Release Date: August 19, 2025
Label: New Thought Records
There is
a special guest on this recording, James “Kimo” West. You will hear his guitar
playing. This is a name I see coming up a lot so it looks as though his talents
are in demand!
The romance of Marin, with its picturesque landscapes and serene atmosphere, is the concept at the heart of this contemporary new age instrumental recording. The album captures the essence of this romantic setting, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in its beauty.
My personal connection to Marin County, from my days in the Navy, adds a layer of intimacy to this listening experience. If you have your own memories of the areas Ed Bazel represents, it will undoubtedly enhance your connection to the music.
“Pacific Drive” takes me on an emotional journey, evoking memories of my travels along the California coast. Ed’s piano, filled with emotion, has the power to transport me back to my youth. The blend of piano and violin in this piece carries a hint of sadness, but also a flood of fond memories.
“Love Letter to The Coast” is the artist's heartfelt tribute to the coast and the profound love he holds for it. The violin, once again, adds its substance to the composition, creating a layer of emotion and soulful movement. As an instrumental piece, it allows each listener to interpret and form their own love letter with the help of the beautiful music.
“Moonlight in Muir Woods” is a special place in nature. I recall visiting there only once when my parents came to see me in California. It is one of Mother Nature’s grand treasures that people from all over the world visit to see the impressive redwoods. The violin sounds like it’s singing a lullaby to the piano as it flows so beautifully, telling its own story and its respect and love for the romance of the location.
“Sky Walking” carries a lovely melody. Noticeably, Ed uses both hands so superlatively with the lead notes and bass section. The bass line offsets the tinkling of the keys, and it ends with a short burst of quiet violin.
“Romance In the Redwoods” reminds me of the grandeur and beauty of those massive landmarks. They are protected as they should be. Any place in nature could find a home for romance; it’s all in what you make it, how you look upon it through your own eyes. This time, the cello lends its resonance to the mix, giving the track a distinctive essential depth that would not be there without it.
“Starlight Waltz” tempo is perfect to fit the descriptive track title. The melody is succinct and measured, evoking a couple dancing, anticipation with each step as they glide across the floor. The dance is elegant yet brief, lasting just over 2 minutes; however, the vision is easily attained through the keys.
“Windswept” is a piece that invites personal reflection. The piano, with its pauses and building melody, encourages introspection. The title, in the context of the album's romantic theme, could be interpreted as being swept away by someone’s charm, adding another layer of personal reflection to the music.
“Foggy Morning” is a reminder of what it’s like to live on a coastline with morning fog, which quickly burns off in the sun; however, if you are moving through it on the road, you must proceed with caution. It’s one of the potential dangers of an environment. The cello adds its somber notes to the gorgeous yet thoughtful notes. Sounding very classical in nature, the composition brings a graceful atmosphere.
“Melody To Marin” is an energetic and colorful movement. The piano and cello make for good partners here, and the times the piano pulls away into a solo timeframe, the excellence and clarity of Ed’s playing are highlighted. This is another short run at 2:14, but delightful every second.
“In
My Eyes” is a title that immediately resonates with me, as it embodies the art
of reflection and how healing it can be. It also allows one to evaluate or
reevaluate a life or situation, and to move on and bring it to a close. In the
case of the artist here, everything he is interpreting is through his eyes
alone via the piano’s keys, as the cello again provides a steady backdrop of
emotive notes to enhance the vision.
“Lullaby In the Pines” brings forth the scent of pine wafting through the air during Christmas time. In the woods, where several trees are gathered, there is a different feeling altogether. Visually, it’s stunning and wonderful if you can appreciate nature as it is. The melody is a lullaby perfected through the keys of the piano, and the length of the composition was perfect.
“Sunset Over the Bay” brings memories of some of the most beautiful sites I can remember throughout my life. The use of the cello is significant here as it encourages those landscapes to come to mind quickly. The piano subtly leads you there through its soft-sounding keys. The satin touch of Ed’s hands brings a storybook to life as the sun sets on this magnificent, provoking piece.
“California
Sunrise” is perfectly positioned to alter the flow of your visions inspired by
the music. After watching a sunset, the sun rises to a new day. The keys hold
that positive energy and promise nicely as the melody and rhythms sweep your
mind away to a picture only you can see. At the end, a brief acoustic guitar
makes its presence known.
“Autumn Reverie” is a title that is perfect timing, as I am enjoying the cooler temperatures of early September and the beginning of my favorite season of the year right around the corner. It seems to arrive sooner every year as I get another year older. So, with that thought in mind, I hear the violin playing a sweet accompaniment to the piano, flowing so nicely, and changing in tempo and direction as the four seasons do.
“The Tide” of music throughout this listening experience has been thought-provoking, relaxing, full of the colors of nature’s offerings, and an artist adept at painting the necessary pictures to follow the track titles. I think that ability must be exceptional to visualize what the music is saying. This is about the ocean; however, it can relate to so much more, like the tide of one’s feelings or memories regarding romances that have come and gone. Or how it can all relate to nature alone, without involving another person. This closing composition holds the drama of the human condition and how it flows through our lives. Here you can see how this music stems from a classically based thought process when building a song.
A Weekend in Marin is a superb collection of compositions that highlights the talents of one man and his exceptional vision of people, places, and things set to music without words—this contemporary piano instrumental music, with a new age foundation, will find its audience relatively quickly.
Keith
“MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder
September
4, 2025
Tracks:
01. Pacific Drive
02. Love Letter To The Coast
03. Moonlight In Muir Woods
04. Sky Walking
05. Romance In The Redwoods
06. Starlight Waltz
07. Windswept
08. Foggy Morning
09. Melody To Marin
10. In My Eyes
11. Lullaby In The Pines
12. Sunset Over The Bay
13. California Sunrise
14. Autumn Reverie
15. The Tide
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