Chilly Gonzales - Solo Piano II

  by Lisa Torem

published: 29 / 9 / 2012

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It was eight years ago that the versatile Chilly Gonzales released ‘Solo Piano I’, a series of acclaimed, reflective piano compositions. He has also written for Drake, Feist and Steve Jobs and paid his dues in the rap and hip-hop categories. But his desire to create pure piano pieces reigned long after that original project sold over 100,000 copies. Gonzales wisely cocooned himself in Paris for ten solid days to refine melodies from the past and he came up with “Solo Piano II,” fourteen compositions, each one unique and beautifully structured. The first, ‘White Keys,’ begins with a melodic, fairy tale verse that builds into a captivating truck stop refrain. It is positively lovely beyond words. ‘Kenaston’, just shy of being an old timey rag, flows sprightly from chord to chord, conveying a smart, optimistic spirit. The call and response that takes place is especially delightful. Glued together by sad semitones, ‘Minor Fantasy’ is both stately and serene; a cunning waltz of emotion. ‘Escher’, however, boasts a galloping bass, against a complicated, breathtaking melody. The way the voices evaporate seamlessly makes this one even more awe-inspiring. ‘Rideaux Lunaires’ also enchants and is brimming with character and firm direction. ‘Nero’s Nocturne’, though less enigmatic, is as solidly built as a Beethoven etude. ‘Venetian Blinds’ is remarkable for it’s gracefully, resolved progressions that float like blistering leaves in an autumn sky. There is the unbridled imagination of ‘Evolving Doors’ – deep thought was given to the dynamics of the comically boogie bass that erupts before more loneliness occurs. ‘Epigram in E’ is cloaked in Asiatic elegance, going from heavy to light, abrupt to airy, while still keeping focus. Across the continents, the Latin-influenced ‘Othello’ is big on rhythm and generous of mood. ‘Train of Thought’ is mesmerizing in an entirely different way. It is a kind of modern day Brahm’s Lullaby in that it is striking, but powerfully gentle. ‘Wintermezzo’ contains movements that move you beyond the dream state. The whispering tones of ‘La Bulle’ cry across the keys, while a one-note mantra commands attention. ‘Papa Gavotte’ underscores romance: a pavlova of starry skies and precocious trills. This is a wonderful collection and well worth the wait. ‘Solo Piano II’ is perfect for any music lover who thoroughly enjoys compelling melodies and embraceable nuance.

Track Listing:-

1 White Keys
2 Kenaston
3 Minor Fantasy
4 Escher
5 Rideaux Lunaires
6 Nero s Nocturne
7 Venetian Blinds
8 Evolving Doors
9 Epigram In E
10 Othello
11 Train Of Thought
12 Wintermezzo
13 La Bulle
14 Papa Gavotte

Band Links:-

http://www.chillygonzales.com/
https://www.facebook.com/chillygonzales
https://twitter.com/chillygonzales
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC94fmFtL0xeDt-Z1Bv3LueA
https://plus.google.com/+TheChillygonzales
https://www.instagram.com/chilly_gonzales/

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