BWW CD Reviews: David Lanz's Beautiful MOVEMENTS OF THE HEART

The latest release by pianist/composer David Lanz is called Movements of the Heart, and that title accurately sums up the tone and tenor of the CD. These thirteen songs reflect the variety of emotions and feelings that accompany being in love. Fittingly enough, two of the compositions are co-written by David's new romantic interest, Kristin Amarie. From top to bottom, this is an absolutely lovely work.

Opening with "Love's Return", with its plaintive and elegant feel, is a perfect strategy, offering up a hopeful melody that's both catchy and emotional. The next track, "La Luna dell'Amante", swirls and cascades, suggesting a passionate dance between lovers. The gorgeous "On Rainbow Way" is followed by the hymnal-like "To Touch the Sky, which neatly segues into the pensive "Rainlight". Lanz's initial collaboration with Amarie, "I Hear You in a Song", an evocative and dynamic piece, is up next, and then we're treated to "The Way Home", a bouncy, happy little tune that serves to end the first half of the CD.

"Movements of the Heart" continues the album, and it expresses in musical form the kind of yearning we've all felt inside, and it also acts as a kind a touchstone for the entire experience this work offers the listener. The mystical "White Horse" comes next, and the moody "In the Moonlight" follows. Lanz's dedication to his new found love, "Midnight Adagio (Amarie's Theme)", is a delicate and thoughtful song, and "Here and Now" has the sound of a man who's finding his place in the world again. His second collaboration with Amarie, "I See You in the Stars" closes out the album on a splendid note of positivity and light.

David Lanz is a consummate professional as both a pianist and composer, and this album allows us a window into his personal life as well. His playing throughout is both superb and delicately nuanced, indicative of someone pouring their heart and soul into their work. The production by David and Gary Lanz is exceptionally clear and sparkling, which enhances the overall experience. Perhaps that's part of the aural payoff of recording at A-444 tuning instead of the standard A-440. In any event, this is a beautiful CD that's currently available from www.Shanachie.com, as well as other outlets, including www.DavidLanz.com. I highly recommend it!

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