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It may not be
cheap, but it's worth every pound or dollar-
depending on your home country! This is a two-disc
collection showcasing the very best of Michael Allen
Harrison's talent. He has been a prolific composer
over the last 20 years or so, and his compositions
are of the highest quality.
Michael Allen
Harrison (not to be confused with Michael Harrison
who is also, rather bizarrely, a well-known pianist)
has considerable technique. He can certainly play
the piano! But it is one thing being a technically
accomplished pianist; it is quite another thing
entirely to have the gift of being able to create
consistently beautiful and heartfelt music in a
range of styles, but mainly coming under the "New
Age" or "Contemporary Pianist" umbrella.
Rarely are
Michael's compositions tranquil; rather, they sway
towards being uplifting and inspiring. Some of the
piano playing on the two CDs is nothing short of
incredible. Michael definitely has a special gift!
There are many
highlights on the two CDs. I prefer the first CD as
the second contains more Jazz pieces, and, whilst I
admire their quality, I am not a fan of the genre.
The CD opens with "Will You Take Me There?"- an
energetic number which displays Michael's talents to
great effect. It is a new piece, and Michael
explains how it is his favourite composition to
play. Not a surprise really, because if you are
talented enough to play such a complex number, it
must be great fun as well as hard work!
Other
favourites on this CD include "Remembrance"- which
starts off very mournfully and is a tribute to the
50th. anniversary of Israel's Independence (Michael
is Jewish) and to remember all the lives lost during
the Holocaust, "Journey Home" and "Best of Every
Moment". This particular track is an absolute joy to
listen to and contains some amazing piano playing
from the Steinway Signature Artist. It is dedicated
to his friend Lisa Branch, who battled kidney
disease with great dignity. It is a fittingly upbeat
tune, as Lisa made the best of every moment. Michael
goes on to explain that he plays this piece in
almost every show as a way of connecting with his
good friend. Her last words to him were, "I'll see
you soon, my friend!" Another favourite is
"February's Child"- a lovely piece which has enjoyed
considerable success over the years and is probably
Michael's most widely recognised composition.
On the second
CD, "Passion and Grace" is the stand-out track for
me. Touchingly, this is dedicated to one of
Michael's great teachers, Adrienne Reisner. He
explains how everything she did in music was with
such passion and grace. This disc has a jazzier feel
to it.
This is an
excellent CD and I highly recommend it. There is
something on this CD for everyone; you're sure to be
impressed.
S.C.
Please note:
The collection has recently been re-released in a
condensed single-disc format at a much-reduced
price. Visit the artist's
site for more
details. |
