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The term
‘prolific’ would certainly seem to apply to
multi-talented pianist Wayne Gratz, but the
Seattle-based composer never sacrifices quality
over quantity. Barely a year after the
Piano-Heaven award-winning CD, ‘Light, Lands and
Shoreline’ became available, Wayne has delivered
the goods again with the release of his fifth
independent CD- ‘Two Views’.
In the
linear notes, Wayne explains that the title
derives from the curious idea that in our
younger days we look forward to the future and,
at a certain point, that changes to looking back
at the past. As Wayne himself says, "I often
find myself pondering the two points of view."
It is the
title track that opens the CD, and what a
beautiful start to what amounts to a tremendous
hour or so of music. Wayne's hopes for the
future / reflections of the past are certainly
positive, and this is a spirited piece from the
heart.
"White
Winter Dusk" is a lovely, soothing track almost
sounding like a lullaby with its opening. Wayne
is certainly Mr. Consistent when it comes to
creating memorable melodies, and this track
offers proof if ever it were needed that he has
a true gift in this department.
"Waves
Across the Wheat Field" is one of my favourite
cuts on the entire CD. It has an instantly
appealing melody, capturing the wheat field on a
blowy day. The rolling piano notes represent the
wind-swept wheat.
"Simply"
lives up to its name- an uncluttered piece,
which holds great appeal.
"Soaring to
Earth" is a livelier track featuring a memorable
melody. Could this be a bird of prey gracefully
making its way ever downwards?
"Thor in
the Pastures" is a darker, more unsettling
number certainly at first, but evolves into a
delightful track.
Probably my
favourite piece on the entire CD is Track 7,
"May Morning". A simple enough melody,
but one that
is exceptionally beautiful. One can picture the
fields of blue-bells in the woods early on in
the morning. This type of track- with its
minimalist opening- is what Wayne does best, and
there are very few pianists out there who can
compete with this composer's ear for a melody
time and time again.
A
close-second, "The Pathway Home" also hits the
spot. This piece is more reflective. The journey
home is a time for contemplation, and memories
both good and bad resurface. I just love the
brooding melody, and this is one of those pieces
one finds oneself whistling throughout the day.
"Reaching
for the Shoreline" has the trademark Gratz-sound.
I know Wayne has a passion for the water-
perhaps he is missing his fishing-fix during his
journey. Another appealing melody, another
winning track.
I'm
intrigued by the title of Track 10- "Tree
Castles". A delightful melody ensues, and this
is one of those slow-tempo but exceptionally
beautiful tracks. Perhaps Wayne himself will
enlighten us.
Track 11,
"Place of Inspiration" is another piece which
holds much appeal, through its gently evolving
and most graceful melody. As the title would
suggest, this mystery location clearly got his
creative juices flowing, and the end-result is
another pleasing composition.
I am very
touched by the twelfth track, "Natalie's Story",
and it is obvious that the composer was greatly
moved by the tragic circumstances surrounding
the death of this beautiful three year old.
Wayne delivers a perfect balance between
reflecting on such a sad loss and celebrating a
short but never-to-be-forgotten life.
The next
track is entitled, "Kyra's Dance"- a reference
to Wayne's partner. Clearly, she has been
inspirational to him and this joyous track
perhaps celebrates their time together.
The
penultimate track is entitled, "Distant Train".
The slow rhythm of the train appears at the
start and, to this reviewer's ears, it remains
far-away throughout! This track is quite the
opposite of Philip Aaberg's "Westbound" track on
his Live from Montana CD which captures the full
intensity of a train. Wayne's express is having
a gentler ride.
This
breathtakingly good album closes with a short
track entitled, "A Breath of Autumn". We have
almost come full circle through the seasons.
Parts of summer still linger on, but there is
also a hint of what is to come. I found this to
be quite a haunting track, almost warning of the
dangers ahead.
This is a
superb CD, and I am most impressed by the
extremely high-level of consistency maintained
throughout the CD. There are no fillers here;
each track delivers at the highest standard.
Visit
www.waynegratz.com
to order the CD direct from Wayne's web-site, or
order from
www.cdbaby.com.
An exceptionally good CD, and one to which I
give my highest recommendation. Well done,
Wayne!
S.C.
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