Gorgeously creative solo piano Michael Whalen – CUPID BLINDFOLDED: There are times when I have to research my own archives, and in Michael’s case, the research made me realize just how long I’ve been reviewing his marvelous music… way, WAY back in issue # 36, he got a “PICK” from me, and most recently on his ZMR-nominated “Kiss The Quiet” album. So, when a new album arrives from Michael, it’s like “old-friends week” here in my Zzaj Productions review studio.
As is always true (for me, at least), it’s best to get the perspective of the artist on their creations before digging more deeply into their content… I most strongly recommend that you watch Michael as he explains in person how the new release was made…
…you can view MANY more of Michael’s works, so be sure to SUBSCRIBE to his YouTube channel… I did.
Songs like “The Muse” will send chills up/down your spine… deep, dark tones, with “pacing” that is pure perfection, and Michael pulls overtones out of the keyboard that other artists can only be envious of…. I loved this piece, and find myself listening to it over and over again!
On the 5:03 “Standing in the Rain” Michael uses the intro to setup the tune so it actually sounds like you are somewhere with raindrops falling down ’round your head; as the tune moves on, the imagery shimmers more and more lucidly, too. I predict that this piece will be getting some MAJOR airplay on stations ’round the globe.
I’ve no doubt that you will find the “happenstance” nature of Michael’s “Serendipity” to your liking… I especially loved his strong left hand, as it makes unexpected things happen for your aural appendages… sweet piano, with just the right touch of bluesy notes!
It’s actually one of the shorter tunes that got my vote for personal favorite… on the 3:09 “At the Touch of a Lover“, Michael’s genius with the stringboard and overtones is absolutely magic… if any piece should be considered for an award – it is THIS ONE!
I give Michael a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating, with a (perfect) “EQ” (energy quotient) score of 5.00; this means, of course, that he also gets my “PICK” for “most expressive solo piano album”. Get more information on Michael’s website. Rotcod Zzaj
#Gorgeously #creative #solo #piano #Michael #Whalen
