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GENRE: Classical, Contemporary, Piano
Label: GrooveCaffee
Release date: 2010
Total running time: 1:13:03
“Those Nights” begins with “First Light,” one of the most haunting pieces I’ve heard in awhile.
A repeated note sets the rhythm for the gentle, atmospheric melody. Played at almost a whisper, it’s amazing how so few notes can be so powerful. This piece alone is worth the price of admission, as is its reprise at the end of the album. “Before the Storm” is a bit more complex but is also reminiscent of Eric Satie.
As the piece evolves, a variety of themes alternate with the original theme – very effective! “Return” is very quiet, introspective, and soul-searching, and was written during the time Winiberg was composing “Silent Embrace.” “Gathering Clouds” is a concept piece that begins very gently with lots of open space between the notes.
In the second section, the fluttering notes on the left hand could indicate wind.The third section picks up energy and turbulence as the clouds become more ominous. Winiberg paints a vivid picture of the beginnings of a major storm – sometimes calm, sometimes frightening – a great piece! Not surprisingly, “The Storm” follows with dark drama and lots of power. The quiet moments of this piece make the swirling storm even more effective. The title track is amazing.
Spontaneous yet cohesive, the various themes describe a pensive, reflective mood and let us in on the inner thoughts of the composer. “Stars In a Dark Blue Sky” is a bit jazzier in style, but is still slow and thoughtful. “From Within” is about letting the music take its time to emerge organically and for the composer to act only as a medium, not forcing anything. “Hidden By Shadows” is wistful, mysterious, and very moving. As I said, the electronica mix of “First Light” is as extraordinary as the solo piano version. If anything, the electronic sounds make the piece even more haunting – wind and electronic instrumental sounds add more colors and intrigue. Bravo, Josh Winiberg! Keep up the great work! – Kathy Parsons
| TRACKLIST |
|
01 – First Light 02 – Before the Storm 03 – A New Day 04 – Beyond the Horizon 05 – Return 06 – Gathering Clouds 07 – The Storm 08 – You 09 – Those Nights 10 – Stars in a Dark Blue Sky 11 – From Within 12 – Hidden by Shadows 13 – First Light (Electronica Mix) |
(3 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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Creative Commons license: Attribution – Non Commercial – No Derivative Works 2.5
