Contains:"Star of Wonder (We Three Kings) [long version]"
- taken from the Isadar solo piano collection, "Near the Edge of Light" (also available on SMP)
- an edited version appears in the Isadar holiday collection, "In Search for the Meaning of Christmas" (also available on SMP)
Sounds like: Liz Story, George Winston, early Windham Hill solo piano artists, "A Winter's Solstice" compilations.
Transcribed by: David Shenton (
https://www.shentonmusic.com/ ) verbatim to the sound recording
'Near
The Edge of Light (piano solos)' was Isadars debut recording and dates
back to 1990. One of several solo piano projects over the years, this
one was recorded on a 9 Baldwin concert grand. Isadar is also a
prolific songwriter and has recorded a few electronic albums, so Near
The Edge of Light is fascinating in that it shows where his music began.
Oh, and the music is really good, too! I thought it was surprising that
some of the pieces remind me a bit of David Nevues early work,
possibly because both pianists were strongly influenced by Windham Hill
artists around that time and developed their own distinctive voices as
they matured as artists. There are sound-effects behind a few of the
tracks, but this is otherwise a solo acoustic piano album of original
works except for "Star of Wonder," which is Isadars arrangement of "We
Three Kings." Even though it was his first album, Near the Edge of Light
contains a lot of Isadars signature touches in both his instrumental
and vocal compositions.
The CD begins with "Jealous Heart," a
piece with a strong melody and a very reflective quality that sounds
like working out an emotional dilemma at the piano - a lovely start.
"October Dusk" is a bit more atmospheric - a warm, swirling breeze on an
early-autumn evening. I like the energy of this piece a lot. "Cool
Breeze" has a similar energy, but as the title implies, the temperature
drops significantly. "Highway Driving" opens with the sound of traffic
noise - no horns, just cars speeding by. Somewhat edgier than the
previous tracks, it conveys a sense of freedom and the fun of getting
out on the open road. "Star of Wonder" is pitch black at the beginning
with deep bass notes and sparkling chimes to break through the darkness.
Isadars arrangement of "We Three Kings" is mysterious and agitated - I
really like it! The title track is a little more jazz-tinged with its
fascinating rhythms and spontaneous feeling. "Summer Nights" is another
favorite, alternating between velvety smoothness and a more percussive
touch. "April Showers" is delicate and free over the sound of rain.
"Maneuvers" is my favorite track. One theme is melancholy and
introspective and alternates with a bigger, more dramatic second theme -
a great piece!
The companion songbook is expertly
transcribed and engraved by David Shenton of New York Music Publishing,
the notation is clear and crisp and printed at a very readable and roomy
size. This is a really nice collection from several different
standpoints.
There is a variety of musical styles from smooth and flowing to quite
syncopated and jazzy; some of the rhythms are more complicated than
others, but most are fairly easy. Most of the accents that make
Isadars music so distinctive are notated, making it easier to sound
like the recording when playing the sheet mu
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