Flash is the debut album by Alex Rogalski, a young pianist/composer from the Chicago, IL area. The album is comprised of fourteen original compositions that are mostly solo (digital) piano (the opening track includes nature and other sounds). I was very impressed when I saw this message on Alex’s website: “I am going to donate sales of this album to charity groups that bring about peace and community building – to assist the vulnerable afflicted by domestic violence and mental illness or children in need of a positive network. Together, let’s continue to contribute to a world in need of grace and peace.” Obviously a generous soul with a very big heart, Rogalski’s music ranges from quiet and peaceful to very energetic and powerful. I can’t recommend this album as music for massage or to listen to as you fall asleep, but if you like artists like Scott D. Davis and other instrumentalists who put muscle into some of their music, Alex Rogalski is a promising new artist to discover.

Flash begins with the title track, a very noisy and chaotic introduction/prelude for the first thirty seconds, followed by the sounds of thunder and rain and a lovely piano piece that ends abruptly, giving way to the sound of birds singing - a very interesting beginning! “Tribal Awakening” is quite different from the first track, flowing gently in some passages and more dramatic in others. “From Me to You” is a sweetly heartfelt ballad that builds to a passionate middle section, softens, and comes to a powerful close. As the title suggests, “Dark Spirits” is turbulent and somber. “Into the Darkness” is one of my favorites. Edgy, mysterious and overflowing with emotion, it really communicates fear and danger that could be internal as well as external. Using a variety of musical themes, “Crossroads” effectively expresses the turmoil of having to make major choices in life. The bright and lively “Sky’s the Limit” conveys the spirit of optimism and excitement that can come with new beginnings and promising possibilities. “Grace and Peace” is another favorite. The strong melody and flowing left hand create a mood that matches the title of the song. “The Conqueror” is something of a ballad with a variety of themes woven together to tell a story. Some of the themes are graceful and some are bigger and more powerful - a very interesting piece! The closing track, “Everlasting” is intense and dramatic in the first half, becoming gentler and more peaceful in the middle, and then re-energizing to the end.

Alex Rogalski is off to a very promising start! Flash is available from AlexRogalski.com, Amazon, iTunes, and CD Baby. Check it out!