Sentinel is Greg Maroney’s third solo piano album to date, and what a beauty it is! The songs tell wordless stories about Greg’s life, its events and surroundings, and the people in it. Warmly inviting, and always accessible, it is the kind of album that I dearly love - one where the music is complex enough that one can hear something new each time, and where the familiar strains grow closer to the heart with each listen. Trained in classical and jazz piano since the age of five, it sounds to me like Maroney is probably most “at home” sitting at the piano and letting musical magic happen. There are jazz elements in Maroney’s music, but I would say that the influences on this CD are of a more classical nature with some of the freedom found in jazz. All of the tracks on this CD are really good, but I have a few favorites. I love “Castle of Wonders” with its swirling, mysterious opening bars, and then dancing rhythms and melody - there is always a sense of mystery, but also of joyful discovery. “Fire Drake” is another upbeat piece full of a dancing sense of elation and wonderful pianistics. Both of these pieces sound like great fun to play as well as to listen to! Most of the rest of the thirteen pieces are a bit slower and more subdued, describing a wide range of emotions and subjects. “Avalon” is a darkly gorgeous piece with lots of deep bass chords and mysterious drama. “Always” is more of a tender love song full of passion as well as gentleness. Sentinel is a really great album, and I highly recommend it. It is available from gregmaroney.com, amazon.com, cdbaby.com. and cdstreet.com.