Label: Independent
Richard Atkins’ Pianistically Speaking is a 2025 solo piano album that beautifully blends classical precision, new age-inspired relaxation, and contemporary emotion across 15 expressive tracks. The album flows seamlessly from one piece to the next, each composition painting a wordless story through shifting tempos, evocative melodies, and dynamic moods—ranging from gentle reassurance to meditative calm, and from wistful melancholy to uplifting optimism. Atkins’ masterful touch channels both the power and subtlety of the piano, creating a deeply inviting atmosphere that rewards reflection and deep listening.
“Torn Apart” starts off with soft keys gently inviting you into his world. The tempo picks up around three-quarters of the way through, indicating a sudden change in emotion, then it reverts to the core melody and fades out.
“Enamored” maintains a smooth flow of notes, then frequently shifts tempo. It creates a story without words as the emotions flow through his fingers. Richard’s classical influences shine with precision and eloquence.
“Nirvana” continues this love story set to music. The tinkling of the keys catches your attention as the mood shifts back and forth. The track’s title is indicative of something sought after but rarely attained; the piano, however, is the orchestra singing the song through the fingers of this talented pianist. Such emotions and beauty are encapsulated in one composition.
“Lost Love” brings to light the sadness that is part of life’s course. Depending on the context, it could apply to more than just another individual. The piano notes are like tears falling into the space created so beautifully by the piano’s keys.
“French Café” brings a sense of lightness to the music’s mood and color. This lifts you out of the sadness of the previous track and sets you on another mindset or path, if you will, into a better place. The key’s rhythm and cadence sound happy and optimistic, reflecting on another time and place.
“Coffee Time” is the logical next step in continuing the story from the previous track. This time, we move into a sultrier, jazz-inflected area while holding firmly to the classical foundation of this music. Although the music is gentle and relaxing, you recognize the power it has as you fall into its spell.
“Peace”
features a lovely melody that captures the completeness a piano can achieve
within a single composition. I felt a sense of comfort and sweetness that
permeated the track.
“Reminisce” connects well with the previous track, sounding as if it could have seamlessly integrated without a pause. Its tempo and relaxing nature solidify everything you have just experienced. Merge the two tracks, and you could use it as the beginning of a meditation.
“Out to Sea” returns to the melodic playing that Richard so easily transitions to while implementing his classical influences without sacrificing rhythm. Beautiful and reflective, and a reminder of my personal love for the solace of being out to sea.
“Always There” is a word of reassurance to someone who is important in your life. That was my first thought: a significant other or family member should know. The piano’s keys are a gentle reminder of that, as the rhythm of life is reflected in this movement. So beautifully done.
“Ocean” brings me back to the water again. This is where all life came from. Its importance is beyond our comprehension. As the elegant notes hit your consciousness, it’s like a low-tide wave hitting the shore as you enjoy the salty air and sunshine. As picturesque as one song could be without words to explain. The longest track at 4:31 leaves a lasting impression.
“Chill”
can be a state of being or mindset, or a feeling you get in inclement weather.
Whatever fits you now works within this music’s framework. I think a lot of
this music is meant to “Chill,” encouraging relaxation, reflection, and letting
that consciousness take hold. And it does, if you let it.
“Triste” is pleasingly melodic with a steady tempo that rises at the right times for emphasis. The flow of the music in the hands of this man is superb.
“Echoes” may hint at what you’re hearing from all the previous tracks here; it reflects the essence of all this music and its main purpose. The resonance of the piano keys can create a sound that is emblematic of that word.
“It’s Time to Go” is the perfect ending for this recording, and not only with the track title. As the song begins, you sense a bit of sadness in saying goodbye, and that emotion comes through in the music. The music’s relaxing, optimistic nature comes full circle here. The piano speaks clearly and with significance one last time.
Pianistically Speaking offers a captivating and expressive journey through contemporary piano music, perfect for those seeking beauty, emotion, and artistry in instrumental music. Drawing on Debussy’s classical foundations and Mancini’s romantic color, he crafts vivid scenarios that evoke the imagery suggested by each track title.
Keith
“MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder
March 12, 2026
Tracks:
01. Torn Apart
02. Enamored
03. Nirvana
04. Lost Love
05. French Cafe
06. Coffee Time
07. Peace
08. Reminisce
09. Out to Sea
10. Always There
11. Ocean
12. Chill
13. Triste
14. Echoes
15. It's Time to Go
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