Neoclassical, or new age music, is usually associated with synthesizers, a solo piano, or guitar.  But any instrument can play neoclassical.  And some unlikely ones are being played by musicians that have found neoclassical to be the perfect outlet for their creativity.

Rhonda Lorence, viola soloist, says, “…I think some melodies just sound better on the viola. Its range is in the midrange to upper-midrange. It creates a much fuller sound than the violin, which I find perfect for melody lines.”  She describes her music as “neoclassical new age fusion.”

Voyages on Viola - From “The Mountain Times” in North Carolina

Neoclassical musicians, especially pianists, will often say they were inspired by George Winston.  That begs the question - who is George Winston?

George Winston is one of the best-known pianists in the neoclassical music genre.  He is recognized not by only those in the genre, but across the board in all genres, for his talent and innovative piano compositions.  It has been said he is the defining artist for the “Windham Hill” production label, founded by William Ackerman. 

George Winston was born in 1949 and grew up in Montana.  He did spend some of his years in the south as well, but his recent album “Montana,” shows his love of the state he called home.  Winston is a private man, preferring to reveal himself through his musical paintings, which have been called “emotional,” “seasonal,” and “innovative.” 

Winston’s first album, “Ballads & Blues,” was released in 1972.  He has released eight more since, preferring to spend time on the quality of each, rather than quickly producing compositions that he is not pleased with. 

pOn Winston’s reaching out to others in times of crisis, his Web site says,

“In September 2005 George started recording GULF COAST BLUES & IMPRESSIONS - A HURRICANE RELIEF BENEFIT, an album of piano solos to benefit hurricane relief efforts. Back in November 2001 George released REMEMBRANCE - A MEMORIAL BENEFIT, a 6-song CD of piano, guitar and harmonica solos, to benefit those affected by 9/11. He has also recently worked with George Levenson of Informed Democracy on three projects: a solo guitar soundtrack for SADAKO AND THE THOUSAND PAPER CRANES, and soundtracks of piano, guitar and, harmonica solos for PUMPKIN CIRCLE, and BREAD COMES TO LIFE.” 

Currently, George Winston is working on his tour dates, composing solo piano works, or working on solo guitar as he revives slack key guitar, a traditional Hawaiian guitar method exclusive to Hawaii.

George Winston Official Web Site

Dancing Cat - Slack key guitar from Hawaii by George Winston

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

“Time Out New York,” said that Jim Brickman’s music made Yanni sound like heavy metal rock.  More specifically, like Ted Nugent.  Now, I have no idea what Ted Nugent sounds like, but I have seen the album covers and I don’t think he does neoclassical like Yanni.  And I can’t imagine anyone being much more artistic.  But as I mentioned yesterday in my posting about William Ackerman, Windham Hill (developed by Ackerman) has brought us some of today’s best artists.  Jim Brickman is a great example of that.

Brickman is a true genre crosser - he has been recognized by new age, contemporary christian, contemporary adult, and country - and is equally respected in all of those genres.  Brickman is known for his passion in his music and expressing that in a way that listeners respond to with complete devotion.  The passion in Brickman’s work is what he, and his fans, consider to be a gift.  He didn’t “learn” to play the piano but says he has always had tunes running through his mind; these tunes found their way to a piano and in lyrics that seemed to just happen without his planning. 

Brickman grew up in an essentially non-musical family which is one reason he believes that music is his calling.  He began composing because it was just what he felt he had to do.  “So when you start to compose — first of all, it’s not a choice, it’s not a decision — what happens is you sit there and play other people’s stuff and you start going, ‘I wonder what would happen if I played this instead of that or this chord. I wonder why they didn’t go to that note.’ It’s inherent. It’s the same as writing. It’s very similar to what you do. You learn from reading, and you learn from imitating, and you learn stylistically how to form certain structures of the way things should be. And all of a sudden your voice takes shape.” *

And take shape it has.  Jim Brickman has recently signed a contract with Walt Disney Records, recording some of the most loved music ever presented on film.  Examples include, “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes,” and “Baby Mine.” 

In addition to his music, Brickman has hosted a syndicated radio show and authored two books.  He seems to find success in any endeavor; perhaps that is another part of his gift.

It is rare to find a vocal artist that is accepted in the neoclassical music community.  Traditionally, neoclassical music is instrumental but Jim Brickman is an exception to that rule as he crosses the genres and attracts fans of all genres.  His gift has become a gift to us as he continues to record and produce albums of top quality.

Jim Brickman Official Web Site

Team Brickman

Jim Brickman at Windham Hill

Jim Brickman Tour 2006 Schedule

Lyrics to Jim Brickman Songs 

*Interview with The Celebrity Cafe