The Deluxe version of David Lanz’s solo piano Carousel has all eleven of the tracks from the “official” version plus some real goodies. There are two additional pieces on the Deluxe version as well as David’s spoken-word introductions for each piece. These serve as a set of auditory liner notes and are inserted before each of the tracks, giving insight into the origins of each piece and what they mean to David. What a treasure! And the music? All thirteen piano solos are sparkling gems. Some of the pieces were released as singles over the past couple of years, and some had vocals on previous recordings, but all thirteen tracks appear here as they were originally created - as piano solos.

In my review of the “official” version of Carousel, I mentioned each of the pieces. I will copy those comments here and add my thoughts about the two additional pieces in bold italics.

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 (school’s out!). “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. “Beyond Silver Shores” is the first piece from A Pirate’s Tale, a suite that began as David’s reflection on his childhood passion for pirates. Several colorful moods are expressed within the piece. “Home At Sea” is also part of the suite, and is bright, lively and full of mischief, exuding childlike innocence. “Waves of Gold” is the third piece in the suite and is somewhat calmer even as it conveys a sense of adventure. “Treasure Chest“ is a kind of pirates’ happy dance, having found what they were looking for at sea and preparing to return home. Lively and high-spirited, it’s quite different from much of the album, but fits in beautifully! “In the Fullness of Time” brings the album to a dreamy close, leaving the listener refreshed and uplifted.

The Deluxe version of Carousel is available only from David’s Shopify store on his website, and what a treasure it is! The insight into the music and what inspired it adds so much, and I highly recommend getting a copy of each version of the album - one for uninterrupted music, and one for the stories that give us the background of the pieces in the composer’s own words. Bravo, David!