Heads up, solo piano lovers - especially lovers of David Lanz’s solo piano music! Movements of the Heart is Lanz’s first CD of all new original piano solos since his 2008 release, Painting the Sun. Beloved throughout the world for his silky piano touch and soulful music from the heart, Lanz returns with some of his most passionate music to date. The majority of the thirteen tracks are on the slower, more romantic side, with a couple of exceptions that spice up the tone of the album as a whole and a few that feel more free-form and spontaneous. Excellent from the first note to the last, Movements of the Heart was well worth the wait!

The album begins with “Love’s Return,” an unabashedly romantic, heart-on-the-sleeve kind of love song that overflows with tenderness and passion - a new Lanz classic, I’m sure. “La Luna Dell’ Amante” is one of those pieces that make my fingers itch to play it. Delicate and bittersweet with a gently swirling rhythm, this is definitely a favorite. “To Touch the Sky” is light and very quiet, evoking images of puffy white clouds softly floating against a bright blue sky. There are many distinctive Lanz touches on “Rainlight” and yet it’s different from anything he’s done before. Love it! “I Hear You In a Song” is one of the less-structured pieces, feeling very in-the-moment and coming from a place deep within - so beautiful! The title track has a graceful, melancholy melody that speaks a personal truth with great emotion. The bigger and more energetic “White Horse” is probably not related to Lanz’s earlier “Dark Horse” (one of his signature pieces), but ooh, my fingers are getting itchy again! “In Moonlight” is very slow and spare - a bit like “The Visitor” from East of the Moon - so simple and yet so profound - another favorite. Whispered tones continue in “Midnight Adagio,” with passion building as the piece unfolds - a gorgeous and very subtle masterpiece. “I See You In the Stars” is almost fragile yet strong and resilient. The performance sounds partly composed and partly improvised, keeping it fresh and vulnerable. What an incredible album!

David Lanz has been one of my very favorite artists for many years and Movements of the Heart leaves no doubt that he is still at the top of his game while continuing to grow and evolve as an artist. I give this album a whole-hearted standing ovation! The CD is available from DavidLanz.com, iTunes, and Amazon.