I have been reviewing Australian pianist/composer Fiona Joy Hawkins' music since her 2004 debut, Portrait of a Waterfall, and what an amazing body of work she has produced over the years! Her many recordings include solo piano, piano and violin with Rebecca Daniel, her collaborations as part of the super-group FLOW, and much more. Fiona’s music always comes from a very personal place, but When Shadows Talk was created in a self-imposed exile to reach even more deeply into her artistic process. The results are pure solo piano magic - one of Fiona's very best albums to date. Quoting Fiona:

“When Shadows Talk offers musical storytelling that explores inward and outward reflection. Many of the pieces are about my creative process as an artist and bring to life behind-the-scenes workings of what it takes to dig deep enough to find valuable conversations…I went into a self-imposed lockdown for much of the writing to find my creative centre. This exile allowed me to explore what lies deep beneath the surface and is often passed over or suppressed, both personally and in the context of broader community discussion.”

The album begins with “Stasis,” a very expressive, flowing piece about finding equilibrium and balance in life - but perhaps only in dreams! “The Ghosts of War Are Marching” imagines people who have died fighting for a cause coming back to life to continue their journey. Very dark and passionate, Fiona uses extensive damper pedal to give the piece an otherworldly feeling. “Lava and Snow” is something of a tribute to the eruption of the volcano in Grindavik, Iceland. The music video Fiona made of the volcanic sites in Iceland when she visited is fascinating and this piece is the soundtrack. “Angel’s Message” is much lighter and more delicate and was inspired by the reflection of a painting of an angel in a mirror across the room from Fiona as she was playing the piano - one of my favorites! “The Lost Ballerina” appeared on Fiona’s 2013 album, 600 Years in a Moment, but in a more orchestrated arrangement. This one is solo piano and reflects back on Fiona’s childhood dream of becoming a ballerina, but being told at a young age that she was too tall. Dreamy yet full of regret, Fiona obviously remembers well the disappointment and hurt of that experience. “Outside the Circle” is another favorite and is about an artist’s need to find a distinct, defining stye or voice, and how it is both a gift and a curse to be different. Deeply emotional and passionate, it’s a real beauty that I find myself playing over and over (I proof-read the sheet music for the album! Lucky me!!!). “The Journey” was also originally on 600 Years in a Moment in a more orchestrated version. Composed in 2010, it tells of Fiona’s own turbulent journey and is again very emotional - I really like this one, too! The last two tracks tell the sad story of a brown bird who crashed into one of Fiona’s windows, breaking its neck. “Hitting the Glass” expresses the profound sadness Fiona felt for the bird’s untimely death. “The Brown Bird” is also very sad, but is a loving and more energetic tribute to a beautiful creature.

When Shadows Talk is available as a CD, on vinyl, to download and to stream. It is available on Amazon, Bandcamp and Apple Music/iTunes, as well as streaming platforms including Pandora and Spotify. A sheet music book is also available from Fiona's "Merch" page on Bandcamp and from Fiona's website. Very highly recommended!!!