Release Date: May 30, 2025
Label: King Tut
Of course, the first thing that caught my attention was the cover artwork. The artwork is both eye-catching and thought-provoking. The fact that it's in black and white makes it striking, and you can see what is coming out of his head. That is the first doorway a musician must decide upon for their creation. The key is getting the potential listener to walk through it, and here I go…
“We Will Rise Once More” begins the journey softly, then
launches into a cinematic melding of sound and color. The changes happen
quickly, with some singing from a choir and a nice guitar line as the piano
rolls gracefully and elegantly. It reverts to the softness of the beginning,
then the building of the sound and voices once again, finally, a beautiful
outro before moving on to the next track.
“Don't Look Back (The World is Changing).” And is it ever? As
our globe spins, change is continual and unrelenting. The piano speaks volumes
with its notes impressing your consciousness as you ponder the prolific
statement the track title makes. The music flows out and in, like the ocean's changing
tides. The piano emulates that with the changing tempos.
“You Know I Will Remember You (Room 112)” has a bittersweet
sadness in the keys, pulling you right in. The synth orchestration adds more
emotion and reflection on a time that has passed and will never return. Its
beauty and gentleness can bring a tear to your eye.
“There is a Place Beyond the Heart” continues with the
melancholy mood of the last track. Less than a minute later, there is a
definitive change in tempo and mood. There is a confidence in the tone, like
you just climbed one of those mountains in life and reached the top, and now
you are looking down above the clouds with elation and joy. Wordless vocals and
orchestrations make it cinematic and triumphant, as the melancholy has melted
away.
“These are More than Memories” infuses you with more energy and
hope. The melody is joyful and full of rhythm. Your feelings are instantaneous,
and your mood swings into another frame of reference. The ladies begin singing
like a choir of angels, beckoning you to join. The piano is superbly placed
with elegant notes.
“Dream of the Golden West” is the longest track at 6:57. It
begins with coyotes, the wind blowing, and a horse trotting back to the stable.
This all feels like pure cinema. The piano starts to play, telling its story.
As the sound of the synths and orchestrations arrives, it changes again into
something new and exciting. More changes develop as the layers combine, as
Wayne lets his piano dance over the top of the sounds. His playing is fast and
furiously beautiful, as your interest never has a chance to wane for one
second. It's like watching a movie with a continual change of scenes. It winds
down as it started, then finishes with one more quick burst of energy.
“My Father Never Saw Paris” is a title that makes you think this
may have some sadness and regret. The music tells the story again with hints of
the music you may hear from that legendary city. The piano has a look back with
the optimism of a chance at another life and another time. Reflection of
memories haunts the keys with exceptional imagery and beauty, hoping that maybe
wherever father is now, he can see Paris through this composition—a lovely
tribute.
“Waltz of the Sirens” is a title evoking a different age,
centuries ago, when life was much simpler. Its classical undertones and
foundation lead the fingers of this piano player into a musical time machine of
regality and elegance that we will likely never witness again in this world.
The orchestrations and synths again make their magic, creating a heavenly layer
of exquisiteness for the piano keys to find a home.
“Ten of Hearts” takes on a different atmosphere and upbeat
approach. The sounds are light and happy, as the piano sets the tempo with
quick rolling bursts. The additional sounds make it all sound like a huge step
away from everything you heard prior. It has a jazz pop feel with a saxophone,
giving you a taste of eclecticism from the artist and an unexpected delight.
“New Age Music Box” winds up and then goes in an entirely
different direction. The beauty of the music transcends time, and the inanimate
object becomes alive once again after you wind it up and let it play. It is
like a lullaby of love from the piano to you. The sweetness and innocence of youth
are heard in the piano keys as it winds down and ends with a flair of joy.
“St. Declan's Dulcimer Candy Corp” is quite the title and surely
holds some meaning for the artist. The sounds are rhythmic, and they have a
strong melody. This is the briefest track at 2:54. Even so, the airy atmosphere
and tinkling keys steal your heart away once more.
“That's How We Say Goodbye” is the perfect way to end the
recording with the title and music. There is always a mixture of happiness and
sadness in goodbyes. Wayne’s piano speaks to this in the simplest yet
significant way. The subtle background orchestrations allow the piano keys to
resonate in all their pride and beauty. After hearing all this music, you know
that the piano is the one instrument that can tell a story better than any
other.
Wayne Bethanis' meticulous artistry and storytelling create a compelling listen on the appropriately titled Sonic Bloom. Like blooming flowers, the music resonates with deep emotions and fantastic beauty, inviting you to press play and embark on an emotional journey.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR
Reviews Founder
June 6, 2025
Tracks:
01. We Will Rise Once More 03:49
02. Don't Look Back (The World is Changing) 03:12
03. You Know I Will Remember You (Room 112) 04:21
04. There is a Place Beyond the Heart 03:45
05. These are More than Memories 04:13
06. Dream of the Golden West 06:57
07. My Father Never Saw Paris 03:51
08. Waltz of the Sirens 03:21
09. Ten of Hearts 03:55
10. New Age Music Box 03:31
11. St. Declan's Dulcimer Candy Corp 02:54
12. That's How We Say Goodbye 03:51
No comments:
Post a Comment