I must like solo piano a lot more than I realized.  I have found myself listening to the Internet radio station, “Whisperings,” a lot.  You can visit Whisperings on the Internet and learn more about them.  I play it through the VIP player found at live365, which is my absolute favorite player.  Tonight, listening to Whisperings, I found David Nevue. 

Nevue is a pianist who says, “I am a seeker - seeking after my God, striving to serve Him, to understand His ways and His Word. My music is kind of a soundtrack for that journey.”   This is a good summary of a musician and the gift of music.  You can learn the mechanics of a piano, for instance, but never have the gift.  It is much like an impressionistic painter - the portrait is seen through the eyes of the artist.  The music is written and performed through the talents of the musician, or in Nevue’s case, the seeker.

Nevue was not driven to music from a young age, but found inspiration when he heard George Winston during his college years.  “Prior to hearing George Winston, my idea of ’solo piano’ went no further than classical music, a form a music I’ve never felt much connection with. Winston’s impressionistic style was at that time unlike any music I had ever heard. My roommate played Winston’s music all the time, and it just sort of seeped in. I found myself playing around with a few melodies at the piano and I just never stopped.”

We are very fortunate he didn’t stop.  His music is wonderful.  The first composition I heard of Nevue’s was, “When the Hard Rains Come,” and I am sure that piece of music would mean different things to different people, but to me it spoke of what we hold on to when life is a little tough and the obstacles seem a little high.  It was music of hope and endurance. 

Visit David Nevue’s site and you will find information about him, his music, sheet music, and a very plentiful supply of free mp3s.  I was very pleasantly surprised at the mp3 downloads and the availability of sheet music.  Checking out Nevue’s MySpace, you can find his tour schedule and other information of interest.

Stop by and listen to some samples of David Nevue’s music.  I am sure you will be downloading the mp3s.  I plan on listening to his music tonight as I wrap up my evening.  What a delightful way to close the day!

David Nevue Official Web Site

David Nevue at MySpace

I discovered something today that I think is really neat.  It is good for the artists and it is good for the listeners.  And it won’t cost you a dime.  The best part, in my opinion, is that you will learn about new artists in the neoclassical, or new age music field, early.  It’s fun to watch follow someone’s career.

Download.com has a whole section of music downloads.  I stumbled into it (quite literally) while I was looking for some software that eventually wasn’t suitable for my computer and kept me offline for a day.  But every cloud has a silver lining and this was a really good one.  I had no idea that these downloads were available.

Visit Music at Download.com and wander around through the neoclassical music.  Listen to samples and then download the artists that you like the best.  You can then rate musicians and build a nice collection of music that you really enjoy listening to - all free.

On the left side of the page, you will see that they call the category New Age Music, which is typical for the industry.  It is then broken down into sub-genres.  Keep in mind that with neoclassical (which they consider to be a sub-genre of new age) is very subjective.  What you might call solo instrumental, they might call contemporary instrumental or meditative, so check out all of the categories to find as much music as possible.

It is an easy site to navigate, and with the opportunities to listen to samples, you will find music that you will enjoy for a long time.  Be sure you have room on your hard drive (I have a separate hard drive for music) and download your favorites.  Then turn on your speakers and enjoy!

Neoclassical Music at Download.com

Have you met Jeff Bjorck?  If you haven’t, relax a minute and take the time to get to know him and his music.  You will be glad you did.  I know the piano playing of Jeff Bjorck will be something you will make part of your musical experience.

There are hidden places all over the Internet where music is stashed, just waiting for us to discover it.  It is like walking into what you think will be an empty room and finding what you might consider a slice of heaven.  So much of the Internet is noise and confusion; to find those places of beauty and calm is more than just a little special.

I found one today.  It was on a convulted path but it led me to a place called SoloPianoRadio.  This is a source the true music lover can not pass up.  If you looked at Live365, which is the player for SoloPianoRadio a few years ago and dismissed it, go back; it is not the site is used to be - this is a true find.

Anyway, today I was listening and discovered an artist I was not familiar with.  His name is Jeff Bjorck and he is a perfect example of what “Classy Classical,” is all about.  Remember, the neoclassical or new age music of today is the classical music of tomorrow.

Somehow Jeff transcends the genre of neoclassical or new age.  His music represents that place where skill and “the gift” combine, yet part company simultaneously.  All of the practicing in the world cannot give the gift - and Jeff shows it with each piece of music he plays.

I often wonder, as I listen to, and then review music, what motivates the musician to create a certain piece of music.  I read a little bit about Jeff Bjorck and there is a lot to this man.  He is a clinical psychologist, researcher and professor at Fuller Seminary’s Graduate School of Psychology.  He is also a deeply spiritual man.  Both of these facets of his life are reflected in his music - not just in the writing of it but in his performance. 

I can close my eyes and see a world in Jeff’s music that I don’t often have the privilege of visiting.  It is a world where you can see the souls of each one of us dancing in harmony, amongst light and love; it is a world where anything good and gentle is possible; it is a world of dreams that have come true.

Of his own creativity, Jeff says, “My creativity merely imitates the Creator.” How lucky we are that he shares that world with us.  In a life that must be busier than can be imagined, Jeff Bjorck has found a place to slow down and he allows us to join him. 

Jeff Bjorck’s Pure Piano Web Site

Solo Piano Radio

Live365 

When I first heard David Lanz, it was because of a cable television radio station. I was walking through a room and heard this beautiful music. I had to stop. There was nothing else to do but listen. I couldn’t have left without hearing the entire composition… it just was too magical and too good to leave. The name of the piece of music that caught my ear was, “Cristofori’s Dream,” from the album of the same name.

“Cristofori’s Dream,” is one of Seattle-born Lanz’s best known compositions. It was in the number one slot on Billboard’s first adult alternative/new age chart for 27 weeks. And although Lanz was nominated for a Grammy in 2000, he is unsure of the New Age label for his music, as are many musicians in the neoclassical or instrumental genre. Calling himself a “SNAG,” Lanz says, “My acronym for a Sensitive New Age Guy. It was a comfortable and funny way of breaking through misconceptions of the ‘New Age’ label in a way similar to Victor Borge’s unique talent for making classical music more accessible by including his own witty personality as part of his concerts.”

As an interesting trivia note, even though Yanni outsells Lanz in actual albums, Lanz far outsells Yanni in sheet music. His piano playing encompasses a tremendous range and he smiles about children learning piano to his music.

Although all of Lanz’s music is worth owning, my favorite remains, “Cristofori’s Dream.” Perhaps it is the memory of music unexpected, or perhaps it is the magic of the first encounter of something really special. The title piece is my favorite and “Green Into Gold,” and “Wings to Altair,” are close seconds.

I don’t care what label we call David Lanz’s music. It should be filed under “The Best,” because you simply won’t find anything better. I’ll be listening to it for the rest of my evening!

David Lanz Official Web Site