Instrumental Piano/New Age Review: Tim Neumark-Moments-Solo Piano, Op. 7

Release Date: October 1, 2015

Label: Independent

Website

Moments is Tim Neumark’s seventh album release. A solo piano endeavor, this album looks at the small but important moments in our lives that can often go unnoticed. The conversations had between father and daughter or millions of tiny occurrences that we take for granted while they are happening, only to remember them fondly later when the moment has passed-in some cases, forever.

“Beauty” is the first track on the album and it immediately garnered my attention. The steady and heartfelt playing is an emotive experience that captures the love the artist has for his wife and daughter. Poignant and rife with appreciation for the women in his life, Neumark crafts an eloquent portrait of his loves, one keystroke at a time.

“And Then” is the second piece on the album and it struck me for the somber and thoughtful tone. It wasn’t until I read the inside notes on the cover that I realized why. It is the story of a woman who had talks with her father over the phone that always included “and then?” When her father died, she missed those dialogs. My father wasn’t a part of my life growing up. I treasured the moments when we reconnected and had those same kinds of phone conversations. I grew to know him again and when we finally got to reconnect for real it was amazing. To lose him so soon after that broke my heart. It was the talks that connected us and started it all. This song illustrates the stirring of emotions from bitter to sweet and all the echoes of emotions in between. It is truly the small moments that matter in very big ways.

“Eight-Paw Waltz” brings us to the food bowl. Oh yes. The fun moments where furry paws dance and twirl all for the love of kibbles and crunchy bits. This fun little song was written for the moments of doggie appreciation and canine food induced bliss. I have a pack of my own and to observe the delight and anticipation on my furry kids’ faces when they know it’s time for a cookie or their breakfast is one of the highlights of my day. Every keystroke is an ode to puppy-dom and the tromp of four legged feet and the joy they bring to us each and every day.

If you are searching for an album that reaches into the real moments of our lives then you have just found it. In between the big events there are the small ones. These are the ones that matter and the ones most easily taken for granted until they are gone. A conversation with a loved one, a goofy doggie smile, a few seconds of a dream before it is taken from you or even the consideration of memories that may have been. All of these things are part of our lives. The key to it is to appreciate what we have-and who we have- while they are still with us. Take a moment and listen to this amazing walk through the hidden corners of our lives…you might just find yourself hidden within the notes.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Beauty, And Then, Eight-Paw Waltz

Tracks: 
01.Beauty
02. And Then
03. Little Renée
04. Daughters
05. Waiting for Ella
06. Eight-Paw Waltz
07. 11 Seconds
08. Double in the Sun
09. What If
10  Meditation: Remembrance
11. The Orange Bridge
12. You Are Here
13. Beginnings (For Orchestra) [feat. Doug Hammer]

Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer

January 10, 2016

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews