Release Date: September 22, 2022
Label: Independent
When world events like the pandemic happen (can you believe we
are in the third year of this pandemic?), it closes some doors and opens
others, depending on who you are.
Many recording artists over the last few years have used this
time to focus and record some prolific releases, of which I have heard many.
The result and whatever prompted them to record came about for different
reasons. Mainly it was because of healing we all needed, some more desperately
than others. And in the process, they found healing in the creation of their
music.
Kurt Reiman had quite the team assembled for this project.
Charlie Bisharat (violin), Tom Eaton (bass), Eugene Friesen (cello), Jill Haley
(English horn), Jeff Oster (flugelhorn), Premik Russell Tubbs (saxophone), Noah
Wilding (vocals), and produced by Will Ackerman and with executive producer
Michael Whalen. All names are well known in the new age community and
collaborators on many recordings. This tight-knit community is all on the same
page with what and how to present their recorded music. The benefit is the
leading artist on piano Kurt Reiman and the many listeners that will find
solace, healing, and A Glimpse
of Grace.
Kurt’s piano playing is fluid and rhythmic. Those two elements
are always crucial in presenting sixteen tracks of primarily instrumental
music. Instrumental music demands a particular strength and flexibility that
other types of music do not. If you are accustomed to listening to this kind of
music and how it can be a tool for growth, you will love this album. If this is
new to you, expect to be amazed at how beautiful this will sound and affect
you. I am continually in awe of these musicians, and I find it natural to
listen, absorb, and understand the message without words.
Kurt’s piano weaves many colors and textures while the
additional instruments complete each pattern unfolding within the compositions.
What happens is that a musical patchwork quilt within each track comes alive
for you to cover your senses. Sounds lovely. It is, and every time I heard the
piano accompanied by the violin or cello, I felt a sense of sadness that the
pandemic brought us all. It leaves you feeling melancholy; however, there is a
lot of healing. I believe that was the intent of this music.
Whether that can happen for each listener is based on a decision
you make before listening for the first time. It is as simple as that, and you
will not be disappointed once you let this music take you away from everything
for a while. We all need that relief and focus for a short time. After being
bombarded daily by all the forms of media, it becomes more challenging to
concentrate on any one thing. Our attention spans have disappeared gradually
over time.
It is now time for you, each listener, to get A Glimpse of Grace. Trust me, and you need this. You may not know that yet, or it may be painfully obvious; either way, listen and let it heal you. I am sure that you will find this to be a new age-contemporary instrumental gem.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
October 1, 2022
Tracks:
01. Dawn to Dusk (4:31)
02. Quiet Confidence (3:38)
03. Goodbye for Now (5:06)
04. Blessings (2:55)
05. Dreams of My Return (4:07)
06. Set Free (3:37)
07. Triumph (3:32)
08. The Way Home (3:14)
09. Pathways (4:20)
10. River’s Edge (2:39)
11. Elegy for Justice (3:50)
12. A Glimpse of Grace (4:01)
13. Joyous (3:52)
14. With Every Step (3:20)
15. This Dance (3:06)
16. Dawn to Dusk (Reprise) (4:32)