Amore Simplice By James Michael Stevens

 

Amore Simplice

By

James Michael Stevens

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

I have had the pleasure of listening to the piano works of James Michael Stevens for some five years now, and reviewing many of them in the process. The artist is a pianist whose presentations always give a sanctuary of tone to hide one from the stresses of the world, currently this is my life, so for the next few moments of time I am going to allow the tonal delights of Amore Simplice by James Michael Stevens to wash away those fears and concerns.

The opening piece is always the best place to start, and I am proud to say that this melodious composition is in fact the title track entitled of course Amore Simplice, as solo piano goes this anthem styled comforting piece is a sublime layer of blissful pleasure to enjoy.

The curiously entitled Dark Zen is upon us next, a little mysterious motif haunts the corridors of this track, one that has a slight eastern taste to its construction, whilst offerings like the following lush narrative entitled Driftwood Shore are filled with artistic and moving segments of textures and colours.

Then from the previously memory bathed piece we now soar upwards with the composition Fly My Dreams. We all have dreams, but how many of us embrace them wholly, so here is an assuring little number that will allow you to do so.

I have a fondness for the fall and on Mellow Autumn we can come across a veritable truism, for me the time of mists and falling leaves is always mellow, and here James depicts that to perfection.  Whilst on the midway offering called Moment Winter we have a sombre reminder that even the our part of the earth must sleep, regenerate and rest before growing again, the beauty of this performance is so palpable and deeply touching.

Prelude Sentimentalis is track 7 from this 12 track album, and is another classy solo piano reverie that contains narratives of both major and minor refrains within its illustrious content; this gentle creation is almost a lullaby of sorts, whilst following that our senses are given grace thanks to one of my personal favourites from the album called Promenade at Swan Lake, I love watching swans, they are so fluent and beautiful upon the water, and this performance is simply a perfect depiction of their movements.

Solo piano is safe in the hands of performers and composers like James Michael Stevens, whose heart filled manifestations always give one hope, calm and tranquillity, much of that can be said for pieces like Rustica, an offering that is timeworn but still offers up much charm, and Serenade Autumn, whose partnership with track 5 is well made, here is another stunning reminder via the piano of how inspirational this season is.

James pulls a rabbit from his magical musical hat on the penultimate offering called Shimmers in the Night, manifesting a glorious star filled sky of a composition that literally sparkles into life, whilst the entire album can be concluded thanks to the final piece from the release entitled Sunrise Meditation, a clever finish indeed, one that signals the end of the album, but offers up the hope of a brand new day to once again seize and make the most of.

Amore Simplice by James Michael Stevens is another in a very long line of quality solo piano based albums by one of the finest composers of heart felt sincere work in the business today, and is without doubt some of his best work thus far. There is literally something for everybody in this album, moments of tender love, mystery and imagination, wonderment and comforting sanctuaries of sound, and to find that all on one album is a luxury one simply cannot deny themselves.