Label: Independent
In June, I heard Joshua Zimmerman’s "Finding Peace" and had the opportunity to interview him in July, as well as again this month. Now we have Light Beyond the Shadow.
Zimmerman, a classically trained pianist, draws inspiration from his spiritual journey and his love for nature to create his music. Already, another release is ready to go with Light Beyond the Shadow. He presents instrumental solo piano music for his current fanbase and potential listeners.
The elegant and eye-popping cover art of Light Beyond the Shadow surely grabs your attention right away!
As I recall, Joshua’s music his very relaxing, coming from a spiritual place of the artist, and knowing that I would anticipate another healing experience through the music. This is a contemporary new age instrumental with a strong influence from the realm of classical music.
“What’s Meant to Stay” begins your listening experience with lovely notes flowing out of the acoustic piano. The melody carries through splendidly, allowing the transitions to be smooth and natural as the tempo changes. It felt like a modern classical lullaby at times when he focused on the more simplistic strokes of the keys—a beautiful way to start.
“Beneath the Surface” has a soft touch and a sweet, yet sad, ballad atmosphere. When you look or reach beneath the surface of anything, it can come as a surprise what you discover, particularly in the context of the human condition. Because music is so directly connected to us in this way, this composition’s tempo and melody capture the essence of a reflective, introspective individual.
The title track, “Light Beyond the Shadow,” is a beacon of hope and positive energy. Just as the cover art would convey. Here we find the artist delving into an area that can be real as we desire (even though you cannot “see” it), whether in the mind or the space you are in this moment, there is always light to be found. The piano’s keys evoke a sense of warmth and positivity we all need, lifting the spirits of the listener.
“Whispers of Hope” continues the path of positivity and light. The music is more than a whisper; it hints at all our personal journeys that we hold dear to our hearts. With that, though, comes optimism and clarity, and the keys of the piano pronounce those thoughts. The tones and colors are clear and concise as each note resonates within your consciousness.
“Unseen Path” would indicate that what we cannot see physically has no bearing on where we can go or not go—relating to the previous tracks, I see how they are all connected in the tapestry of sound and emotion. The piano’s rhythm and innate melodicism pull you into the “path,” making it real and your own to follow. So elegant and beautiful, creating a sense of continuity and unity in the album.
This music is meant to make you feel “Made New.” As you intently listen to the oneness of the solo piano and how the sounds embrace you, the feeling, every time, feels new. It sounds like the piano is singing to you alone, without a human voice to accompany it; it demonstrates that it has its own unique voice, with its own distinct sounds. The person manipulating the keys has every intention of bringing you into the story. The consistent flow and melodies capture you.
“Everything in Time” would suggest that patience will bring us what we desire in life. However, you must seek it for it to know when to come. Time is irrelevant when it comes to music. To my ears, it’s immortal and ready for me at my fingertips with one push of a button or a click of a mouse. The absolute beauty of the piano’s keys shines once again as the artist takes his internal compass to guide him to the place where gentle raindrops of melody and rhythm intersect. It sounds like a love song being played to everyone who will take the time to listen.
“Breathing Still” can have a few meanings. Breathing in stillness or still breathing is what you could discern. Breathe in motion or stillness, and you will create two entirely different scenarios. Without complicating the meaning, I think this is meant to encourage you to be still and listen, watching your breathing as it relates to your level of stress or lack thereof. This gorgeous music not only suggests it, but it also creates that thought and concept through the keys of the piano.
The piano is “Grace Without Words” on this recording. The track emulates this in so many ways, as does the entire album. The music actualizes emotions, visions, thoughts, a sense of warmth and belonging, all of that and more. This is the shortest track, at three minutes and five seconds; however, it conveys a great deal—another stroke of beauty and relaxation found through the music.
“From
Here” we go to the end of this musical presentation. The piano’s instinctive
resonant tones permeate your being every time with Joshua Zimmerman at the
helm. There is a bright and rhythmic sense to this composition. The overall
feeling of this entire recording seems to be encapsulated in this one track. I
felt a sense of joy and lightness all around me as I listened.
Joshua Zimmerman is here to remind us that there is Light Beyond the Shadow.
On Light Beyond the Shadow, Joshua Zimmerman achieves a seemingly effortless blend of time and space through his compositions, which are filled with melody and smooth transitions that consistently convey the meaning of each track. It’s time to stop, listen, and enjoy the music of this talented individual.
Keith
“MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Review Founder
October
10, 2025
Tracks:
01. What’s Meant to Stay 3:38
02. Beneath the Surface 3:38
03. Light Beyond the Shadow 4:04
04. Whispers of Hope 3:51
05. Unseen Path 2:52
06. Made New 4:36
07. Everything in Time 4:11
08. Breathing Still 4:02
09. Grace Without Words 3:05
10. From Here 3:4
