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Album Review: Anything With You
Adam Andrews
Cover image of the album Anything With You by Adam Andrews
Anything With You
Adam Andrews
2025 / Adam Andrews
33 minutes
Review by Kathy Parsons
Anything With You is the sixth solo piano album (plus an EP and some singles) from pianist/composer Adam Andrews, and I'm happy to be able to say that I've reviewed and love them all! As has been true of Adam's previous releases, what really stands out about this album is his honesty and emotional expression. Whether Adam is expressing joy, compassion, playful moments or introspective thoughts, rather than being flashy or showy, his music comes straight from the heart with the power to calm, heal and uplift.

Quoting Adam Andrews: "All of the 11 original songs were inspired by empathy and compassion: songs of celebration; grief; and everything in between. The cover was painted by Becca Day, an abstract painter, and she listened to the music while painting. A fun way to do this project! Solo piano music can mean different things to different listeners and I loved seeing the abstract art created from this music."

Anything With You begins with "Longing For You," a very poignant piece with a simple but incredibly expressive melody that goes deep and says so much - a wonderful start! "When Life Hurts" feels (to me) like a compassionate father working through some of life's painful moments with his children. Warmth, understanding and love flow throughout this beautiful piece. The title track is a gentle love song, pure and simple. The absence of lyrics allows the listener to imagine a heartfelt connection between two people according to the listener's own point of view - profound and deeply touching! "A New Day" is a bright and lively expression of joy and optimism - pure musical sunshine! "Flourish" seems to be offering encouragement. With passages that are energetic and ones that are quieter and more reflective, this is one of the "bigger" pieces although it ends very softly. "A Tender Heart" begins in the upper half of the piano, making it feel even more delicate and fragile. That feeling remains throughout this beautiful piece although it moves down the keyboard a bit as the piece progresses. I love this one! "May I Have This Dance" could have been inspired by a touching moment at a father/daughter dance. Warm emotion flows from each note - a real charmer! The bittersweet "Tears of Yours" overflows with warmth and empathy as it soothes the hurt away. Change isn't always easy, but "Change is in the Air" feels optimistic and welcoming."It's Been a While" begins with feelings of nostalgia much like those many of us experienced while missing our friends and families during the Covid lockdowns - or any prolonged absence of those who are especially close to us. The second half of the piece sounds (to me) like a very happy reunion. "The Power of Light" is joy set to music. Bright, lively and enthusiastic, it's a triumphant close to a great album!

Anything With You is available from Amazon as well as many of the streaming platforms including Spotify and Pandora. More links will be added as they become available. VERY highly recommended!!!
February 26, 2025
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