship of Solitude, a singularly alluring series of compositions which are evocative and wonderfully peaceful; a trademark of her music to date.

    Beginning with the title track Fellowship of Solitude she creates a fitting entrance to an album of peace and beauty, which flows over the spirit in a gentle and unobtrusive manner offering solace and time to be spent in reflection.

    Moving down the songs is the delicate, poignant Love Leaves A Memory, a gentle reminder of that first love, so fresh, sparkling and overwhelming, to eventually be replaced by another love, maybe a richer more lasting love to remain in the memory for all time.

    Each of the track titles will evokes memories of many things often best forgotten, or forgiven, lessons learned; with others remaining always as special and meaningful events to be remembered with love and laughter, joy and happiness but always with a salient reminder of a life to be well lived and enjoyed.

    The slightly more sombre Time Machine is an enticing little soliloquy which requires no words spoken, as time, slowly and majestically moves steadily forward leading onto new fields to be explored while the introspective piece Left Behind requests a pause to be taken; a review of things left behind, perhaps unfinished, lessons to be garnered and learned from past experience.

    The penultimate piece Life is in the Journey is a personal refection on the life of Lynn Trudeau and her journey thus far, offering the salient point that all of life is truthfully a journey; of places been and yet to go, that each day brings with it fresh, new beginnings, new experiences and always, perhaps inevitably, something to be gained on a more personal level.

    Purple Fog commences with the deep bass note of the piano overlayed with the higher registers, offering a final peaceful moment of solitude to be enjoyed, which is a delightful ending to an album created to offer a time of peace, relaxation and reflection, which pays tribute to the immense skill of Lynn Tredeau and her heartfelt compositions for solo piano.

     

  • Home Again

    Home Again

    A lovely almost blues beat, introduces Home Again from acclaimed pianist Loren Evarts in his first solo piano album, which includes a touch of bodhran occasionally, that follows on from his previous highly acclaimed Water and Light, released in 2015 . The music is moody, ever-changing, pleasing and refreshing as if another presence is sitting beside Evarts on the piano stool as he is composing, adding a little here and a bit more there, to create a dreamy, relaxing and delightfully peaceful sound.

    Over the years Evarts has performed across a range of genres, from jazz to rock, disco, and for change of style a Portuguese band, all of which is influential in his music. As a highly sought after musician he has performed with some of the greats such as Dave Weckl (Chick Corea) Mike Davis (Rolling Stones) and many, many more. He is also noted for his Chamber Music compositions, one of which was a finalist in the prestigious London Chamber Music Ensemble competition.

    A Day on the Concord River introduces this melodic and pleasurable album as it meanders along with a delicious blues feel; drifting, mediative, and gentle with Dugong Dance a lovely continuance of this piece. Dancing along is Far and Away, a piece full of hope and joy, with a light and airy timbre.

    A thoughtful and contemplative piece is discovered in Sunset Island, bringing in the mellow feelings of watching the sun sink gently below the horizon; the end of the day bathed in the glorious colours of the evening skies, a time of reflection and acceptance.

    Home Again as the signature track is a jaunty little piece that signifies journeys end, home safely once again. Wedding at Sunrise arrives with a wonderful warmth of familiarity that makes it an immediate favourite with a lovely, almost ‘old fashioned’ air surrounding the composition.

    Nine Mile Bridge is a slightly more sombre, introspective piece, measured and broody with intriguing highlights interspersed within the melody, almost the light dancing on the water under a bridge as it flows deep and intriguing.

    The lovely and final piece The Good Life could easily be considered as a tribute to a life which has been rich and full. This stylish and gratifying collection demonstrates the immense understanding and passion Evarts has for and with his music which equals if not surpasses his first release, Water and Light.

  • Terra Incognito: The Space Between

    Terra Incognito: The Space Between

    New Age Solo Pianist Richard Dillion has produced an album that is so very different to his past three, Land of Nod, Irish Mist and Ring Around The Moon, that for a brief moment you wonder if it is truly Richard behind this gloriously diverse album.

    Based on two life journeys into unfamiliar territory, orchestration and licensing, this album is the culmination of what could easily be considered as a showcase of his immense talent, not just as a pianist but also as a musician and composer.  Terra Incognito is Richard Dillon at play and by the sound of it, thoroughly enjoying himself!

    It is very apparent as the work unfolds that his underlying objectives of expression, colour change and flow, along with combinations of instruments has been incredibly successful.  Ten of the tracks have been revived, such as the delightfully up-tempo Ice Dancer; a piece reminiscent of the 1970’s hit Music Box Dancer.

