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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.
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