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Tim Janis is a
prolific composer. He is a pianist first and
foremost, but his compositions usually feature the
pennywhistle, flute and various stringed
instruments. His music has its own "sound", and is
generally very relaxing and beautiful.
In 2001, Tim
Janis set about an enormous challenge- to record an
album and perform live with the American Symphony
Orchestra. This took place at the Alice Tully Hall,
Lincoln Centre. As can be seen from the images from
the album's cover, Tim took on the role of
conductor, although his piano can be heard on
several tracks.
Tim rose to the
challenge admirably, and this album to this day
remains one of my favourites.
This album is
essentially divided into two. The first half is a
studio recording. The music offered is fine-
perfectly enjoyable to listen to, but not
outstanding. However, that all changes with the
arrival of Track 10, "Music of Hope", as this
heralds the "live" part of the album. The addition
of a real orchestra (and a substantial one at that-
I have the video of the concert), embellishes
Janis's existing recordings and takes them to a
whole new level. The sound quality is fantastic, and
every time I listen to the CD, I cannot get over how
much of a difference the orchestra makes to Janis's
compositions. They are quite classical in form, but
very easy to listen to and melodic. Typically, as
with the first live track, they feature quiet
sections, followed by sweeping movements involving
all manner of instruments.
Janis's piano
can often be heard at the start of each track,
before the orchestra take over, presumably so that
Janis can return to his conductor role. The second
live track, "Twin Lights" is a favourite. Opening
with a delightful piano melody, solo flute and
pennywhistle soon join in, followed by a grand
accompaniment as the piece develops. Very easy on
the ear, this is one that most listeners will really
enjoy. The third track, "White Mountains" is my
absolute favourite cut on the CD. It follows a
similar path to its predecessor- a gentle, lovely
piano opening, with the addition of flute and
pennywhistle, followed by a plethora of strings and
horns during the chorus. Quite a fanfare! This is a
tremendous piece! Blue Hill Bay (Track 13, and the
fourth live track) again sees piano at its opening,
before the addition of other instruments to great
effect. Very majestic!
"Seascape"
features a lovely little melody and paints a coastal
picture in my mind. Very grand in parts, quieter in
others, I see the waves lashing the shoreline, the
squawking birds hunting for food, and can almost
smell the salty air. Janis is from Maine, New
England- an area well known for its stunning
coastline. "Cry of the Blue Whale" gets off to a
thumping start. It quickly settles for a moment
before the orchestra really give it their all. Could
they be representing in music the huge beast in all
its glory at this moment? The quieter sections, I
imagine, capture the whale at play, and what must be
the very beautiful sight of it travelling through
the water. "Water's Edge", the seventh live track,
and track number 16, has a delightful flute opening,
played by Cinnamon Credeen. This is soon replaced by
the violin of Eunhee Elllie Kang. Just one wrong
note (which grates every time I hear it!) but apart
from that, it is expertly played. The flute returns,
and carries the heavenly melody. The orchestra give
the piece added dimension. I really enjoy listening
to this track. Track 17, "Ocean Heights" is one of
the quieter live tracks, although it has its
moments. Very soothing!
The penultimate
track, the popular "Flowers in October" again sees
Janis on piano at the start, before the addition of
the full orchestra. This track has a very pleasing
melody. The piano returns in the middle of the
composition and makes fleeting appearances
thereafter, before the orchestra take the piece to
its climax. I am extremely fond of the final track-
Janis's take on the extremely well-known "Amazing
Grace". This features the stunning (and there is no
other word) voice of Gwendolyn Leathers. I love the
vibrato in her voice. She has an extremely powerful
voice, and the combination of her singing with a
live orchestra is simply irresistible. The audience
clearly appreciate her contribution to the concert,
as she receives resounding applause.
An ambitious
project for sure, but one that Tim Janis pulls off
fantastically well. The ten-track "live" section of
the CD, with the American Symphony Orchestra, is
worth the price of the CD alone. I love listening to
this CD, and give it my highest recommendation. This
is music of the highest quality!
S.C. |