    Whalesong Redux gently introduces the collection which hints at another side, another time and place. The catchy little tune Color Me is the first of 4 vocal tracks changing the pace completely with the use of whistling, clapping and ukulele, paying tribute to rainbows, oceans and the sky.  Leonardo’s Flying Machine is a short piece adding another element to the feast.

    Thoughtful and dreamy Beside Still Waters Redux is followed by Papillon perhaps written in homage to the delicate beauty of the butterfly. Dillon adds his vocals to It’s All right Redux to present yet another aspect of his talent. The words to this piece will resonate with many! A little chill is created in Cars, a completely electronic, rapid fire piece.

    Into The Mines is interspersed with metallic clanging and scraping; sounds used to underpin the decent into the depths of the mines by men paid to mine the hidden riches.

    Overall there are twelve piano pieces with accompaniment, five orchestral pieces, four vocal songs, two ambient and one chill piece to provide over an hour of irresistible music that simply must be listened to as an absolute indulgence. There are so many elements captured the music constantly changes and flows, one contrasting piece into another.

    Having listed to the album four times to date, there is something new and fresh to be heard, to be enjoyed every time. The final piece I Could Care Less ends with a slightly whimsical set of words set to a catchy little tune with once again ukuleles providing the instrumentation.

    Terra Incognito is a place, subject or situation that you are not familiar with, which nicely sums up this latest album from a musician noted for his solo piano, who generally fits into the classification of neo-classical and new aged!

    Colours changing, blending, instruments harmonising melding creating a wonderful kaleidoscope of changing elements: thank you, Richard Dillon, for a wonderful listening experience.

     

  • Tomorrow’s Daydream

    Tomorrow’s Daydream

    Much acclaimed pianist Brian Kelly, has in his fourth album captured a little of what it is like to simply enjoy life, the moment of creation whether it be through music or living in this eclectic album of neo-classical gems to be enjoyed.

    Tomorrow’s Daydream is a very definitive piece that sets the stage for what it to come and segues effortlessly into Tracing Rainbows, although the track is a bit more upbeat than the usual tribute to the splendour of the rainbow in its natural element. Perhaps this is not such an unusual meter to describe the beauty of nature as rainbows, in all their glory, are generally to be found after a storm or gentle shower of rain.

    Fingers tripping lightly over the keys introduces Dancing with the Moon, a track which appeals to the imagination as it is very easy to see a lone figure, bathed in moonlight delighting in the moment , dancing freely, without cares, without limitations.

    In a more reflective mood Journey Home is a more peaceful composition which in his signature style, at least on this album, builds to a peak before gently slowing and letting go, depicting the traveller, after a long journey finally arriving at journey’s end.

    Secret Look bursts cheerfully onto the scene with a lovely up-tempo beat which encourages a smile and a little tapping of the toe, before gently shifting into the final piece Before You Go, which is tinged with a little sadness, as the end of this delightful album is fast approaching and goodbyes must be said until the next time. Slightly complex, the piece perfectly captures that moment when it is time to go but one lingers on, stretching out that moment of departure.

    Kelly’s music background is varied and his ability to shift from classical, to gospel, then add the undertones of a jazz beat, overlaid with a world-fusion style makes this an album that will be enjoyed many times over.

    Billed as a contemporary artist and solo pianist Kelly’s previous album Butterfly Rapture was nominated for the 2015 Contemporary and Modern Album of the Year, also collecting a silver medal for the Album and a silver medal for the title track Butterfly Rapture. This album has also been nominated for Best Solo Piano Album in the 2018 Enlightened Piano Radio Awards to be presented in Berlin in October 2018.

     

  • Moonlight in Empty Rooms

    Moonlight in Empty Rooms

    “In the painting of Alexander Volkov, where time stands still.

    I heard music” – Heidi Breyer

    Alexander Volkov is a world renowned artist, noted for his real life painting, a self-taught artist who believes anyone can create art. Heidi Breyer is his wife, a talented pianist and composer. Between them they have created what would have to be considered a magically beautiful work, Moonlight In Empty Rooms, a collection of compositions for piano and violin, based on twelve of the 500 works created by Volkov over the past 25 years.

    A small booklet accompanies the double disc set, setting out the philosophy of both artists as they live, work and combine their immense talent to creating a vision of rare beauty. Music is often compared to painting a picture through sound and in this evocative collection the best way to enjoy the magic is simply to relax and allow the music to wrap around the psyche, to create the visons as they arrive asking to be enjoyed.

