After several years without a new recording, Philip Aaberg released three new CDs in 2000, with a fourth on the way. The first release of the four is “Field Notes”, which has been in the works for many years. Most of the pieces on this album are improvised and quite short - sketches, if you will. They are grouped into three suites called “Field Notes Suite”, “To Kill a Mockingbird Suite”, and “Big Sky Spinning Suite”. It is great to see Phil back in action! One of the best pianists on the planet, “Field Notes” is both a step back to his roots and a step forward with artistic growth as well as the freedom and control of being an independent artist. Complex and challenging, this is not an album that reveals itself the first few times you listen to it. Great music evolves in the listener’s mind and soul and this takes time as well as a little patience, but it is always more than worth the effort to make the journey. In this pop, jingle-driven musical world we are currently experiencing, it is such a blessing to find an artist who refuses to budge from his uniqueness and very personal form of expression. This album is a joy, and is one of my favorite albums of 2000. It is currently available from Phil’s website at www.philipaaberg.com or www.sweetgrassmusic.com.