Pianistically Speaking by Richard Atkins

 

Pianistically Speaking

By

Richard Atkins

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

The world of solo piano came knocking at my door for the second time today, but this time in the guise of pianist supreme Richard Atkins, and today we can unveil the latest creation from one of the hardest workers in the business, as we take an in-depth look at Pianistically Speaking, the artists latest release.

It is said that every picture tells a story and that most certainly can be said for this album, each note is a poignant step in the direction of a tale to be told, the beginning point starts with the reflective piece Torn Apart, the title suggests a moving and deeply felt occurrence, but hope lays within the weave of the performance, nestled between warm memories of love and times well spent.

I get this next track entirely, as I have literally been there. Enamored is a composition that is full of love and hope, for me that hope turned into reality when I would be lucky enough to marry the women I had become enamoured with. For me this smooth almost lounge styled piece speaks tender volumes of comfort and peace, and knowing that everything at last in your world is as it should be, note also, Atkins passionate presentation toward the latter half of this gloriously sun kissed narrative.

Nirvana is up next, it is said that this is the final goal of Buddhism; this performance highlights eastern motifs, but at the same time, manifesting a somewhat mysterious opus whilst doing so, the gentle notes are beautifully juxtaposed to the more emphatic tones on this fascinating composition; this is one very artistic and well-constructed musical creation indeed.

There are fluent reveries akin to the pieces Lost Love, a creation all about loving and losing, and then something I still have on an ever growing list of things to do, having a coffee in a French Café, a delectable and pristine offering indeed.

Pianistically Speaking by Richard Atkins is a vast body of work and each listener will enjoy the 15 separate compositions that reside on the album with joy, like my favourite moment of the day as its Coffee Time, strangely enough it actually is here! This is a heavenly piece, full of an easy, let’s just kick back energy, one could with ease imagine watching the rain hit the windows of a coffee shop, the chink of spoon in cup, and a soft jazzy reverie enjoyed by all, that’s with ease the mood I get from this wonderful manifestation.

Just about at the half way juncture of the album we find dreamy manifestations like the creation Peace, the soft melody and construction make this for me very ease on the ears, it is without a doubt an offering that calms the mind in its meditative musings, whilst the following narrative filled with many textured memories and past ruminations can be found on the creation called Reminisce.

I am extremely lucky enough to live near the Mediterranean ocean and each second I spend there, each sunset I see, fills me full of joy and happiness. On this next track by Atkins, called Out to Sea, I feel those same emotions, the ever changing guard of nature, but the same fluency of love from one single piano, to one open heart, in a lullaby for us costal citizens.

There can be no doubt that Atkins has that golden touch, and much like my old friend and fellow coffee shop patron David Lanz, he shares that ability to manifest something of great beauty almost seamlessly, on Always There he does just that, and supplies us very eager listeners with another moment of unbridled peace.

One can thoroughly enjoy the sheer depth of this next transcendent piece called Ocean. Winter here in Cyprus paints a dangerous picture with regard to the temper and tendencies of the sea; it is as if Poseidon himself is letting off steam after the holiday makers depart for home. On this piece I feel the deep rooted respect we all must have for our oceans and seas, and Atkins classical styled soundtrack composition is both breath-taking and utterly cinematic.

This track came at a good time for me, I need to relax more and Chill is that type of manifestation it would be very easy to do so with, whilst the short form narrative of Triste highlights the highs and lows of a romantic connection, in a piece that is played with such a tender touch by the artist.

I can open up the door to many memories, but some are best left alone, left in the corner with a white sheet covering the dusty boxes, of dark past remembrances, on Echoes we have a track that is both mournful and deeply reflective, the house is empty but time stands still and embraces the echoes inside. Here Atkins on this penultimate offering brings a tear to the corner of the eye of any embracing listener, in one of the most outstanding compositions from the album.

When I first heard this one I could hear lyrics in my mind, the song is called Its Time to Go, it is a beautifully textured jazz styled opus of great emotion and tenderness, of course how could any other track be as perfect as this one to end such a quality album like this.

There can be no doubt that Richard Atkins is one of the finest solo pianists in this modern day, his manifestations tick many emotive boxes along the way, he allows each willing listener to experience a journey of calm and serenity for a while, perhaps a moment to take the eye off the clock or the depressing news channels, and just enjoy a deeply blissful album of wondrous colours and moods. With that being said I would have to say that Pianistically Speaking by Richard Atkins has been one of my most desirable and enjoyable solo piano voyages to date, and as such, surely a huge chart position and perhaps more is on the musical horizon for the composer and performer.