Solo Piano Anthology: 1990 - 2010

From MainlyPiano

     

“Near The Edge of Light” was Isadar’s debut recording, dating back to 1990. Also a prolific songwriter who has recorded electronic albums, NTEOL is fascinating in that it shows where Isadar's music began. Oh, and the music is really good, too! Some of the pieces remind me a bit of David Nevue’s early work, possibly because both pianists were strongly influenced by Windham Hill artists and developed their own distinctive voices as they matured as artists. There are sound-effects behind a few of the tracks, but this is otherwise a solo acoustic piano album. Even though it was his first album, NTEOL contains Isadar’s signature touches.

It constantly amazes me how many outstanding composer/pianists there are out there - especially in relation to the few who are highly (commercially) successful within this broad genre. I would say that “Active Imagination” definitely belongs near the top of the heap. Isadar’s style is original, and his pianism is excellent. He lists his inspirations as Liz Story, Keith Jarrett, and Bill Evans, and I can hear traces of all three in his playing, but find his composing and playing styles to be uniquely his own. “Active Imagination” is excellent from start to finish and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes solo piano with substance and complexity, but is still accessible, melodic, and rhythmic. Bravo amundo!

I have discovered a real wealth of great solo piano Christmas CDs this year! Isadar’s “In Search For the Meaning of Christmas” definitely falls into this category! Thoughtful, introspective, and a bit moody, Isadar’s arrangements are true to the carols (with some small melody changes in “Bring a Torch” and “Carol of the Bells” that bother me just a little) and still seem very personal. George Winston’s “December” is one of my all-time favorite holiday albums, and I feel “In Search For the Meaning of Christmas” holds up exceptionally well next to it. This is an excellent collection of Christmas music, and I highly recommend it!

"The Journey" is a blend of smooth jazz and new age stylings, showing both his impressive technique and sensitivity to melody. Several of the eight selections are free-form and improvisational, revealing some of Liz Story’s influence on his music. Some of Isadar’s earlier recordings have very dark, moody sections, but this one stays fairly upbeat and optimistic without being ear candy. The music is complex enough to sink your teeth into, and yet is accessible enough to enjoy as a backdrop to a quiet dinner or an evening with a good book.

“The Purple Heart” is Isadar’s solo piano tribute and memorial to the people who lost their lives in the 9/11/01 tragedy. Recorded as a 56-minute improvisation on 12/25/02, the music is thoughtful, somber, and quite elegant. There are actually thirteen pieces on the CD, but they segue into each other, making it difficult to tell where one song ends and another begins. This is very definitely NOT a problem, as the album unfolds naturally and organically, asking questions, looking inward, and expressing shock and grief. However, this is not music about only despair or rage. I also hear hope and determination as well as quiet reverence - the strange mix of emotions we all felt during those dark days.

"Scratching the Surface: Solo Piano Sampler, Disc 1" is a collection of eleven pieces from Isadar’s five solo piano CDs plus two bonus tracks. The selection covers a span of sixteen years and although there isn’t a discernible difference in Isadar’s playing style over the years, it is always fascinating to hear how an artist has evolved and which pieces he or she feels best represents his or her career path. Mostly a self-taught pianist, Isadar began his music career in Louisiana. From there he moved to New York City, where he lived for many years. Isadar’s music contains elements of jazz and much of it is improvised, which gives it a very fresh, spontaneous sound. Above all else, it is deeply personal and emotional.