Change is the third full-length solo piano album by Swedish pianist/composer, Carl Liungman, and follows his 2020 debut, Born, along with Shine (2022) and his 2023 EP, Affection & Absence, as well as some singles from this album. The nine tracks on Change were recorded live in a solo piano concert on May 25, 2024 in the Skovgaard Hall at Malmö Art Museum, Malmö, Sweden, and are quite varied in style. Almost all of the audience sounds have been removed from the recording and applause is heard only at the very end. All of Liungman's piano music is based on themes of personal growth, love, family and close relations, and are a statement from a musical humanist. Change is a reflection of things most of us are experiencing in these uncertain times as well as of events and emotions in Liungman's own life, proving once again that music is a universal language that communicates without barriers or boundaries. I have thoroughly enjoyed all of Liungman's releases so far, but this could be my favorite - starting with the whimsical cover artwork to the last note played.

With extensive studies in both classical piano and jazz, Carl Liungman has composed chamber and pop music for theater, short films, art installations and poetry projects. He has created jazz poetry with poets and singers while improvising at the piano during poetry slams and other occasions. In his younger years, he played in Swedish piano bars. 

Changes begins with "Mother," a heartfelt piece dedicated to Liungman's mother who could not be at the concert due to serious illness. A range of emotions flow throughout the piece from quiet and thoughtful tenderness to a bigger, more passionate expression that trails off near the end. "After" is much darker and more minimalist, but is deeply profound. "Final Days" expresses several moods and states of mind that seem to range from dark and angry to quiet acceptance. The inspiration for the piece could be the world situation to the final days of someone very dear. Either way, it's a powerful masterpiece. Sometimes hope is all we can hold onto, but it can also be extremely powerful, and the piece titled "Hope" expresses that dichotomy very clearly. "Wind in June" is in constant motion - sometimes gentle and sometimes more turbulent - but the wind is never a threat or a danger. Like the opening track, "Father" is named for one of Liungman's parents. Very open and still, I would assume from the music that the elder Liungman is a man of few words and quiet emotions - a very beautiful tribute. Almost an opposite to "Father," "Survivor" seems to be boldly triumphant in some passages and more introspective in others. "Peaceful" expresses the calm and tranquility of a quiet mind as well as a world at peace - I really love this heartfelt piece! Liungman saved the title track for the end of the album, and what a glorious closing it is! Overflowing with passion, the music goes in many different directions, but always stays cohesive and seamless.

Change is available on Amazon and many streaming sites including Spotify. Highly recommended!