Raynald Grenier-Doux Instants
Raynald Grenier paints pictures with his notes. His mature tunes show experience and learning, and the dramatization of his music results in some wonderful music to be experienced. His music has always been cinematic, used in dramas and plays, encapsulating themes with wordless grandiose. This is his single, Doux Instants. The English translation for this would be Sweet Moments. This is exactly what you feel as an impulse, as soon as you hear his music. I have always found it to be easier, writing about instrumentals, due to the subjective moments that are captured within it. Raynald Grenier is a poet of expression and abstraction in a delicate balance. This crystal scale is gauged in this song, where figments of rumination are spent through meditation. There are no specific connotations to it, the expression is joyous, and speculative of myriad futures. It takes a master composer to incite such thoughts, and none can do it better than this accomplished maestro. The first film that came to mind was A Beautiful Mind. All of James Horner’s arrangements break down dramatic renditions very well, which Grenier does with grace in this song. The Tree of Life was another film that I could associate it with, rich imagery and complex emotions being explained through music. Raynald Grenier can be experienced through his magical arrangements on Spotify. His 2020 album Dolci Momenti is highly recommended, so are Beth & Noa: The Ballet. He is no stranger to transcribing imagery through his music, and it is a joy to listen to his music. Listen to his single and follow him for more transcendental music!
Parjam Parsi-Dialogue
Parjam Parsi conducts conversations with his environment. A musician with a wide range of tastes, his music often sees it all come together. From far-fetched ideas to idiosyncratic music elements, they all fit when Parjam composes music. This is passion at play. His 2012 album is called Dialogue. What you hear is more than it seems. As you hear Without Words, you understand the psyche at play. With the core piano riff as the undertone, he takes steps in all directions, making a meditative exploration with nuanced details. The ambience always helps in the directional and creating a canvas of picturesque standards. If You Forget Me is a self-portrait in rumination. Delving into parts of his own personality, Parjam might be creating something particular to him alone. The flowing around the same imagery, you get a kaleidoscopic view, one instant producing so much more. Everything Carries Me To You has a rhythmic percussion within the composition. Using note after note to create something so simple yet reminiscent of a story is impressive. Appreciating sound Black Bird might not depict flight yet. It dissuades, escapes searching for meaning in the beginning. Parjam Parsi wants you to view it as the simple being it is, full of purpose and understanding of its role. An Ode to the River had to imitate the flow of water. Simple to do with a formulaic style, Parjam uses something different. The running rhythm section is a brilliant foray into warm, recognizable pockets of melodies. It can be heard in principle in This Rain as well, though the nature differs. Parjam Parsi isn’t in a position to break down what he sees with his music alone. Nature is far too complex and wholesome for that. This is a dialogue between his instrument and him, regarding the different concepts of nature. The majesty is beyond our understanding, and this is the closest iteration you will find. The thoughts and translations are merely appreciations of what unfolds, and no instrumentalist in recent times has come as close as Parjam, to just adore nature through his music. Nature as you hear it The Forgotten Dialect and Doubtless use a contrast of tempos to create frequencies of instrumentals that just admire. It is impressive to see how this “compositional” mind of Parjam’s works, it is complex yet as simple as a singing melody translated into instrumentals. Round Star is also like a narrative, almost spoken word, in the way it is performed. Enigmas is like an acceptance, of something that will continue to evade us about nature. God lies therein, in the existence and us humans, not understanding the beauty of the visual and tactile. Lilacs and Umbria close an album that is an ode to the spectacular organism that is nature. In adulation and spectacle, Parjam Parsi creates a breathtaking experience that is scintillating, yet engages in thought and appreciation. It is one that would fit any Damien Chazelle experience, especially Last Man, for the gentle instrumentals and transitions. It is a spellbinding effort, and one of many to come from this artist. Listen to his album and follow him for more instrumental magic that transports you to a world beyond this.
Sambox-Hanami
Sambox delves into the intricacies of melody with his music. From ambient playlists to well crafted TV series and dramas, there is no visual that this artist cannot compose for. Vice-versa, his music conjures images so detailed, with such minimal interjection. This is his latest single, Hanami. Many words in other languages lose their true meaning in English. The vivid art of viewing cherry trees blossom is called Hanami. It is a practice that truly appreciates nature for what it is. The depth and style with which the concurrent meaning is drawn out, remains the magic in his composition, Sambox proceeds to make a gentle song. This is something that is as slow and deliberate as the blooming of the flowers. The notes open up, like petals-creating a mélange of colours and sounds that are rare. As someone who specializes in instrumental art, there is a purposeful passive beauty in letting the moment pass. You then comment on it with our eyes and mind. The echoing synths flow, like the character of one tree to another, while the strings create a dramatic narrative of the story that is to follow. This song immediately reminded me of the Studio Ghibli film called My Neighbour Totoro, with stills and sequences of this very picturesque beauty. You can see more of his masterful work in his 2019 album, La Parsienne and various other specific singles like Liar in Love and Let Me Breathe. Follow Sambox for instrumentals that will transport you to a magical wonderland!
