Michael's Music - A Michael Jones Retrospective

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This album is a compilation of some of the best pieces by new age pianist Michael Jones, with lengthy liner notes in which he finally explains the inspiration for some of his favorite compositions. "Mexican Memories," from Seascapes, is a result of Jones' creative process of forming soundtracks for imaginary adventures. This piece suggests vistas of Mexico, with perhaps a glimpse of a bandit; Jones has never been to Mexico. "Wildflowers," from The Narada Wilderness Collection, includes Nancy Rumbel on oboe and English horn, David Darling on cello, and Karen Doe on flute. The piece is like a romp through gentle hills covered with brilliant flowers. The title track from Pianoscapes seems at first to portray the sacred space of a cathedral; Jones then leads the piece to many deep personal musings. The title track from Jones' After the Rain (with Rumbel and Darling) has an interesting story: Jones had purchased an old pump organ, and rode in the back of an open pickup playing the organ on the drive home — in the rain. The piece already has a delightful sense of movement; adding that image makes it even more exhilarating. "Sunshine Canyon" is a light syncopation/meditation with Darling. From Sunscapes comes a tribute "to a brave young woman," the noble "Song for Eia." Darling, Rumbel, and Doe join Jones on "Sunrise" from Magical Child. After a broad passage portraying the rays breaking over the horizon, a cheery Celtic dance breaks through. Must be the beginning to a wonderful day. The album aptly concludes with "Endings" from Pianoscapes, a lazy, bluesy sort of song. Michael's Music is a good introduction to both Jones' solo and ensemble work. You'll find also that he's quite the storyteller. An excellent overall presentation of Jones' work through 1990.