Lullaby of love (Debut)
Recorded - Live in “Audiophile” and direct to the Master.
A worldwide Debut of #3 for two months, and then a #4. Top 100 for 5 months. Recorded in a one day session of 8 hours, thirteen solo piano compositions in the Contemporary Instrumental genre.
The culmination of my life-long infusion of knowledge, practice, technique and writing resulted in my Début album. Dedicated in loving memory to my father.
“There’s an emotional maturity, too, that glows from behind his notes, a confidence that infuses the listener with the surety that, on the spiritual plane, at least, all is well.”
The strength of New Age music today lies not in its ethereal amiability but in its hard-nosed compositions. Pianist Evan Wish’s debut disc certainly measures up to this newer manifestation of the genre. His sound is more layered than Jim Brinkman’s, less fiery but more quietly intense than Szakcsi’s, less derivative than Ken Pedersen’s. His music is like the flickers of sky experienced as you drive through pale green, birch-filled glades – it shimmers and surprises at almost every turn in the road. There’s an emotional maturity, too, that glows from behind his notes, a confidence that infuses the listener with the surety that, on the spiritual plane, at least, all is well. If it’s hard to single out any one tune for praise, it’s because Wish seems preoccupied with exploring and sharing the multifarious harmonics of his soul. That’s no flaw, certainly - for those who are capable of embracing such gladness-inspired emanations. Besides, one could do worse than be a dappler of birches.
“Wish has been required to compose in virtually every style of music in the course of his later training and professional work, so he brings a wealth of experience to his original music.”
The title track is one of my favorites on this album. Lyrical and flowing with a waltz tempo and a slightly bittersweet mood, this is a beautiful, passionate piece. “Lovers Dream” is also exceptional, and is one of the pieces with a strong French feeling. Full of emotion and a sense of tragedy, it is impossible to not be drawn into this piece. “See a Shooting Star” is a bit more upbeat, although it has an air of mystery. “Out of Love Came Love” is a nine-minute piece that has a warm, leisurely flow the exudes contentment and peace. “I Feel a Change” is on the dark side, and seems to be asking questions, searching for answers. “The Man I Am” has a somewhat Russian feeling that is darkly passionate and quite elegant. I laughed when I saw the title for “Melodramatic in Fmi,” as it’s a bit over the top in “melodrama.” Again quite dark and French, it really pushes hard on the ol’ heartstrings. “Hush” is much softer and more intimate, gently soothing. “I Know There Are Rainbows” is light and almost wistful - dreamy and optimistic.
As you can see, there is a variety of styles and moods in the music of “Lullaby of Love.” A most-impressive debut from Evan Wish, I look forward to watching his career grow and reach a new audience. Good stuff!
“Wish’s music is an amalgam of romantic songs without words and contemporary instrumentals with feather-light classical influences.”
The first track and title tune “Lullaby of Love” begins with a rather temperamental, almost classical intro and like day turning to the night, it evolves into a twinkling piece that fosters dreams of lightness and cloud floating. Based on a poem, the unspoken words are a reminder that love is very to hard find and even harder to sustain. It is a very good start to the album.
Melancholy to the point of abject sadness, “Lover's Dream” is a tune to listen to sparingly. It is not depressing; it is just that Wish has converted his feeling into music so well that it affects the listener without warning. Is the dream to find love or to be loved?
”See A Shooting Star” is a pensive piece with an elusive theme. The melody is captivating as once again the night sky comes to your mind. A cold wind blows over the land as clouds scuttle past the moon and a few bright pinpoints dot the midnight sky. A flash, a streak of light and once again darkness reigns. It sounded as if the candle of a life had been snuffed out and then miraculously relit. Luckily, there is always tomorrow night. I really liked this particular tune the first time I heard it and it became my favorite.
”Out of Love Came Love” has sort of a show tune sound to it. That’s not bad; it just has an interesting melody. A chance encounter, a favorable chemistry of souls and a budding hopefulness. It is the longest track on “Lullaby of Love” at better than nine minutes. The length leads me to believe that there’s more here than meets the ear.
”I Feel A Change” is a musical sigh of relief. With an overall classical feel to it which is very pleasing, the tune is an expression of a life that is taking time to regroup, to plan a bit and make changes. I liked this one too as it sounded to me like a turning point for Evan. It is peaceful yet a little emotional.
The final track “I Know There Are Rainbows” is a light handed ending for some thoughtful melodies. A smooth jazz flow intersects with a contemplative score that evokes the dreams of the young at heart. It is a tune of promise, not for the pot of gold to be had, but for the miracle that leads to it.
Wish’s debut album is an audiophile recording of superb listening. This is grab a glass of wine, teasing fingertips, light the candles and let’s talk about it tomorrow music. Hopeful, soothing and positive.
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