Ronald Van Deurzen - Night Walk
The latest track by Ronald Van Deurzen, “Night Walk,” envelops listeners in a mesmerizing journey through a dreamscape of sound. The enchanting instrumental piano piece masterfully amalgamates the serene qualities of contemporary ambient music with the evocative essence of Celtic melodies. The fusion of these elements is executed with a finesse that highlights Van Deurzen’s adept musical sensibilities. The track opens with a delicate piano melody that gently weaves its way through the listener’s consciousness, creating an atmosphere of introspection and tranquility. The minimalist approach to the mix allows the intricate nuances of the piano to take center stage, while subtle yet distinct touches of Celtic influence add a layer of mystique and nostalgia. As the composition progresses, the carefully crafted stereo field enhances the immersive experience, enveloping the audience in a rich tapestry of sound that is both intimate and expansive. “Night Walk” would seamlessly accompany the captivating visuals and enchanting narratives of fantasy movies such as “The Shape of Water” and “Pan’s Labyrinth“. Its evocative and emotive qualities perfectly complement the magical and ethereal atmospheres depicted in these cinematic masterpieces, enhancing the overall viewing experience. With a diverse range of influences from classical to world, Van Deurzen continues to carve a distinct niche for himself in the contemporary music landscape, captivating audiences with his soulful and cinematic creations. “Night Walk” stands as a testament to his ability to craft musical experiences that transcend boundaries and speak directly to the soul.
Pàppa D - Swing! The CalBal '23 Session
The latest instrumental piano album by Pàppa D, "Swing! The CalBal '23 Session," is a mesmerizing journey into the realms of contemporary and neo-classical piano, seamlessly blending the old-world charm of swing and blues with a modern touch. Clocking in at just under an hour, this 15-track masterpiece showcases the artist's extraordinary talent as a Composer, Singer-Songwriter, and Multi-Instrumentalist. The album opens a gateway to a carefully crafted sonic soundscape that envelops the listener from the first note. Pàppa D. skillfully navigates a vivid dynamic range, allowing each track to breathe with a pristine clarity in the high notes. Furthermore, a similarly soothing lower register keeps you grounded in the harmonic bed of the music. The carefully crafted stereo field provides an immersive experience, with the piano resonating in a way that feels both intimate and expansive. Notable tracks such as "After 3AM," "Hooked on Swing" (a captivating three-part piece), "Waking Up my Feet," "F Blues," and "Something From the Old Days" stand out as highlights on this musical journey. Each track offers a unique glimpse into Pàppa D.'s improvisational prowess, with incredible passages and melismas that seem to flow directly from the artist's heart. A bluesy work of art that heals your soul The album's overall mix is a testament to Pàppa D.'s mastery over his craft. The seamless transitions between tracks create a cohesive listening experience, making it easy for the audience to lose themselves in the enchanting world of Pàppa D.'s piano compositions. The album strikes a perfect balance between the old and the new, paying homage to the early 20th-century saloon pianists while infusing a contemporary flair. "Swing! The CalBal '23 Session" finds its place not only as a modern classic but as a timeless piece that refuses to fade away. The album's versatility allows it to seamlessly fit into various settings, making it a perfect accompaniment for both reflective moments and lively gatherings. It's an instrumental journey that transcends time, appealing to a broad audience and demonstrating Pàppa D.'s ability to push boundaries within genres. The album may find a fitting place in classical comedy like Breakfast at Tiffanny's and The Odd Couple. In the vast landscape of the indie music scene, Pàppa D. stands out as a multifaceted artist whose creative activity enriches not only his own life but also those around him. His passion for music, honed over 14 years, is evident in every note of "Swing! The CalBal '23 Session." Currently residing in Los Angeles, California, Pàppa D. wears many hats, from a solo piano performer and film composer to an educator, commissioning musical projects, films, and songwriting material. His dedication to sharing his knowledge and inspiring people of all ages and styles to love music underscores the genuine and inspiring character of Pàppa D.
Raynald Grenier-Sonatina in C Sharp
Raynald Grenier has an immense amount of experience as a composer and pianist. He has not only composed for albums and live shows, but also full length dramatic productions. There is a level of mastery that is incomparable that comes with his music. This one is called Sonatina in C Sharp. A little joyous, then melancholy. Within this scale, Raynald Grenier creates a mystery and purpose that keeps shifting with the phrasing. It is beyond words what he can create, and that feeling is what is ensures the sorcery is trapped within. You will feel like you have been taken to another realm, with such simple and effective composition. Only 2:11 minutes long, this song keeps you longing for that shift in style and effect that he brings about with his solo composition. There are no more layers, just the pure emotion that the keys bring with the dynamics at play. As a composer, he outdoes himself in making something so relatable and simple which still resonates with a listener so well. Raynald grenier has brilliant moments in his album Dolci momenti, where there are some fantabulous parts that make you wonder where you are. He harnesses a theme with a strange understanding that is intangible. I would imagine this song to be in Oppenheimer (2023), especially where the blackboard scene is repeated and the maths being done in a dramatic moment. Listen to Raynald’s music above and follow him for more to come!
Kristjan Ruus - House by the Lake
House by the Lake by Kristjan Ruus is a soothing instrumental that sounds like the last stage of grief—acceptance. It is bittersweet in moments that are so fleeting, you might miss it. Like a lullaby, House of the Lake lulls you into a calmness that only comes with an understanding of what you feel and why you feel it. That moment when grief passes and everything feels peaceful. To me, it is the perfect song to listen to when you lie on the grass in a park. Or maybe that is because it is what Ruus does in his video. Entirely played on the piano, the track feels intimate and romantic. And the length of the song feels exactly right. Not too short to not let us experience the story it tells you and not too long that it becomes too much to feel. The artist dedicates this song to his grandfather. This song is where he imagines his grandfather living after his death. Happily next to the lake with his grandmother. The image is so hopeful for him as he imagines his grandparents happy and in peace, but also for me wanting a life for myself like that. The song paints the perfect picture of a serene place that everyone deserves in their lives. Kristjan Ruus has the talent to make everyone feel exactly what he feels, and that is the best thing about an artist. I am always envious but simultaneously in awe of people who can express themselves so clearly through their artforms. Ruus inspires me to keep trying in hopes that one day I can achieve it too.