Blue Wolf Reviews

Tag: solo

  • The Small Hours

    The Small Hours

    There are times in life filled with a myriad of attention grabbing moments which leave behind a desire to sink into another time and space. Music, in the form of solo piano played by Neil Patton, in his latest release The Small Hours is the perfect antidote to counteract the malaise of modern living.

    Made up of fifteen gentle, soothing songs the music simply flows, bringing with it the gift of relaxation and comfort. The small hours are the times when we all reflect on our day, or life or events that are past or present and it is in these small hours, the need to accept and relax is so very important.

    Commencing with The Days End the enticing notes of the piano welcome you into just over an hour of gentle repose. The reflective Room with a View encourages a seeking of what is hidden in the vista of all surveyed.

    Changing the tempo, is the jaunty The Moon and Sun Dance a delightfully light piece as it paints a quaint picture of the Sun and Moon as they do indeed dance across the skies.

    The title song The Small Hours captures with a soft melancholy the darkness of the small hours that enclose us all at some point in time, with a steady and yet robust rhythm concluding with a delicate reverberation.

    Each composition has been inspired by a life event; the magic of the night skies, the passing of a beloved family member, the magic discovered in dreams of flying, a prayer in times of need, the acceptance of life and so many times, blind trust.

    The Small Hours is a delightfully enjoyable solo piano album which will be calm and relax time after time. Thoroughly enjoyable and delightful.

  • Mary, Did You Know?

    Mary, Did You Know?

    Mary, Did You Know is a modern Carol written in 1991 by Buddy Greene and originally sung by Michael English on his debut Album. Both men were members of the Christian based band Gaither Vocal Band.

    Since then it has gone on to become a much loved song, which if you listen to the lyrics offers much for pondering upon.

     Charles Szczepanek has taken this varied tempo song and in a reflective moment at his piano crafted a soft, gentle and yet vibrant version of this very popular song; a song which has gone on to be recorded by many particularly in the Country and Western genre.

    Under Szczepanek’s skilful fingers the delicate and flexible beauty of this song comes alive, offering a relaxing interlude in the Christmas bustle.

    Mary, Did You Know is another one to add to the playlist but not only for Christmas listening.

  • Best of Solo Piano, 2007-2018

    Best of Solo Piano, 2007-2018

    Dan Kennedy could be considered as an evergreen of the music world as his music and style keeps on giving, does not change in intent and emotion, but can be enjoyed year after year, as the many layers of emotion contained within each track come with a unique freshness embedded into the piece.

    Having selected a delightful and charming collection of pieces from his recordings over an eleven year period, some familiar, some fresh and new, if you have not followed his musical performance trajectory and others as familiar as a comfortable sweater, much loved and enjoyed time and time again, Best of Solo Piano 2007-2018 is a collection full of enjoyment and happiness.

    Over a music career spanning more than ten years, Kennedy has seen his songs become regular pieces on streaming service worldwide, regularly played on many relaxation and new age radio stations; he also took to the performance circuit delivering over thirty five shows each year throughout the United States, and in more recent times, has developed an interest in music and aging process.

    Having composed music for solo piano since the 1980’s, he firmly believes the essence of good music is melody and harmony and as each of the timeless pieces unfolds this is very apparent, but this can also cause a few issues when playing at live concerts. He is often challenged as to why the piece played does not sound like the recording. His answer is that he picks up the emotion in the room, or concert venue and this finds its way into the music being crafted on the night.

    The seventeen tracks showcase the diversity of Kennedy’s compositions and skill as the pieces move across the spectrum from slow, sensuous and mellow to up-tempo, jaunty, cheerful and happy, through to elegance and thankfulness, each piece touched with a delicate coating of pure pleasure in the creation.

    Best of Solo Piano, 2007-2018 is an album to be enjoyed slowly over and over again.

  • Storybook

    Storybook

    Gerald Krampl has a biography that spans many years, wrapped around his love for music and the magic, peace and healing that can be created for a moment or longer in time, which brings with it many emotions, visions and concepts.

    His latest work Storybook has been created from stories in his own mind that span a wide range of topics and it is his wish, as the music comes into existence, to also form stories in the mind of the listener that are filled with charm and enjoyment.

