Release Date: January 5, 2026
Label: Independent
Website
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