August is Amy Lauren’s fourth CD and contains twelve original, beautifully melodic piano solos that convey love, contentment, and nostalgia occasionally tinged with a feeling of dreamy melancholy. In the liner notes, Amy Lauren says, “After completing this album it was difficult to find the words to describe what it means to me. This music is simply a gift that I am fortunate enough to be the creator of and no more words are really needed. Fireflies, sunsets and rain. Following the one you love and going the distance with them no matter what the twists and turns in the road. It all became music... it became August.” This hints at how personal the music is to the composer and invites us as listeners to experience it without too much information, allowing us to draw our own conclusions about where the music came from and to adapt it to our own life experiences. Simple and graceful melody lines are intertwined with just enough harmonic and rhythmic complexity to keep them interesting and compelling after many listens while staying accessible to less musically-seasoned ears.

August begins with “I’ll Follow You,” a tender love song that is more about maturity and commitment than starry-eyed lovers. This piece stops me in my tracks every time I hear it because it rings so true and conveys such deep emotion. Love it! I also really like “Travel This River,” which has a wonderful flowing quality and a gorgeous melody that conveys a range of emotions. “Fireflies” dances around the piano keyboard light-hearted and carefree. “Fly Away” suggests to me someone sitting at the piano late at night, expressing loneliness - or aloneness - by candlelight. This is another favorite, as is “The Rain Came Down.” Rain is often used to describe hurt or tears, but although the emotions in this piece are not joyful, the piece suggests peace and renewal. The title track is poignant and deeply-felt. Possibly the darkest of the pieces, it’s incredible. “Keeper of Light” and “Resolution” swing the mood back to hopeful yet remain very introspective. “Summer’s End” concludes August on a gentle and bittersweet note that fades out at the end without a final note. To be continued?

August is a wonderful musical journey for daydreaming, relaxing, and pure listening pleasure. It is available from amylaurenpiano.com, Amazon, iTunes, and CD Baby. Recommended!