Joe Hume - Ambience (2021) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

AMBIENCE is Big Round Records latest release from composer Joe Hume. After a decade of working exclusively as a professional pianist, Hume has returned to composing in a big way with this compelling 11-track album of airy original solo piano pieces. The bright, spacious textures of café de Paristhe albums first tracksets the tone for what is to follow. Though brief, at less-than three minutes long, the piece breathes peacefully, with its unhurried motion punctuated by brief modulations. Next one hears Del Mar, a songful, poignant meditation. As the album continues, each piece sets a scene for the listenerThe Swan floats with agility between major and minor, while Northern Shore sings with a lilting cadence like waves lapping at a rocky shoreline. Adagio for Strings, previously released as a single in July 2019, is rich and expansive, harnessing the pianos warm lower-middle voice. Nocturne, as its name suggests, is tender and thoughtful, with long arpeggiated chords rolling seamlessly with the tune in the right hand. Winters Tale concludes the album, with melodic lines so cleanly crafted that ones mind can almost imagine words hidden in the piano music. Hume writes that he set out to create music that was melodic, calming, yet powerful in its delivery. The composer/pianist has no doubt succeeded in this endeavor. As its title suggests, AMBIENCE could simply be treated as lovely background noise but that doesnt mean it should be. After all, listeners who take a moment to close their eyes and listen deeply may find Humes piano is singing for them.

TRACKLIST

1. Joe Hume - Café de Paris
2. Joe Hume - Del mar
3. Joe Hume - XIII. The Swan (Arr. J. Hume for Solo Piano)
4. Joe Hume - Danny's Prelude
5. Joe Hume - Northern Shore
6. Joe Hume - No. 10, Jesus bleibet meine Freude (Arr. J. Hume for Solo Piano)
7. Joe Hume - Reverie
8. Joe Hume - Nocturne
9. Joe Hume - Gymnopédie (After Satie's "Gymnopédie No. 1")
10. Joe Hume - Winter's Tale



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