Tuesday, September 24, 2013

CD Review: Peter Calandra's 'Ashokan Memories'

Peter Calandra
Ashokan Memories
Self-Release

Based in New York City and inspired by the sights and sounds of New York's Upper Hudson River Valley, Peter Calandra presents us with an emotive, contemplative, and wholly instrumental release of solo piano music. The music is gentle and sweeping with delicate fingerings and soft tonal pleasure throughout. The dreamy "Mettcohonts Flowing," is akin to the delicate flowing properties of a babbling brook that are interjected with brighter hints of tonal color on the higher piano registers. "Gertrude's Nose" is a very pensive and twinkling piano delight that flows freely in an almost jaunty manner. "The Ice Caves" is a more lounge jazz-focused piece with multiple piano notes being played at the same time. Furthermore, the piano notes are produced in light waves of dreamy sound. There are eighteen tracks in all. The sweeping melodies on "Overlook" should not be missed. Fans of new age, solo instrumental piano, and jazz will appreciate the subtle and not-so-subtle nuances of Peter Calandra's latest release that is inspired by nature and made for Man. ~ Matthew Forss 

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