    Should you enjoy reading the titles of the tracks as they are played, they may offer a hint of Krampl’s storyline or lead to the creation of your own storybook. Alternatively, simply let the music flow and enjoy the simple, elegant beauty of solo piano in the neo-classical /new age style.

    The Falcon of Chastelain is an interesting and slightly thoughtful piece that acts as the first story, which is perhaps based on Châtelaine de Vergi, an anonymously-written short 13th century romance of courtly love in Old French reminiscent of Knights in shining armour and their beloved, or something entirely different, such is the enticement of creating your own Storybook.

    Thoughtful once again, is Caves Gold, but also couched in a little mystery and awe as felt when exploring the wonder of underground caves; places that have kept their beauty and secrets for many long years.

    A four part piece God’s Spell, set out in Acts, allows a journey to be undertaken into whatever realm chosen; Tempest, a strong, determined piece representing a storm breaking all about, Relief, gentle and peaceful after the majesty of the storm is beautifully portrayed; Resumption positively dances off the keyboard before Prostration offers thanks for a safe delivery and homecoming.

    Pearlfisher is representative of a previous work, thus titled and also one of solo piano. Moving further into the work is the quirky piece Hail to the King of Fools, which offers the imagination unlimited scope, particularly in theses trying times, followed by the final piece Comes A Time Thereafter, a piece full of happiness and sunshine, almost a waltz which is pure pleasure and romance, captured in sunlight and joy.

    Storybook is a delightful, romantic and elegant solo piano compilation that tells a story, Gerald Krampl’s and yours. Perfect.

  • Within

    Within

    Slipping slowly and gently into peace is the first second and third thought and emotion captured with this gentle, sublime and elegant album Within from Michelle Qureshi, as she sits with her guitar and plays piece after beautiful piece, each sliding effortlessly into one another to create an almost continuous and meditative thread, undemanding and yet softly sensuous.

    Twenty Four tracks, none overly long, make up within, which while the music appears to be effortless, allows the true skill of the performer to be enjoyed and appreciated for the shape and form of the composition. Without any distracting or added influences the music is as it has been conceived, clear and precise in delivery, soft and gentle in emotion.

    In a year of discordant elements, it is delightful to be able to escape if only for a small moment in time to a world that is gentle, flowing, soft in hue and colour, as the guitar is encouraged to deliver, in perfect voice, the gift of tranquillity.

    Very easy to imagine is Michelle Qureshi and her guitar simply sitting by the side of stream or gently flowing river, maybe under the canopy of trees, perhaps deep in a glade dappled with sunlight, allowing inspiration to arrive through her fingers, carefully selecting the notes to be played, constructing pieces as they are offered to her; going within to that special place where divine inspiration is to be discovered.

    To dream and to go within; this is the true purpose of the music. Enchanting, unsophisticated, filled with light and joy, allowing a succession of images to be created and enjoyed, Within captures to perfection a woman at one with her music, guitar and person seamlessly melded into one special moment in time, seeking and creating ‘chicken soup for the soul’: something which is so desperately needed as we move into the closing tumultuous days of 2020.

  • Around The Sun

    Around The Sun

    Around The Sun is an absolute treasure of an album. Ambient and soothing, Kirsten Agresta Copley has, with her first a solo composition album for Harp, placed her graceful and gracious instrument firmly into a category of its own, that of ambient Harp music.

    An ancient instrument, the Harp has been somewhat overlooked as a stand-alone instrument, its mellifluous voice used to blend and create background on both a classical and contemporary stage. In creating what Agresta Copley considers ‘the most significant of her career’, a carer which has spaned a wide variety of genres, from classical to hip hop performance on a global scale, she has created a work of outstanding grace and elegance

    For the first time she has combined her prodigious talent with the Harp, with husband Marc’s abilities as a sound technician, engineer, producer and mixer to create a work of complete enchantment.

    Based on the 365-day cycle of the year, she has captured the seasons as they change, the emotions felt as the year slowly moves along. Daybreak offers the first dawning of light in the night sky, a time of peace, a time to observe and reflect on the dawning of a new day, the pages yet unwritten. This piece is a delicate bending of ancient with modern, as the underlying backing of gentle electronica is simply captivating, teasing the ear, capturing the mind.

