Mystique is a collection of twenty-five original piano solos by Bill Whitfield, a composer/pianist from South Carolina. Intended to soothe, relax, and uplift, Mystique provides about 1 1/4 hours of gentle solo piano music that easily slips into the background for dining, reading, or any quiet activities; is a cheerful and calming companion while driving; or simply provides a healthy dose of feel-good music. There are no dramatic mood changes from one piece to the next and none of the pieces are at all flamboyant or showy, but the music is played with the confidence of a pianist who knows when to keep it simple but could probably blow us all out of the water if he really wanted to! The emphasis is on graceful melodies and warm, peaceful emotions. Whitfield has released six albums over the past four years (with a seventh scheduled for October 2016), and has composed more than 100 new pieces in that relatively short period of time.

In the liner notes of the CD, Whitfield quotes Sir William Blake: “The gift of music is our creator’s greatest gift … with every resounding note played the musician imparts to human hearts a brief glimpse into our creator’s perfect paradise … transporting men’s souls into a place of eternal peace, love and joy.” I would say that Blake sums up this album better than any words I could come up with!

There are too many songs to write about each one, but I’ll mention a few highlights. The title track begins the album and is probably my favorite piece in the collection. It has a very beautiful, graceful flow and the melody is bittersweet and full of longing - love it! “Nostalgic Dreams” is slow and just slightly melancholy, as nostalgic moments often are. “Thoughtful Moments” is warm, tender and velvety-smooth. “Midnight Ballet” is a quiet minor-key beauty that has a slow, graceful motion I really like. “Enchanted” is soothing, hypnotic and heartfelt while “Melodic Reflections” offers a warm, comforting musical hug. “Fleeting Moments” could easily be about butterflies dancing from flower to flower on a warm spring afternoon or a daydream on a grassy hillside - sweet pleasure and contentment! “Journey’s End” expresses the mix of emotions experienced with the conclusion of an adventure, a project, or any other kind of journey. There is a sense of accomplishment but also a bit of sadness that it is over. “Contentment” brings this lovely album to a close with warmth and quiet peacefulness.

I look forward to exploring Bill Whitfield’s previous releases as well as the next one! Mystique is available from Amazon, iTunes, and CD Baby. If you are looking for some quiet, soothing piano solos, this is a very good choice!