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They say
don't judge a book by its cover. Well, this
reviewer took a gamble on the premise that the
CD's cover artwork was exceptionally beautiful,
and from the opening few bars of the first
track, it became clear the purchase was an
inspired choice.
"In all of
life, we need a light to guide us" is a quote
from the artist's CD Baby page for this album,
and is a reference in part to the shining
lighthouse which graces the cover.
"Quiet
Freedom" is the opening track from this
wonderful collection of what Andrew J. Ross
himself describes as "a new era with fresh
compositions and a few arrangements of ancient
hymns". Upon listening to this piece, I was
reminded of the style of Michael Allen Harrison
and it was only sometime later that an
examination of the back insert revealed that the
well-known composer was in fact responsible for
the recording of the CD. I would hazard a guess
that Michael Allen Harrison has been
inspirational to this young composer- perhaps
the light referred to earlier. Make no mistake,
however: Andrew has his own style, and there is
plenty of variation in this CD with the
compositions reminding me of several different
pianists.
"The
Renaissance" is a quirky, melodic affair, and is
typically a relatively short piece, coming in at
around two minutes. Andrew is at his most
playful here.
"Laying
Awake" is one of my favourite pieces. This is a
slower, more reflective piece and is
exceptionally beautiful. My only criticism of
this CD is the audible hiss that can be detected
on two of the album's tracks, and it appears
during this selection (and track fifteen).
Admittedly, it is only noticeable at a fairly
high volume, but it does detract slightly from
the undisputed quality of the music.
"Diving In"
is another one of those pieces which remind me
of Michael Allen Harrison. The piece goes from a
slow, gentle beginning to a fairly frantic
middle, before returning to a more subdued
ending. The album is remarkably consistent for
its melodic appeal, and this is amply
illustrated by this track.
Track five
is entitled "Gone Sailing". It's easy-going, and
as I listen to this piece, I am struck by
Andrew's fine technique and obvious natural
ability. He and the piano seem as one.
"New Tides"
is full of energy and is uplifting in mood. I
love it!
Similar in
style is "Renewal", the album's seventh track.
It's upbeat, optimistic and great fun!
"All
Creatures" has a lullaby-style opening, and is a
noticeable change in direction from the previous
couple of pieces. It is exceptionally beautiful,
and I enjoy listening to this track over and
over again.
"Here I Am"
is the curiously-titled next track. The CD's
insert (a singular piece of card) offers no
clues whatsoever about the inspiration behind
the music. Perhaps a Piano-Heaven interview can
address this at a later date, but the piece
nevertheless maintains the high standard of the
album as the listener has come to expect.
"Vision"
has a simple, heavenly opening. This piece
positively twinkles! It becomes more energetic
in its middle section, before returning to a
gentle conclusion.
Track
eleven is entitled, "Distant Lands", and is
another piece that has a soft, lullaby-style
beginning. The waters are calm in this track's
setting. In keeping with much of the album, the
piece does develop increasing in both tempo and
energy, but it never loses its natural charm.
Onto track
twelve, which takes its name from the title of
the CD. Of all the pieces on this CD, this is
the one that reminds me most of the style of
Michael Allen Harrison. It follows a similar
pattern in terms of its structure to the rest of
the CD, and this is yet another great track in
an album full of highlights.
"Under the
Moon" would suggest a romantic, slow-tempo
piece, but the reader has probably gathered by
now that this is not likely to be the case from
this particular pianist. It is nevertheless
rather beautiful, and I particularly enjoyed the
"fun" ending which might keep the listener
guessing.
"Blooming"
has a graceful, majestic opening. The title
suggests bursting into life, and the piece does
just that!
It is
incredibly difficult to select favourite tracks
from this album as there is not a single weak
track at all on this CD. That is quite something
for an album containing sixteen tracks. However,
the album's final two cuts, if push came to
shove, would be my choice. I love "Climbing
Higher"- a reference perhaps to the impeccable
standards this artist is setting himself in
terms of the compositional process? This piece
reminds me of the technique of another Michael,
this time Michael Jones, the wonderful
Canadian pianist and stalwart of the former
Narada label. "Climbing Higher" is exceptionally
good, and an extended sample is available for
the listener's delectation at the artist's
MySpace
page.
"Hold Me
Near" is breathtakingly good. It is perfect in
every way. I love the way this piece develops,
and a highlight for me is the middle section at
around two minutes. I can listen to this piece
time and time again and never grow tired of it.
Be sure to check out the sample on the right
panel of this page.
This is
Andrew's fourth CD and, from listening to
samples from earlier efforts, this is his finest
moment. The artistic growth in this young man is
astonishing. He released his first album at the
tender age of sixteen, and even now is just
twenty-one years old.
Andrew J.
Ross is a man of few written words. However, I
love his rather appropriate water-themed words
on his
MySpace
page, "From the most intimate depths to the
shallowest parts, a song can tell a story."
Indeed it can, and this composer succeeds at
every level. What these stories might be,
remains a mystery for now, but lovers of melodic
piano music would do well to check out this
tremendous offering from this Oregon-based
pianist.
"The
Lighthouse" is exceptionally good, and I give it
my highest recommendation.
S.C.
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