This choice is a bit of an investment, but for George Winston fans (of which there are many), this is the definitive collection. This set features 3 full length CDs plus a DVD of Winston in concert. As the first break through New Age pianist on the legendary
Windham Hill label, Winston has earned due credit for breaking new ground in contemporary impressionistic instrumental piano music. His music is both accessible and comforting. There is a gentleness and sensitivity to his playing that appeals to a broad spectrum of listeners. RC
David Lanz: An Evening with David Lanz
Lanz is a prolific pianist with almost twenty recordings to his credit that span his career of more than 25 years. He has earned a loyal and enthusiastic audience world-wide and, like his Windham Hill counterpart
George Winston, this Narada Records veteran has helped to define the genre. From his vast body of work, I have chosen this recording because it is Lanz at his best - solo acoustic piano, live in concert. Of particular interest to piano students and players of all levels, much of Lanz's music is available in folios that have been published by Hal Leonard (see the book section of Earthsong Online). Lanz has also produced a very inviting
DVD (also available at EO) that serves as both an intimate look at the man and his music and a nice introduction to the art of playing piano. RC
Liz Story: Solid Colors
This timeless Windham Hill classic established Liz Story as a serious player in the New Age piano circle. The depth and passion in her playing makes this recording both compelling and memorable. Story delivers a wonderful homage to Bill Evans (in my opinion one of the most expressive and sensitive jazz pianists of all time) with her tender rendition of his Peace Piece - a fitting ending to this "colorful" collection of music. RC
Philip Aaberg: High Plains
Most appealing to me about this recording by Aaberg is the impressionistic style of his playing. His music goes far beyond the range of most New Age piano music incorporating sophisticated rhythmic and harmonic elements that paint dynamic scenes, leading you into several evocative natural settings from "High Plains" to "Mountain Half-Light". Aaberg's music speaks eloquently about his home in the vast open spaces of Montana. RC
Twenty Years of Narada Piano
This two disc anthology offers a wonderful assemblage of some of the best this genre has to offer. Along with contributions by notables such as
David Lanz,
Spencer Brewer and
Michael Jones, performances by many lesser known artists round out this well balanced collection. Two artists in particular worth paying attention to in this mix are
Fred Simon and
Ira Stein. All in all, this is a very listenable pair of recordings that serve as a nice introduction to the music of the various artists. RC
Windows: Windham Hill 25 Years of Piano
This recording captures on one disc a nice cross-section of
Windham Hill's finest offerings in piano music. No surprise to see tracks by
George Winston,
Philip Aaberg,
Liz Story and
Jim Brickman. Like Narada's anthology above, it also offers up some fine work by lesser known artists as well. RC
