Release Date: December 31, 2019
Label: Dreamworld
Productions
What I can say with unequivocal
joy is that piano2 is
as diverse musically as the last two I heard and reviewed. Doug likes to mix it
up and play many different styles, touching upon a multitude of genres.
There is new age, contemporary
classical, like “A Rainy Night with You” or some jazz-inflected honky-tonk like
on “Chasin’ Possum.” Or one of my favorites that I added to my New Age Music
Review Spotify Playlist, “The Sunshine in You.” That one sounds as bright and
energetic as the title implies. If the shoe fits wear it right? I believe that
applies to all of this music, titles of the tracks are a lead into what you
will hear. Everyone will hear something different but the one commonality is
that if there is a love for instrumental piano music. The consequence of that
is piano2 will
be your cup of tea straight away.
The changes can be dramatic from
one track to the next and that is exactly what makes it such a great listen. It
will hold your attention from beginning to end.
One thing that always fascinates
me is the process an artist goes through creating a recording from scratch.
This what Doug said about his process with piano2:
“I would work on an accompaniment first and then listen to
that and record melodic ideas on another track. Then, I would go back and
refine the accompaniment and then again go back and refine the melody.”
So, the very beginning steps then
turns into refinement on different levels of production. What you get after all
that passionate piano playing and structuring of compositions is nothing but
beauty. To be more specific, this is musical bliss that anyone could enjoy and
or appreciate.
My entire being is touched by
music like this because I do not have to think about any lyrics, I just let the
music take me to another mindset, a place where I love to go time and time
again. I am giving thanks to Doug Hammer and every artist out there that has
given me that gift. If you are looking for something like I am, then give piano2 a spin or stream
it with the player provided right now.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
January 16, 2020
Founder of:
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews
Tracks:
01. Shimmer in Disaster
02. You're the One
03. The Sunshine in You
04. Across the Plains
05. Reaching for the Moon
06. Strut Your Stuff
07. Chasin' Possum
08. A Rainy Night with You
09. The Uncertainty Principle
10. Round and Round
11. Fanfare
12. Celtic Heart
13. Walking with You
14. Shine Bright
15. The Last Goodbye
Tracks:
01. Shimmer in Disaster
02. You're the One
03. The Sunshine in You
04. Across the Plains
05. Reaching for the Moon
06. Strut Your Stuff
07. Chasin' Possum
08. A Rainy Night with You
09. The Uncertainty Principle
10. Round and Round
11. Fanfare
12. Celtic Heart
13. Walking with You
14. Shine Bright
15. The Last Goodbye