Release Date: April 27, 2018
Label: PCM
Peter is well known for his solo piano works and I have become very familiar with his recorded output as well. I had the pleasure of covering First Light, The Road Home and Inner Circle. He is also known for his soundtrack work.
Piano Improvisations Vol. 1 is comprised of fourteen instrumental piano tracks. Peter is a very ambitious recording artist and because of that creative energy, he is able to keep a constant flow of music on the market. I find that kind of consistency is refreshing. I have a lot of respect for musicians that are constantly busy with one project or another. I can understand why many are like that. To keep those creative juices flowing you need to be actively using the talents or things will get stale and then you would feel a disconnect with your process. I think I can relate that kind of mindset.
Improvisation is defined as such: By something that is improvised, especially a piece of music, drama, etc., created without preparation. So, to create music without preparation would demand a tremendous insight into your chosen instrument. With that in mind, it would also require an incredible talent to start playing with a flow and sense of direction, and one that makes sense and is pleasing to a listener.
Peter has an innate sense of tone and rhythm in his offerings. I think this is something people are born with then it develops more when they explore their god given blessing. This thought hit me square between eyes while listening to “A 21st Century Monk.” That track is a progressive jazz infused listen that any Miles Davis or John Coltrane fan would appreciate. I count myself amongst the many that appreciate the founding fathers of progressive jazz. Even though it is different as a stand-alone track, and every one is, it is done with a touch of class. The artist starts off the track slowly, gradually introducing the improvisations to the listener. Rather hitting someone all at once with music off the beaten path as it were, this musician takes the intelligent path presenting his music.
The most entertaining and interesting aspect of Piano Improvisations Vol. 1 is that you are not anticipating any sort of style or trend. This is improvisation at its unpredictable best. I think this a strong release for Peter and it will engage his audience from start to finish leaving them wanting for more. Keep in mind this is only Volume 1 so more is likely to follow at some point, which keeps things exciting and interesting for the creator and listeners. This is an easy 5/5 stars because it is all solo piano creations at the highest level of difficulty. Bravo and a tip of the cap to Mr. Calandra for a job well, done!
5/5 Stars
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
April 30, 2018
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Tracks:
01. Carry the Torch
02. Two Days
03. Dreamland
04. Distant Memory
05. Summer Morn
06. Mystery Night
07. Enchanted Forest
08. Often Minor
09. Tonester
10. A 21st Century Monk
11. Summer Rain
12. Off in the Distance
13. The Second Wave
14.Blueish
Tracks:
01. Carry the Torch
02. Two Days
03. Dreamland
04. Distant Memory
05. Summer Morn
06. Mystery Night
07. Enchanted Forest
08. Often Minor
09. Tonester
10. A 21st Century Monk
11. Summer Rain
12. Off in the Distance
13. The Second Wave
14.Blueish
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