Solo Piano Publications

One of three Cds in Real Music’s Sacred Spa Music Series, Quite Days is my favorite album of the group. A compliation of the most soothing and relaxing pieces from previously released albums, this collection consists of track from 2002 (2 tracks), Kevin Kern (2), Hilary Stagg (3), Michael Hoppe (2), Tim Wheater, Paul Machlis, and Bernard L’Hoir. While calming and quiet, most of the pieces have enough sparkle to keep the album very interesting in the foreground as well as creating a lovely backdrop for other activities or simply unwinding.

If this album was any smoother, it would slide right out of the CD player! Fans of ethereal, uplifting instrumentals and wordless vocals will be in heaven with River of Stars. The melodies are very simple and repetitive, but are beautifully fleshed out with guitar, flute, synthesizers, and piano. Many of the tracks also have twinkling orchestra bells, which are evocative of the “sounds” stars might make. A sweet, gentle mood runs through the whole CD, and the production is impeccable. River of Stars is perfect for relaxation or a quiet dinner.

Healer of Hearts is a double-CD collection of The Best of The Black and White Series and The Best of Original Compositions. Pianist Danny Wright made new recordings of previously-released material from a career that began in 1986, and assembled a very impressive collection of his gentle, evocative pieces. I’m really glad that the originals and covers are on different CDs, as I vastly prefer Wright’s original compositions.