    The introduction, Unfinished Conversation evolved from a work of pure simplicity; an empty room, an unfinished glass of wine, a candle snuffed out, the smoke from the wick still fresh allowing the viewer to write their own story. The music is introduced with the clear tones of the piano which are joined by the definite and yet delicate notes of the violin, offering the option of conversations unfinished, a pause in time, a moment to reflect. As the two instruments continue with their dance, art and music entwine seamlessly.

    Each of the twelve pieces are delicate, intricate and absolutely exquisite, each one with its own particular depth of emotion which is only enhanced by the wonderfully mellifluous tone of the violin played by the brilliant Charlie Bisharat. To listen to two instruments so co-joined is as if both Breyer and Bisharat are in total harmony, almost a spiritual connection where there is no defined end and no beginning, even though the violin is the secondary instrument.

    Emotion pure, clear and deep underpins each of the compositions which is both a tribute to Volkov’s stunning paintings as displayed in the booklet and the intimate involvement Breyer has with his works. It is as if she has simply sat in front of her favourite pieces allowing them to speak to her, to create through her the perfection of that moment in time captured forever.

    It is considered that this is Breyer’s best work to date, a work in which she has reached deep into the well of her talent, allowing the rich beauty to create a wonderful series of intimate and emotionally felt pieces which are gracious, delightful and a rare treat.

     

  • Seashells in My Pocket

    Seashells in My Pocket

    The title of this solo piano album is reminiscent of picking up little bits and pieces as one wanders down that pathway, or along a stretch of beach, then placing them in a holder of some sort or other upon return; there to be taken out and memories of that time, place and space enjoyed once again.

    Measured and peaceful, this debut album from classically trained pianist Pam Asberry has been inspired by some of the many places she has travelled and enjoyed throughout her life. Heartfelt and poignant, simple melody is used to present minutes in time, such as in the piece Wishing Stones, where one of the local traditions in Aruba is to build a small cairn of stones on the beach and make a wish. Of course hoping it will come true.

    As a classical pianist, Asberry was more than familiar with following a set score; branching out was not a consideration until one early morning during a walk, a melody arrived refusing to leave until it was written down. That melody is Monterey Morning and became the first of the many compositions to follow.

    Each of the pieces is melodic and graceful, lending themselves to an easy listening style that encourages reflection of the many simple pleasures stored away, reminding one of  some of those many little items, treasures of special of times enjoyed, delicate moments never to be repeated, the beauty of nature there for enjoyment by all.

    Dunn’s River Falls changes the tempo completely with a dramatic introduction, then showcases Asberry’s talent more so than any of the other pieces, as it encourages visions of water pounding over the waterfall, rushing steadily to the bottom to crash in a turbulent manner before flowing into a peaceful stream.

    Wrapping up a delightful album is Sailing Home, a gentle, melodic and absolutely peaceful composition, reminiscent of sailing into harbour after a tiring, but enjoyable day on the water, a peaceful walk along the beach at sunset, the joy of looking over hills and mountains at the end of a day when all is done and peace begins to descend in a timeless and beautiful manner.

    Pam Asberry in her debut album has created music that will be enjoyed for a long time to come.

  • Ascend

    Ascend

    Christine Brown describes her music as ‘developing through many stages until each song is ready to be released, just like the lifecycle of a butterfly, until it finally emerges from the chrysalis’ which is the perfect description of her beautiful album, Ascend.

    Each of the songs has been lovingly created to allow the listener to travel, or ascend, to wherever they choose of be in the world of thought, freedom and emotion.

    Full rich notes introduce the signature piece, Ascend, whereas dainty, almost thoughtful chords ushers in the delightful piece Love’s Legacy, one of the longer pieces on the album offering time to reflect, to enjoy and revisit those times when love and all it brings with it, has come into your life.

    A reflective classical resonance forms the basis for the deliciously touching Closer, that nudges gently the memory to tease the emotions, which is followed by a piece which will resonate as does the title Forest for the Trees,  a piece which could easily be considered as a somewhat wry perspective on everyday matters.

    The work simply gets better as it moves along, with the titles to the various songs a reminder, that in the humdrum world in which we all live, there is a time and place to escape, to leave it all behind just for a moment or two, through the enveloping balm of music, by allowing the rich depths to transport the emotions to a place of peace and refreshment

    Floating Colours is a reflective piece once again, immediately bringing with it the beauty of a sunrise or sunset; the colours vibrant, soft, shifting, changing, as if someone in the ether has taken a giant paint brush, enjoying a wonderful time transforming the sky into a thing of fleeting beauty.

