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Album Review: Diode Melody
Chris Lonsberry
Cover image of the album Diode Melody by Chris Lonsberry
Diode Melody
Chris Lonsberry
1999 / Highland Piano Studios
Review by Kathy Parsons
Diode Melody is something of a step back in time. Half of the guitar/piano duo, Reverie, Chris Lonsberry has taken a side-road from his usually acoustic path to explore the possibilities of vintage synthesizers. Warm and melodic, this collection of pieces conveys a variety of moods and messages. The CD opens with a rather majestic rhythm which ushers in the melodic overlays. It is fascinating to hear how Chris has mixed ‘90’s sensibilities with instruments from 15-20 years ago. The CD is nostalgic in some ways, but the musical motifs are current. My favorite track is “The New World” - an irresistible rocker that caused the father of one of my students to comment “I didn’t think piano teachers were supposed to listen to music like that - OR crank up the volume!” He then introduced me to his new $6000 stereo system! But I digress. “Open Terrain” is another up-tempo, rhythm-infused fun-fest that I really like - it must have been a real blast to put together! Other pieces are somewhat more ambient, such as “Climbing Mountains”, which is dark and less-melodic, but extremely effective. “Streams” also has a dark feel in contrast to the light and gentle “Rainfall”. Many of these pieces would be very compelling in soundtracks - an area Chris hopes to explore. A very enjoyable exploration of classic synthesizers in a “today” setting, Diode Melody is available from Chris’s website at highlandpiano.com.
July 7, 1999
More reviews of Chris Lonsberry albums
Cover image of the album Reverie by Chris Lonsberry
with Patrick Lee Hebert
1998
Debut Albums