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Review by Kathy Parsons
Solo Piano Publications
“Redwood Reflections” is a collection of twelve original piano solos “from the Heart of the Redwoods.”
Matthew Cook has previously released six albums of covers, and this is his first album of his own material. I hope he will continue to release collections of original work. It is full of energy, and Cook excels at a variety of playing styles from blues to new age to rock, pop, jazz, and classical. In other words, he does it all and does it well.
The suite, “Redwood Reflections,” is made up of seven pieces that flow together like a medley. “Morning Fog” opens the Suite with a beautiful musical portrait of the cool, soft fog that we often encounter in Northern California. In the Redwoods, it is stunning - there are no hard edges anywhere, and when the sunlight filters through the mist, it takes your breath away. “Passage” is a bit more intense and melancholy - I like this one a lot! “Sanctuary” is smooth, elegant, and very beautiful. “Can’t Keep My Mind on Business” is my favorite. Deep, funky piano blues - great stuff!
The other five non-suite selections range from the sweet ballad “If I Could Fill Your Cup” to the gentle rag “Benson’s Soliloquy” to the jazzier and more upbeat “El Cuervo,” which reminds me a bit of some of Spencer Brewer’s jazz stylings. There must be something in the water up there since “Redwood Reflections” was recorded in Brewer’s Laughing Coyote Studios!
Matthew Cook is a fascinating artist with his versatility and beautiful playing style. “Redwood Reflections” is available from mathewcook.com, amazon.com, and cdbaby.com.
— Kathy Parsons
Solo Piano Publications
ORDERING INFORMATION:
CDs are $13.00
A shipping and handling charge of 15% - (approximately $2.00) for each cd will be added during the checkout process.
(California residents will also pay sales tax)
THESE PRICES APPLY ONLY TO ORDERS FROM THIS WEBSITE.
TO ORDER BY CREDIT CARD
You will need to open a Paypal account. (Free)
TO ORDER BY CHECK:
Send check for the $13.00 per CD plus $2.00 shipping and handling for the first CD plus one dollar shipping per additional CD.
CA residents please add 7.25 sales tax
(.91¢ per CD)
Include a note indicating titles and quantities ordered along with your name, address, and phone number to:
Arianna Recording
P.O. Box 5180
Arcata, CA 95518
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Call Matthew at 707-826-2919
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