BWW CD Review: David Lanz's Lovely NORWEGIAN RAIN

The incredibly accomplished pianist David Lanz continues to deliver imaginative and creative works, and they've come at time in his life when he seems positively re-energized; making vital, emotional, and personal compositions with Kristin Amarie Lanz that are simply a pleasure to listen to. NORWEGIAN RAIN continues the tradition with a collection of songs that conjure up images of Norway in all its seasonal and cultural splendor. Inspired by trips to Norway, and the musical relationship he formed with his wife's grandfather's upright piano, Lanz has produced a truly special work well worthy of your time and attention. I highly recommend it!

The sounds of the tinkling upper registers of the piano signal the coming of the opening track, "Norwegian Rain" (the first of four selections that form the "Norwegian Rain Suite"), which manages to evoke a gentle downpour with beautiful melodic cascades, before turning reflective as the final drops delicately fall. It's a gorgeously evocative beginning that leads directly into "The Approaching Storm," an intricately contemplative piece that builds to rich bursts of dynamic tension. The haunting and brief interlude"Cloud Burst" follows, with the lovely "And the Skies Opened Up" completing the suite. The graceful "Autumn Comes Winter"comes soon after. "Fjord Spring" brightens things up nicely, and "The Last Days of Summer" conveys that feeling of watching a fading sunset with someone you love. "A Child for All Seasons" acts as sort of closure of this season cycle, with a delightful playfulness and sense of discovery.

"Sirkel Dans (Circle Dance)" and "Troll-dans (Troll-dance)" take us in more cultural and mythological directions, offering a distinct contrast in styles. And then loves comes into the picture with the plaintive interlude "She Is..." flowing into the swirling and romantic "Kristina." "Adieu Sweet Mary" brims with emotion, and "Sunset Over Nordland" continues with a sense of longing at its core. "Aurora's Sunrise" furthers that theme before the album closes with the distinctly thoughtful finality of the "Waltz of the Northern Moon." A splendid close to another brilliant album.

NORWEGIAN RAIN provides a wide mix of styles that allow Lanz to pursue his muse in ways that are always engaging and entertaining, and often, completely unforgettable.