    Each of the nine tracks is an absolute gem, with the particularly divine Water Lilies creating perfectly an immense sense of peace, of time slowly passing, a piece which encourages dreaming, or simply remaining in the moment of rare and peaceful beauty.

    Winter’s Bone, once again has delicate overtones of electronica combined with the very detailed and measured use of the Harp, which ushers in the chill of winter, the drawing in of the days, a time to go within, to reflect, heal and renew; a fitting finale to a body of absolutely outstanding work.

    Around The Sun created by Kirsten Agresta Copley is ambient music of an exceptional quality.

     

  • Transcendence

    Transcendence

    Hauntingly beautiful, this solo flute album from Sherry Finzer is simply put, a journey that is timeless, absorbing and infinitely soothing. Recorded at The Tank in Colorado, the single voice of the flute is transformed into a melodic and ethereal language of absolute peace and tranquillity.

    Transcendence moves beyond the everyday world of ‘new age’ music to create a sea of tranquillity with an otherworldly ambiance; pure, simple which because of this simplicity, has an aura of delicacy that moves well beyond the physical plane.

    The Tank is a venue much coveted by musicians for the unique reverberation created as notes are formed, a reverberation that allows the note to be drawn out, to linger, offering a unique sound unable to be created or formed in any other manner.

    A rare addition to the music formed within The Tank is the sound of nature, the breath of the musician, the sound of the keys being depressed which are all captured in the recording process, adding to the absolute charm of the music.

    Finzer has harnessed these distinct characteristics to create an album woven with a delicate touch, an improve collection which is dreamy, relaxing and inspirational.

    Originally constructed as a water tank for the Steam Trains in 1940 but never used as such, The Tank was moved to Rangely, Colorado, in the 1960’s, where it was once again never used, as the location proved unsuitable for the weight of the tank, once filled with water.

    Abandoned, it became the haunt of locals who were familiar with the wonderful acoustics. A group of musicians heading home stopped off at The Tank, realising the potential of the acoustics. They eventually purchased it and in doing so created a unique recording studio which was carefully kept secret for some years. Now invited musicians can use the wonderful venue to create some of the most unique music recorded with instruments, rather than electronically.

    Sherry Finzer hopes this gloriously peaceful collection brings with it a sense hope, peace and tranquillity, which I can say after listening to this work a number of times, it certainly does, offering a moment of peace, Transcendence, in a world so recently very changed.

  • Divine Passage

    Divine Passage

    Reading the titles of the thirteen pieces which make up Divine Passage the latest album from acclaimed pianist and composer Marshall Barnhouse, gives a very clear indication of what is to come in musical format.

    Each piece elegantly titled indicates the journey one takes through life from birth, when arrival on this earth and in this place is already defined, to the many way stations experienced by all on their journey.

    Divine Passage, a carefully constructed composition introduces the body of work in a classical mode, creating a moment in time when all else stops; a time when to stand in awe is all encompassing. Light and gentle this is the perfect place to begin.

    As the story unfolds so too do the melodies for travelling life’s pathways; seeking, finding, discovering a First Love, New Beginnings, getting even more grown up As Time Goes By, an intriguing, dainty reflection on looking back, perhaps with a little introspection. A gorgeous, intricate piece.

    Why Worry is something asked by all at some point in life; Barnhouse has captured, with a jaunty, quirky, fun filled melody, that very moment when realisation eventually arrives, sometimes or eventually, bringing with it that wry, Why Worry moment, it’s all taken care of anyway.

    Eventually, regardless of the journey travelled, everyone arrives at a place they call Home. Home Again is softly played, offering a gentle, welcoming for the traveller as they arrive at a place of warmth, safety and love.

    At all times in life there comes a period of reflection. What We Leave Behind is a structured, classical and emotive composition on which to simply contemplate; to sit and absorb the elements of deep emotion captured; sadness, happiness and that space in between called acceptance.

    Marshall Barnhouse in Divine Passage has created a solo work of great charm: expressive and full of delight.

  • 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.

     

  • 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.