Release Date: November
16, 2018
Label: Inner Nova Music
For Andrew Colyer Christmas
Time-Piano Improvisations is a big step away from Circuline, a progressive
rock band he is part of. I covered the band’s Counterpoint
album in 2016.
So, knowing this I was getting ready for a real treat. What
Andrew decided to do was to record live off the floor. Everything is completely
spontaneous without arrangements or refinements. That, by all means, is a big
risk to take for any recording artists. All I can say is, this man has a lot of
confidence in his abilities. Magically, all of this works out very well.
I really enjoy covering improvisational holiday music,
particularly on solo piano. The inherent risks and difficulty level are very
high. Most folks want to hear all the traditional holiday songs performed
without any improvisation because it’s a yearly tradition. That is all fine
with me but it is a wonderful thing to hear a piano player take all of his
talents and create eleven tracks of holiday cheer with elements of jazz,
classical, and new age all mixed in. It's like a musical hot toddy with some
extra spice thrown in for some bite and to make sure you remember that last
sip.
Andrew really appreciates George Winston, as do I. If you
happen to be a musician by trade then you take that interest in George’s music
to another level. He does that nicely with his ode to Charlie Brown on
“Christmas Time is Here” (part 1 & part 2). He cleverly spreads the two
tracks out from #3 to #9. Then of course track 8 is the obvious “Ode to
George.” Another well-done song that I
am sure Mr. Winston would appreciate, in fact, I think he would enjoy this
entire album.
It is great to see an artist not only step out from a
musical comfort zone but to do it all without any plan or design of what to
play. A free-form piano improvisation is more than just fine with me and I
enjoyed every bit of it. This is solo piano music that can be appreciated any
time of year actually. For this listener the timing was good, it is helping me
get in the frame of mind that old man winter is right around the corner. I need
to prepare myself mentally with a good attitude and be grateful for the four
seasons and what they bring us. Thanks for Christmas
Time-Piano Improvisations and the
shot of positive energy Andrew!
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
October 30, 2018
Founder of:
Review
Provided By New Age Music Reviews
Tracks:
01. Silent Night
02. Jingle Bells
03. Christmas Time is Here (part 1)
04. Melancholy Holiday
05. Let It Snow in New Orleans
06. A Night in Brooklyn
07. We 3 Kings...in 5
08. Ode to George
09. Christmas Time is Here (part 2)
10. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
11. Hawaiian Healing Meditation [Ho'Oponopono]
Tracks:
01. Silent Night
02. Jingle Bells
03. Christmas Time is Here (part 1)
04. Melancholy Holiday
05. Let It Snow in New Orleans
06. A Night in Brooklyn
07. We 3 Kings...in 5
08. Ode to George
09. Christmas Time is Here (part 2)
10. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
11. Hawaiian Healing Meditation [Ho'Oponopono]
