* fionajoy powerful majestic piano * Fiona Joy – INTO THE MIST: The very first thought I had as I listened to the first few bars of Fiona’s latest release was “power beyond belief”… some of that is due to the quality of the recording itself, which was done using DSD (Direct Stream Digital), a new format that really enhances digital fidelity… but what was most impressive was the keyboard itself (the keyboard is an 1885 Steinway Grand piano)… every little overtone is captured perfectly, and Ms. Joy’s pacing is always precise, yet flowing . As you listen to the swirling notes at the opening of “Moon Over The Lotus Pond“, and the crystal clarity of Fiona’s keyboard touch on this song, you will realize why I’ve always loved her playing… I’ve reviewed her works numerous times, most recently in issue # 159, and have given her high marks each and every time!
The new release is her second solo piano recording for Blue Coast Records, and the ten songs she performs are (absolutely) the best work I’ve heard her do yet… I just LOVED the powerful left-hand undercurrents she creates on “Opus: Mist Before Dawn“… it is easy to picture the rising/steamy mist she paints for you with her keyboards, and the power of a new day is clearly audible… an excellent piano piece that you will find yourself playing over and over again.
As many listeners know, some piano albums, and the songs on them, tend to “drag out”, because the compositions are longer than they need to be, so the audience is “lost” somewhere in the middle of the tune… Fiona’s skills at picking just the right length for a piece are far above average, and each of these all-original songs will have you thirsting for more… if you listen closely to shorter tunes like “Feeling Sunshine“, which clocks in at only 2:21, you will “grok” (i.e., understand) what I mean… each and every note of this is jammed with the vibrancy of life, so the song feels much longer than it actually is… you will find yourself hitting “replay” on this tune quite often, as did I.
The most aurally attractive cut on the album is the beautiful “Galloping“… it is definitely my favorite solo piano tune (yet) for 2017… if you’ve ever ridden ponies through open fields in early morning brilliance, you will be able to “see” that memory via Fiona’s wonderful playing as you listen to this enchanting piece. I give Ms. Joy a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, as well as a (perfect) “EQ” (energy quotient) score of 5.00 for this fine album… & that means that it also gets my “PICK” for “most powerful original solo piano”. Get more information on the aforementioned “Blue Coast Records” page for this release. Rotcod Zzaj
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