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Review by Kathy Parsons
Solo Piano Publications
Moondance
Matthew Cook
2005 / Arianna Recordings
50.4 minutes
After a series of mellow and soothing solo piano albums, Matthew Cook chose to interpret a collection of songs from his early rock roots. Some of the twelve arrangements are still very easy-going, but a few are more upbeat toe-tappers. A Northern California-based pianist, Cook has been playing in some of the finest resorts and restaurants in the area for more than twenty years, so he knows how to set up a solo piano program that will appeal to a wide variety of ages and personalities. This particular collection will probably grab the middle-aged crowd and have us all singing in the car and the shower. I remember the words to most of these songs, so I’ve had a lot of fun with this album. An excellent pianist, Cook lets the melodies stay front and center in his arrangements, and avoids the common pitfall of too many glissandos and trills.
Four of The Beatles’ songs are included: a smooth and beautiful interpretation of “Something;” a bouncy, joyful rendition of “Lady Madonna;” a jazzy version of “She Came In Through the Bathroom Window;” and the closing track “Things We Said Today,” which is one of my favorites on this CD. I’ve always loved the way this song shifts from major to minor modes, and Cook’s rhythmic arrangement suits the song perfectly. Two of Billy Joel’s earlier songs are here, too. “She’s Always a Woman” and “Just The Way You Are” don’t stray far from the originals, but are still very personal. Cook also has a very tender and sad version of Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven.” Another favorite is Cook’s arrangement of “This Masquerade,” which is rhythmic, but still very pensive and melancholy. I love this version of Van Morrison’s “Moondance” with it’s free improvisations - Cook was really “on” with this one!
If you enjoy solo piano arrangements of some of your old favorites, you’ll love this album! It is available from www.matthewcook.com and cdbaby.com. Have fun with this one!
Kathy Parsons
Solo Piano Publications
8/21/05
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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