Passage: Solo Improvisations II

The esteemed pianist Rich Pellegrin recorded this batch of tunes at the Whidbey Island's Langley Methodist Church, and he certainly embraces the aura of the setting where he connects with water, mountains and forest across these solo pieces.

Set One leads with 9 warm, graceful segments that lay the foundation for a very reflective mood, as much intimacy is present versus swifter moments of adventurous manipulation of the keys.

Set Two lands in the middle, and leads with the dynamic, dizzying "Improvisation X", and it's not long until the very poetic and mature "Improvisation XII" emits much beauty in its meticulous nature. "Improvisation XX" exits this portion, and is full of cryptic atmosphere that's quite curious in its creative execution.

Set Three is quite captivating, where the dreamy keys of "Improvisation XXI" leads into the firm and complex structure of "Improvisation XXII". The final track, "Improvisation XXX", finishes the listen, and is full of timeless melody, precise finger acrobatics and a very soothing appeal.

A truly stunning display of piano prowess, Pellegrin pays much attention to mood, demeanor and cinematic ideas across these very well thought out compositions that anyone with an ear for the piano will adore.