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The linear notes from Narada describe the
music on this CD as, "sparkling piano solos
(which) dance with the natural sounds of the San
Juan Islands". These words capture well the
music within this CD.
San Juan Suite is Michael Gettel's finest
outing. He showcases his amazing piano ability
with highly melodic pieces, each telling their
own story. There is some amazing music to be
found here. The nine tracks, totalling around 49
minutes, bring the islands to life.
The review below refers to the single album release, but the
more widely available release is the two-CD album: the original
album with the follow-up outing.
In the linear notes, Michael
explains how his music reflects
his impressions of the beautiful
San Juan Islands, located in
Puget Sound, which lies between
Washington State and Canada. As
well as being inspired to
compose by what he sees around
him, Michael explains another
source of inspiration: "There is
always music in the San Juans.
Listen closely and you can hear
the splashing seal, otter and
whale. Gulls relentlessly add
their own song, mingled with
breezes gentle or strong. And
there is always the sound of the
sea; it is the heartbeat of the
San Juans."
Michael goes on to explain how
he used the piano just as a
photographer might use a camera
in order to capture a place at a
certain moment in time: "The
style of each song, whether fast
and technically challenging, or
gentle and flowing, portrays
unique feelings and memories of
time spent and places
visited."
The highlight of the CD is the third
track. It starts innocently with nature
sounds, but then ominous thunder crashes
from the speakers. The piano melody
begins with a solitary note- the first
drop of rain. The tempo increases as the
rain-storm intensifies. Thunder and rain
combine to create the most amazing
storm. The piano playing on this piece
is nothing short of sensational, with
interesting use of syncopation. There is
tremendous variety in the piece, and it
makes for an enthralling experience. The
music ends as it began, with the thunder
gradually becoming quieter, signalling
the passing of the storm. Michael told
me how this piece came about one day
when he was fishing with a friend and
they were caught in the most tremendous
storm. Inspired by what he had witnessed
first-hand, he returned to home to
compose his piece.
But Summer Rain is only one of
several highlights within this CD. Take
Whalesong, which combines real sounds of
whales with beautiful piano playing. You
can hear the joy and fun the whales are
experiencing. The combination of whale
sounds and the piano melody work
surprisingly well. Most impressive is
the opening to this track, which makes
for an incredible listening experience.
I think it captures the energy of the
waves.
Sucia / Shallow Bay are effectively two
different pieces merged into one track.
The music soars. Orcas is equally
wonderful as the second cut of the CD.
The Straits is another favourite, with
an instantly appealing melody and more
stunning piano playing.
Released in 1988, the CD somehow fell
out of print for a while, but Narada
finally saw sense and re-released it as
part of a two-CD package, combining the
original with the sequel. In 1998, a
decade after the original CD was
released, Michael added two new
compositions, "Watercolours"- inspired
by the composer Eric Satie, and "The
Kelpie" which came about after Michael
thought he glimpsed the equivalent of
the Loch Ness Monster (a Kelpie is a
legendary Scottish ‘beastie’ believed to
inhabit Lochs). Both new tracks are a
pleasure to listen to.
"San Juan Suite" is a magical CD of
the highest quality.
S.C.
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