“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

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