Distant Sun is the debut of Irish composer/pianist/keyboardist Eamonn Karran on the Real Music label. Introduced to the piano at the age of seven, Karran taught himself to play by listening to music on the radio and finding the keys for the notes he was hearing. With excursions into electronic and ambient space music, a chance hearing of a beautiful piano solo in a restaurant in 1994 brought him back to the piano. Most of the original compositions on Distant Sun are a combination of piano and synthesizers plus the inclusion of uilleann pipes on two of the eleven tracks. For those who can hear the difference, the piano on this album is electronic.

Karran was involved in a terrible car accident in 2011 and lost everything. During the healing process, he and his wife decided that he should dedicate his life to composing the music that he dearly loves, and this is his first album. Karran says: “My goal is to produce recordings that will help heal and enhance the physical and spiritual wellbeing of others, and the ultimate compliment is to be told that my music has helped someone through a difficult phase in life. I sincerely hope that many around the world will draw inspiration and hope from my music.”

Distant Sun begins with “Autumn Fall,” a gorgeous piano solo that expresses deeply personal emotions. Lyrical and gently flowing it’s a wonderful start! “Derry Waltz” is a Celtic piece that evokes images of a bright green countryside and gentle breezes blowing wildflowers and grasses. This is one of the two tracks that features Fin Drumm on uilleann pipes. “Ascension” goes to a much more religious style with chanting voices and ethereal ambient sounds. “Our Journey” returns to melodic solo piano with a haunting and breathtaking piece that goes right to the heart. “Dance of the Orca” is magical and very dreamy with floating ambient sounds over calls of the orca. “Celtic Storm” again demonstrates why the piano is such a great instrument for describing rain, this time with a gentle touch and free structure. The title track brings back the uilleann pipes along with piano and synth washes to create a beautiful soundscape that would be perfect in a movie. “Journey of My Father” is a tender and loving tribute played with great emotional depth. “Season of Light” glows with ambient washes of sound, a simple piano melody, and an easy rhythm track that gives it life.

Distant Sun is a very promising start for Eamonn Karran! It is available from RealMusic.com, Amazon, and iTunes.