Because American Scenes is built upon idioms drawn from a broad spectrum of American music, it celebrates a variety of 'schools,' styles and traditions. The thirty original piano instrumentals may be described as programmatic, since each one is meant to depict or suggest a story or 'scene', hence the title. Being dynamic in scope, the scenes evoke a wide range of emotions and moods. This CD, with it's unique structure is organized into three distinct volumes (or albums) - each with it's own set fo characterictics and attributes: Volume One (Scenes 1-9) - 'To Feel' - The emphasis is on melody. There is a tendency toward Romanticism and the effects are passive. Volume Two (Scenes 10-20) - 'To Think' - There is a greater focus on harmony. The music here has Classical traits and is more cerebral. Volume Three (Scenes 21-30) - 'To Move' - Popular formats are used. There is more energy and lift. The effects are much more active. While each volume (album) is complete in itself, the three unite into a dramatic and coherent whole. American Scenes (Vol. 1-3) represents the very best in contemporary piano music, and with it's rich aesthetic content is sure to please discerning listeners everywhere. Total CD playtime is 73 minutes and 47 seconds. All numbers were recorded and mastered at Uptime Studios, NYC.
Because American Scenes is built upon idioms drawn from a broad spectrum of American music, it celebrates a variety of 'schools,' styles and traditions. The thirty original piano instrumentals may be described as programmatic, since each one is meant to depict or suggest a story or 'scene', hence the title. Being dynamic in scope, the scenes evoke a wide range of emotions and moods. This CD, with it's unique structure is organized into three distinct volumes (or albums) - each with it's own set fo characterictics and attributes: Volume One (Scenes 1-9) - 'To Feel' - The emphasis is on melody. There is a tendency toward Romanticism and the effects are passive. Volume Two (Scenes 10-20) - 'To Think' - There is a greater focus on harmony. The music here has Classical traits and is more cerebral. Volume Three (Scenes 21-30) - 'To Move' - Popular formats are used. There is more energy and lift. The effects are much more active. While each volume (album) is complete in itself, the three unite into a dramatic and coherent whole. American Scenes (Vol. 1-3) represents the very best in contemporary piano music, and with it's rich aesthetic content is sure to please discerning listeners everywhere. Total CD playtime is 73 minutes and 47 seconds. All numbers were recorded and mastered at Uptime Studios, NYC.