Label: Independent
Derek Wille, a masterful artist, seamlessly merges three musical genres into an enjoyable, cohesive sound, showcasing his exceptional talent throughout his recent release, Weight of the Sky.
The complexity of jazz, the spiritual and deeply relaxing effect of new age, and the tradition and foundation of classical come together for a significant contribution to the world of instrumental solo piano recordings.
“Eyes Across A Room” is full of new age and jazz tones. It begins with a recording of a lovely, soft melody. You are immediately disarmed and feel like you have found a safe place to be physically and spiritually. It is a good way to start things off, getting you into the right frame of mind to enjoy what is to come. Just under 3 minutes was perfect.
“The Weight Of The Sky” creates a perception of something more serious than the previous track. While the high notes are light and airy, the bass resonates with a heavier tone, holding its own, while the sky maintains its lighter aspects. As these two aspects merge, you find your own understanding of what the track title can mean for you. There is some terrific playing going on here, and I heard classical influences woven into the underlying jazz and new age principles.
As “Rhapsody In Shadow” begins, the carefully measured sound and tempo immediately highlight the romantic mood depicted. There is no black and white; only the grey areas shine as the notes intermingle to create perfect beauty. The piano keys dance a waltz and ask you to join in their place in time.
“Doorway To The Sea” carries the waves of the sea with melody and precision throughout this composition. I heard strong classical tones coloring this piece with jazz along the fringes. Very nice with a good flow.
“Shadows On The Sidewalk” picks up the pace with a lighthearted melody. It was like being a child again, watching your shadow imitate all your movements. Do you remember doing that? This upbeat melody reminds you of those days. A jazz movement with the colors of youth brings memories flooding back instantly.
“Prelude To A Farewell” gives the time needed to prepare for the finality of saying goodbye. The joy of life and love injects positivity, helping optimism replace negativity or outright sadness. The tinkling of the high notes brings a smile to you inside and out. Melodies abound, light all around, as the resonating keys leave a lasting impression.
“The Years Between” is reflective, a space in time that deserves another look. All time is relevant in one’s life, but we tend to forget so much. As the fingers hit the piano keys, the energy is dispersed into the air, and the melody and trajectory of sound engage you. It was like a story unfolded, and the last notes closed the book.
“Reflections On A Quiet Night” has a title alone that is picturesque. The piano keys softly invite you in to embrace the night with a look back to reflect on the day, your life, or the love of all the sweet things we treasure. The keys roll along the artists’ fingers effortlessly. Dreamy sequences relax and easily bring on the reflective mood being suggested.
“Standing In The Storm” would suggest something prolific about one’s life or indicative of the actual weather. My thought is based on the emotional nature of music, so this would point to an event or time in an individual’s life. The piano has two parts: the lower bass, which paints a clear picture of something more serious, and the higher notes, which are clearer and uplifting. This, in turn, gives the listener an optimistic outlook within the “storm.” This is the power of music at work, offering a listener a choice.
“A Lifetime Ago” is a window into time once again. This piano-based music is diverse, taking a blank canvas and using the broad brush of notes to create a masterpiece. The time and space in a lifetime can be short or vast, depending on the subject matter. The piano’s keys are significantly high and low, taking the ebb and flow of emotions to different places. Drama captured in music, perfect.
Finding “The Way Back” could be easy or difficult. This is the double-sided coin of life and all its situations or life-changing events. Those who lose their way can always get back on their original course. The piano’s elegance is highlighted here, carving a path for those who need a little help. This is musical GPS, if you will, listen carefully so you can return to where you belong.
“Last Light Of The Evening” ushers in the dark of night, as the moon and the stars relight the atmosphere. Nature’s sprinkling of the heavens reminds us of our 24-hour cycle of life and offers wonders and beauty each time. The melody is happy and reminds me of the Charlie Brown holiday cartoons, with its easygoing, flowing jazz piano runs by Vince Guaraldi.
“The Space Between The Notes” is a significant title. It gives thought to what you can find or create in that brief space in time between all the notes coming from the fingers of this piano player. This track slowly unfolds, allowing each listener to reflect on its meaning.
“Night In Amber” closes out this fourteen-track foray into time and space, accompanied by some of the most beautiful solo piano music one could ask for. It is fitting that the tempo of this track features how this talented artist takes jazz, new age, and classical and melds them into standalone pieces of art. It is a gorgeous end to an altogether enjoyable journey of instrumental bliss.
Derek Wille’s Weight of the Sky gives every listener some space in time to relax, reflect, and move along with each story via the piano’s notes. The beauty and simplicity of instrumental music shine brightly with the absence of words, so one can really become part of the storyline.
Keith
“MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Review Founder
January 17, 2025
Tracks:
01. Eyes Across A Room 2:57
02. The Weight Of The Sky 4:33
03. Rhapsody In Shadow 3:54
04. Doorway To The Sea 3:29
05. Shadows On The Sidewalk 3:18
06. Prelude To A Farewell 3:35
07. The Years Between 3:25
08. Reflections On A Quiet Night 4:49
09. Standing In The Storm 4:45
10. A Lifetime Ago 3:48
11. The Way Back 2:59
12. Last Light Of The Evening 3:33
13. The Space Between The Notes 3:26
14. Night In Amber 3:05
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