    Further on there is Amethyst Sky a slightly lighter tribute to once again the wonderful colours of nature as she goes about encouraging a moment to be taken to simply enjoy.

    Safe and Sound brings a truly enjoyable series of songs to a conclusion, with once again a lovely composition offered in the hope that the dreams you have been enjoying and the pictures painted, have refreshed and renewed the soul, returning you once again, safe and sound.

    This is Christine Browns 12th solo album for piano of original pieces.

  • Silent Whispers

    Silent Whispers

     

    Solo piano introduces an album of wonderful pieces in a kaleidoscope of styles, ethnic influences and pure pleasure. Karandish enjoyed composition as a young musician, considering the grandiose style of orchestral music the place to be, the metre in which to compose and in the signature piece, Silent Whispers these elements are seamlessly combined with piano to present a melodic piece with a wide range of tonal influences: a delicious introduction to 14 tracks of listening pleasure.

    Born in the Persian City of Shiraz, the home of poetry and music, these traditional arts have found their way into his creations which when combined with his love of the Persian proverb: ‘what stems for the heart will affect the heart of the audience’, is reflected in the passion and freedom evident in each of the tracks.

    Southern Sunrise is a complex arrangement of many facets, with the piano style reminiscent of the ‘honky tonk’ style but in a far more mellow setting. Catchy and vibrant, yet mellow and relaxing this is a delicate fusion that totally works.

    Moving right along with styles, Passion Dance is fast, almost frenetic, basic, underpinned with a very Middle Eastern style percussive element and this is just beginning. Kaveah & Sherif is reflective, mellow, dulcet and moody, a dark bar, a late hour, the soft dreamy and sexy tones of the soprano sax threading it all together.

    Shiraz Nights, has it all with the sitar introducing the piece, immediately creating the mystique of Persian nights, smoke filled air, the wafting of spices and foods in the evening air; rich, textured and evocative.

    In a change of pace Jaan E Jaanaan introduces Persian vocals, adding yet another texture to this composition which blends old with new, ancient with modern and yet maintains the integrity of the music. A delicate little piece, Golden Dreams, rounds out a collection of songs designed to appeal to the head, the heart and the soul, presented with flair and certain panache.

    On this album Kaveh Karandish is joined by top musicians Maz Karandish, Oud, Sitar and Saz, Eric Jang, Kaval and percussion and Farzin Farhadi, Soprano Sax and multi instrumentation. Between them they have created a work of total enjoyment and pleasure designed to have a wide audience appeal.

  • Soul Dreams

    Soul Dreams

    In 1986 Christopher Boscole released his first solo piano album, Shimmer, which was to become the beginning of a collection of albums, with Soul Dreams coming in at number 11. Not all are ‘new age’ style solo piano, several are based in his various other passions within the music genre, that of contemporary, jazz and neo classical disciplines, which when looking back shows a depth of talent, which has come together to create a wonderful, relaxingly intricate collection of pieces.

    Each of the songs is a delight to enjoy, each special, each reflective of a moment in time. New Hope reflects new beginnings, changes, beginning anew, whereas as Polyana discovers a little of that bright, hopeful Pollyanna-like magic hidden inside us all.

    Empathy is somewhat more sombre, reflective, and intimate and in the final few moments, the almost introspective mood created is delicately lifted, signing off, encouraging moving on.

    Melodic and slowly peaceful, Souls Journey is simply a delightful treat, beautifully constructed and offered as a relaxing moment in time. When followed by Soul Dreams the two make a delicately placed balance of time, place and space.

    Striking a slightly more discordant note, in Piece of the Soul, Boscole uses the piano in a manner which completely changes the mellow nature to date, adding an edginess that life so often contains when least expected. While not challenging the status of what has gone before, the piece reminds that life a can, more often that appreciated, contain changes which while not appreciated, teach and eventually add to the richness of life.

    The finale Sunshine Suite is dainty, delicate and delightful, adding a dose of sunshine to the day; the notes remind one that the rays of the sun come to life through the delicate leaves of trees, the harshness of the summer sun and the warming, gentle nature of the winter sun. In some respects, the piece offers memories of water rippling gently over stones in a stream, with the rays of sunlight highlighting the surface of the water adding their charm and light to the day.

    As with all albums of this calibre, the listener will discover so many variations within each of the songs, dependant on when it is enjoyed and the mood at the time.

    Soul Dreams is definitely relaxing, totally pleasurable and offers the opportunity to take some time out in the day to simply allow the mind and soul to dream.