Release Date: March 18, 2024
Label: DiscMakers
Website
“Daybreak” is a beautiful opening track. It imagines a clear,
crisp morning with the sun rising over a mountain peak. The piano is melodic
and soothing, instantly letting the visions come to you.
As we all travel “Onward” in our lives, there are many things
for which we can be grateful. One thing is musicians like Ed Bazel. The melody
progresses as the track carries you to your next door to open or a pathway to
follow—3:11 minutes of musical perfection.
“All Of My Life” immediately suggests something more poignant
yet infinite. Our lives are meaningful in many ways, and Ed expresses them on
the track. I did feel some sadness and reflection in the track as it gave me
time to pause and look back at my life. The beauty flows and continues from one
track to another.
“The Long And Winding Road” was instantly recognizable to any
Beatles fan or music lover, for that matter. It is done well with a violin
singing along with the piano. The words are going through my mind as I listen.
Like many people, I know the words to nearly every Beatles song. It just
happens that way if you have been listening to them since you were five years
old!
“A Joyful Life” is a perfect follow-up to a Beatles cover
because of the feeling one gets listening to their music (for those who cannot
relate, start listening to them, and you will understand). In just under three
minutes, the piano does sound happy and positive, so the message is well
received. It is simple, direct, and brief enough to enjoy and get the
associated feelings of joy.
“A Beautiful Life” follows the same lines as its predecessor.
Being joyful can be beautiful. Ed’s talent for the keys interprets the meaning
of the titles very well. It runs a bit longer at 4:36; however, the violin adds
the necessary ambiance that the piano seems to integrate into the piece
seamlessly.
“Happy Go Lightly” maintains the atmosphere and good feelings of
the two previous tracks. The melody is upbeat and seemingly smiling at you
through the chord progressions. Feeling that way with a song is something
magical and powerful that one solo piano can create.
“Blue Skies” is another track placed perfectly in sequence with
the others before it. I recognize that meaning and purpose are significant in a
recording like this. Once again, you get a gorgeous, uplifting melody that puts
a smile on your heart and soul. Ed’s playing is fluid and perfect.
“A Rainy Day” changes the mood, as all music has the power to
do. In every life, rain comes, but another sunny day with blue skies is around
the corner, as you witnessed in three consecutive tracks. It is not a letdown
but a reality check that life happens, and we move on. The mood is somber yet
beautiful because of the exquisite piano playing. Your hope becomes a reality
like the silver lining in a dark cloud.
“Beautiful Tonight” brings the beauty and spirit of these
compositions back to the forefront of your consciousness. The track is one the
most beautiful (they all are), and the soothing melodies on the recording are
so clear and defined that they project all the emotions implied in the title.
“Imagine” is one of John Lennon’s most prolific songs ever
recorded. Ed did a great job of making it all real again without the words, but
if you are familiar with the song, the words will come quickly. The track was
such a prolific statement that it still holds today and must be believable for
all humanity. We need it now more than ever. Thank you, Ed, for bringing this
great song back into our awareness, and hopefully, this will become a reality.
And the world will live as one…
The London Sessions New Perspectives from Studio 2 is a complete triumph for everyone involved. The music is gorgeous, and the musicianship and production are superb. If you enjoy instrumental piano music, this is one performance you should not miss!
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder
July 5, 2024
Tracks:
01. Daybreak 02:38
02. Onward 02:09
03. All Of My Life 03:11
04. The Long And Winding Road 03:17
05. A Joyful Life 02:57
06. A Beautiful Life 04:36
07. Happy Go Lightly 02:11
08. Blue Skies 02:47
09. A Rainy Day 03:55
10. Beautiful Tonight 03:05
11. Imagine 04:21
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