Release Date: January 6, 2023
Label: Independent
Website
I am a veteran, and my father was a WWII veteran. So, there is
some sadness attached to that. That first track felt emotional, and I was sad
but had some hope around the corner. And that hope and energy were found on the
next track, “Kaleidoscope.” When you hear that word, the first thought is a
panorama of colors and light. That is the kind of positive energy I needed
after all the feelings initiated by the first track.
“Tribute to W. Tx Pianist Doug Smith” transitions to softer
touch on the keys. There is warmth and honesty that comes through. The
connection from one artist to another was unique, and David provided a lovely
tribute.
“You Took My Heart With You” sounds like it will be a
tear-jerker and some reminiscing. The title certainly paints those feelings on
the musical canvas. The orchestrations are gorgeous as they accompany David’s
nimble fingers on the keys.
“The Journey” continues with upbeat and high hopes as the
instrumentalist reaches for the highest mountain and invites you to come along.
The piano is rich with rhythm and purpose, and the orchestrations are exciting
and moving. The emotions ebb and flow like a river after a rainfall, then it
slows down and ends.
“Eerie Night” sets the stage for pensiveness. As David starts to
play, it does not create that feeling until the song is around the 1:50 mark;
then, it climbs the ladder of musical anticipation. The stage is set, and the
atmosphere is appropriate as you wonder what is coming next.
Fortunately, “Good Feeling” comes your way for a dramatic turn
of moods. The fast-moving instrumentation opens the door to better days.
David’s piano sounds bright and fluid and, yes, happy. I felt those good chills
go up my back and down my arm. I knew something special was happening while
listening.
“Stargazing” can be an exhilarating experience and, at times, a
spiritual one. My son told me he was looking at the night sky one night, and I
felt small. I thought that made sense. The vast and beautiful expanse of
planets and stars can be mind-boggling. Well, at least it has been for me.
David’s eloquent piano paints the right picture.
“New Beginnings” gives you the hope and promise of a new day. In
our fast-moving technological world, we forget to be grateful to wake up every
day. You think about those things if you are close to losing your life, which
happened to me last November. The underpinnings of the new age genre run through
this track like a golden thread holding it all together so beautifully.
“Breakout” is the curtain closer. And it is a self-fulfilling
prophecy, if you will, as David cuts loose and gives the keys a workout with
tremendous energy and feeling. The track is panoramic and full of color and
life with the growing pace of the orchestrations and the piano. I love the way
this album closes out.
The Journey is everything it says it is and
more. David J. Peña has released a recording to remember.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder
April 10, 2023
Track List:
01. The Sun Will Rise Again
02. Kaleidoscope
03. Tribute to W. Tx Pianist Doug Smith
04. You Took My Heart With You
05. The Journey
06. Eerie Night
07. Good Feeling
08. Stargazing
09. New Beginnings
10. Breakout
