At Every Turn by Suzanne Herman

 

At Every Turn

By

Suzanne Herman

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

Of all the female pianists around, one that I constantly enjoy hearing from is composer Suzanne Herman, her use of reflection and the more emphatic tonal structures truly give off a resonance that sometimes is lacking in some piano performers, and now here on her latest album At Every Turn we have a collection of utterly sublime piano based offerings to enjoy at any time of the year or day.

The opening piece on this 10 track album was a single back in ‘24 and is the quite breath taking Where Oceans Meet, here lays a proud and empowered offering that embraces the very energy of the ocean, Suzanne’s steady progression on this track is something to be admired.

It does seem rather strange writing about this subject in mid-July, but A Christmas Sky is our next offering, again a single released in ‘24 and is a reminder of the happier times of those most cold winter nights, and the darkness and cheer to come, this is a pretty piece from Suzanne, one performed with a lot of memories looking over the shoulder no doubt.

First Glance our next offering is an interesting new composition for me, it has a somewhat tentative tone, but one that seeks to gain attention, there is a delicacy I really like about this offering that I find deeply attractive, especially the comforting coda to conclude the tale. Which leads us nicely to the shortest track from the album at just under three minutes, a piece called Clear a Path, regardless this happens to be one of the most flourishing piano narratives off the album and one that you really don’t want to skip over.

Released in ‘25 as a single A Graceful Splash is our next port of musical interest, the tempo of this composition is utterly delightful, it’s like a piano lullaby, lulling one into a gentle caress of peace and simplicity, this is also performed with such grace by the artist that one could let it play on repeat and not notice.

I remember this specific track as a fun single release earlier on this year and called Penguin Parade, for those of us that have seen actual penguins in real time; they do give of an amusing gate and energy when on land, but dynamically graceful and a fine example of evolution when in the water. Here Herman captures that essence and more by bringing us a truly light hearted but enjoyable creation.

Sojourn would turn out to be one of my personal favourite pieces from the album; it had a mournful repose that I enjoyed thoroughly, it had a powerful refrain at times that drew the listener in, and softer segments that had such an emotional and moving tonal construct, that I might go as far to say that in my view this is one of the finest creations I have heard from the artist.

The deeper darker waters of this river of tone are up next and called Like None Other. There is much about this flourishing narrative that reminded me at times of my old friend David Lanz, that lyrical narrative, the softer segments and the very melodious moments of piano magic that can be found on a truly excellent solo piano manifestation.

The high notes that begin our penultimate offering usher in a piece that is truly mesmeric in proportions and called No Darkness. This complex narrative may seem simple, but to construct a minimalistic arrangement like this and holding it constant is a lot harder that you think without compromising the entire song, brilliantly done indeed Suzanne.

Our final refuge from this crazy world is called An Inspired Silence, there is an almost regal sense or energy to this final and concluding offering that is somewhat palpable, without doubt it is the steady progressive tempo, but this anthem like final creation is the idyllic offering with which to part ways with the listener, and leaves them utterly satisfied.

At Every Turn by Suzanne Herman is a solo piano album that the genre has needed for some time, and a huge thank you to the composer for manifesting an album where only one of the tracks was less than three minutes long, bravo indeed. The release is utterly beautiful and at times very moving, the artist’s heart felt and meaningful style is so listenable, and everyone who listens to this sublime album should find something they like with ease on, At Every Turn by Suzanne Herman.