Rocky Fretz - The Path Ahead...and Steps Then Taken (2009)

Organic, acoustic piano driven New Age Music. Produced by Will Ackerman founder of Windham Hill featuring Michael Manring, T-Bone Wolk, David Cullen, Eugene Freisen, Jeff Oster, Patrick O'leary, Will Ackerman, Derrik Jordan, Dan Greenspan and Noah Wilding.

The Path Ahead is the eighth publication of the composer and pianist Rocky Fretz. Composed of twelve very interesting tracks and a gift for the ears without any doubt. Produced by Grammy-winning guitarist Will Ackerman, along with other great artists of recognized reputation, working with Rocky, and they are: David Cullen (acoustic guitar), Eugene Friesen (cello), Jeff Oster (flugelhorn) , Derrik Jordan (Percussion), Michael Manring (bass Fretless), T-Bone Wolk (bass, mandolin and accordion), Dan Greenspan (double bass), Patrick O'Leary (bass), Steve Schuck (Violin) and Noah Wilding (Voice). A complete album in all aspects where we can find delicate melodies, very powerful rhythm or simply left the listener breathless.

"Kim's Song" is the first track on the album. A piece dedicated to his wife Kimberly, where a warm and romantic melody envelops the listener. A mysterious beginning of arpeggios, accompanied by some high notes that make their appearance, give way to the wonderful and subtle melody that, at its zenith, it becomes exciting.

"Leave It All Behind" is synonymous with peace. A simple melody, very delicate, perfect for moments of meditation. The slow flow of notes and chords invite the listener to do, for a moment, a loving and nostalgic look into the past. Delicateness !.

In the sweet "New Life Lullaby" Rocky piano accompanying the tender voice of Noah that makes its appearance half minutes of playback. With a hypnotist beginning of chords, beautiful, sensitive melody being born from the hands of Rocky creating the perfect environment for rest !. I love!.

"A Pleasant Stay" is friendly. Arropador sedative character and is the melody that plays Rocky subtle strumming chord progressions high and delicate. A happy piece that provides a pleasant and enjoyable atmosphere. Blessed peace !.

Simply sublime, it is rhythmic and powerful "Then Steps Taken". Rocky energetic piano is accompanied by Derrik amazing percussion, bass Michael, I guess, expressive guitar Will, rapid violin and mandolin Steve T-Bone; and all of them, marking a fascinating rhythm that gives life to one of the most amazing pieces I've ever heard; a topic full of strength and optimism. One of my favorites. Wow !.

After the brisk pace of the previous track, Rocky presents a calmer and nostalgic track, but very expressive, "Will's Mountain". Rocky hands run across the keyboard with great feeling, giving the piece of delicate and exciting moments. I love!.

Again, percussion, guitar and bass accompany piano Rocky in "Chilhood's Hymn". A melody that remains almost unchanged from start to finish, with little variation, sometimes altering piano notes by high notes. A lighter piece, endowed with great freshness.

With melancholy "Thoughts Are Us" born of sad and delicate chords marked low. A theme very dejected, and although simple, this has a powerful and captivating character afflicting the listener. Tremendously sad !.

Eugene's cello opens with sadness "All We Are (In This Moment Now)". A piece that keeps a passionate and beautiful piano melody that draws the Rocky. Finesse and pure feeling !. Amazing !.

"The Pictures" is a piece for solo piano by Will Ackerman and life-giving sweetness with Rocky. The melody flows gracefully, where soft chords you play the left hand, serve to accompany the tender melody that plays the right hand. Endearing one piece !. Another of my favorite !.

One of the most beautiful and extraordinary piano solos owns "Stickney Brook Dance". Rocky hands dance across the keyboard giving birth to a beautiful and seductive melody. A contemplative piece, inspired by the beautiful image that provides a stream passing through beautiful natural landscapes. Simply wonderful !.

"The Path Ahead" is a continuation of the rhythmic "Then Steps Taken". With a quieter first part, the brand delicate piano chords, electric guitar while follows its furtive melody. The second part is just fascinating, cheerful again and other percussion instruments accompanying the piano in Rocky "Then Steps Taken", make their appearance giving life to another rhythmic parts of this work. Another favorite and a perfect theme to complete !.


Rocky shows us a work rich in nuances, where a piano gets only shock the listener and just after an energetic and powerful rhythm is full of strength and good vibrations. Masterfully, Rocky has made prodigious issues, some of them with instruments that combine in perfect harmony. It is easy to deduce why this work has been the winner for Best New Age Album for IMA and why be part of the albums nominated for "Best Album of the Year 2010 RNA." In all aspects, The Path Ahead is a highly recommended album !

Tracklist:

01. Kim's Song
02. Leave It All Behind
03. New Life Lullaby
04. A Pleasant Stay
05. Steps Then Taken
06. Will's Mountain
07. Childhood's Hymn
08. Thoughts R Us (w Eugene Freisen)
09. All We Are (is in this moment now)
10. Pictures (a piano interpretation of Will Ackerman song)
11. Stickney Brook Dance
12. The Path Ahead (intro w Michael Manring Bass)