Spirit of Hope feels like the sort of medicine that you look forward to taking. And not just because you have to. May it enter into you and enhance your hopefulness, too. A tremendous album.
Piano
By manner of a beautifully emotive, solo-piano lead, Jennifer Jess weaves a soundscape and story around listeners that poetically and intimately connect for their deeply truthful, personal and revealing nature.
A chaotically whirling Western tune, designed to get those knees up and the whole crowd dancing – lost entirely in the raw energy of the performance – Been Bad For Me is a uniquely impressive blend of country-rock and blues that’s quick to leave its mark.
Delicious, rich, and most definitely quirky, this genre and comparison-defying track is a rare treat indeed.
Bold and expressive vocals ride alongside equally eloquent and emotive piano-work, to lead listeners through a deeply personal yet minimalist piece of music and writing that is Time Is What I Need.
Aching simplicity guides listeners through this blissfully expressive yet short EP of originals from composer Vincent Krennerich.
This is a phenomenal album, stacked full with original compositions that are each as enthralling and original as the last. Al Gilliom is categorically a musician and artist worth knowing about.
Though the vast majority of the lyrics deal with regret and negative reflections on life, what really lingers with you is the simplicity of that line about hope – the lasting image of you (hopefully) opening your door. The song leaves you wondering, but it also leaves you with an air of optimism.
It’s music for the self, but it’s also music to be shared, and that very juxtaposition is a big part of what makes it connect so profoundly. Stunning. A genuinely mighty and special collection of original compositions.
“Piano Blues is a moody bluesy instrumental record with an old school sound. I’d say experiment with it in different environments and dial in what best works for you. I am open to suggestions! I’d love to hear back from listeners about what they think.”
Chris Nole manages to captivate throughout this project, in the same instance as paying a more-than worthy tribute to the blues and its 100+ year history.
Composer and musician P John Livingston is a talented and passionate creative whose keyboard lead work has produced some decidedly impressive and original performances in recent years.