Carousel is a wonderful collection of eleven original piano solos by one of my very favorite pianist/composers, David Lanz. A few of the pieces were released as singles (with and without vocals and/or orchestration), but for this album, all appear as they were originally created - for solo piano. It is important to note that there are two versions of Carousel - this one that is the music only (11 tracks) and the “Deluxe” version that is only available from David’s Shopify Store. That one has thirteen tracks plus David’s narration of what would be considered liner notes explaining the origins and inspiration for each piece. Those “notes” are inserted before each track and offer a lot of insight into the music. The Deluxe version has thirteen tracks and a playing time of 68 minutes. Actually, I’d recommend getting both versions of Carousel because David’s narrations are wonderfully enlightening, but having just the music is also such a treat!

Carousel begins with the title track, a happy-go-lucky piece that expresses the joy of choosing your favorite merry-go-round animal and riding it up and down as the whole carousel revolves. Every time I hear it, I think of the exceptionally beautiful merry-go-round at the San Francisco zoo from my own childhood. “La Fontana” (“The Fountain”) was released earlier this year as a single. Light and graceful, it’s classic David Lanz. “Aria Nova” was released in 2022 as a vocal single, and as much as I enjoy Kristin Amarie’s soaring vocals, I love this solo piano version! “April Ayre” is as light and fresh as an early-spring morning. Bright and optimistic, “Summer Ayre” expresses a subtle energy as well as a light-hearted freedom. “Autumn Ayre” echoes the feelings of changing seasons, slowing down a bit after the summer’s energy and looking toward the end of the year and coming winter. I love the dreamy nature of this one! “December Ayre” expresses reflection and a melancholy mood, looking back over the year that is coming to an end - also a favorite! “Sonata” originally appeared as a vocal piece sung by Kristin Amarie on her 2022 album with David, Lettere D'amore - Letters of Love. For this album, the piece has been retitled “Sonata (Reprise),” and as a piano solo, David’s fingers are every bit as passionate and expressive as the vocals on the earlier version. “Home At Sea” is part of a suite that David composed to celebrate his childhood passion for pirates. Bright, lively and full of mischief, it also exudes childlike innocence. “Waves of Gold” is the second part of the suite and is somewhat calmer even as it conveys a sense of adventure. “In the Fullness of Time” brings the album to a relaxed and dreamy close, leaving the listener refreshed and uplifted.

Carousel is sure to delight the ears, soothe the spirit, and uplift the soul. If you’re a long-time David Lanz fan like me, this album is sure to please! It is available to pre-order on David’s website and will be “officially” released on May 29, 2026 to stream and download from Amazon and Apple/iTunes as well as on many streaming platforms including Spotify and Pandora. Great stuff!