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Mainly Piano

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The release of
a new Michael Jones CD is always something to
savour, and this is one exceptional piece of work
from Canada's finest pianist. Having severed his
ties with Narada back in 2002, this is Michael's
second CD to be released independently on his own
Pianoscapes label. The move has given him more
artistic freedom, and this shows from the very first
track.
'Almost Home' is a
wonderful collection of seven piano solos
based on the poetry of Walt Whitman. It is
my thirteenth CD by Michael Jones, but there is
nothing unlucky about this purchase; it is
right up there with the very best.
The CD opens with the beautiful 'Song for the
Open Road'. This fourteen minute piece invites
the listener on a meandering journey; a journey
that I would be happy to make every time. Just
as Whitman's poems are split into verses, so, in
a way, is this track, with subtle differences to
the carefully trained ear. Melodic and inviting,
I really enjoy listening to this piece, the
opening of which has a hymn-like quality. The
reader can hear this track in its entirety by
clicking the link (below right).
The second track is my particular favourite. 'A
Child Went Forth' has a mournful opening, but
soon changes into the most delightful piece. It
becomes majestic, and the music has a joyful
feel to it from around the fifth minute- you can
almost tell Michael enjoys playing this one! It
has one of those parts, reminiscent of the
highlight of 'Song for Eia' that the listener
just does not want to end.
'I Hear the Earth Singing' is a beautiful title,
and how apt it is for another of my favourite
tracks. It has a playful quality; one can almost
hear the birds singing and the ducks splashing,
enjoying the gifts of nature.
'Wanderings of a Restless Soul', 'Wings on the
Wind' and 'Almost Home' are all compositions of
the highest quality. Michael has a uniquely
special touch on the Grand Piano. No other
composer plays with such delicacy and feeling,
and these qualities shine through in the above
pieces.
The CD's closing track, 'A World Made Fresh
Again' is an exceptional piece. The opening
reminds me a little of 'After the Rain', but it
soon goes on its own magical journey. The title
implies that all is right with the world again,
and the music certainly captures the optimism
and positive tone that this would bring. It is a
lovely way to close the CD.
Michael Jones has a unique style. His music
embraces the listener with its beauty and
tranquillity. Each piece tells a different
story.
I n
the rushed world of the 21st. century where
everything is split into bite-size chunks,
it is so refreshing to find a musician who
is not afraid of telling his story in the
way he chooses. The listener can immerse
themselves in the music, travelling along on
the musical journey, and the end result is
unforgettable.
'Almost Home' was
recorded on a Bosendorfer 225 Grand Piano in
Orillia, Ontario during the Spring of 2005.
At over 72 minutes in length, there is
plenty on offer for lovers of relaxing piano
music here.
'Almost Home' is a splendid CD, and one to
which I
have no hesitation in giving my highest
recommendation. It is to be hoped that
Michael is not 'Almost Home' with his music,
but instead will have plenty of musical
journeys for his listeners to make for years
to come.
S.C. |
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Almost Home
Michael Jones

Michael
Jones

Listen to
the entire first track:
Song for the Open Road
(14:03)
Click the piano
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