Anne Trenning’s recording debut Suite Tea was released back in 1997 and close to twenty years later we are embarking on her fourth recording. What makes The Sunflower Waltz different to all her past recordings is that the performance completely focuses on Anne and her piano as it represents her first completely solo piano collection.

There is no doubt that this is once again an impressive recording from Trenning but it has been very difficult to transition from her past embellished projects and sit completely engaged for the entire 53 mins. Is it a bad album? Absolutely not! In fact there are some wonderful songs found here such as the more melodic “Just Fly” which you will find four songs into the album. Also impressive is “Backyard Dreamer” as well as the heartfelt closer “A Prayer For The World”. Unfortunately the compositions though well performed do not always keep your attention.

Nevertheless, The Sunflower Waltz is an enjoyable recording with an artist that was willing to take a risk by stripping down her performance to just her and the piano. If solo piano recordings are your cup of tea then The Sunflower Waltz is an album worthy to explore. For this reviewer it is a stop gap in anticipation of her next more embellished recording.