Amore semplice is the first release from James Michael Stevens for 2025, and it's one of my favorites of his albums (so far!). Some of Dr. Stevens' recent albums have been recorded with a felted piano (where a piece of felt or other soft cloth is placed between the hammers and strings to soften the percussive effect of the hammers hitting the strings when a key is pressed), but the piano on this album is not felted and the tone is rich and beautifully expressive. As a music term, "semplice" means "in a simple style of performance" and there are no flashy runs up and down the piano keyboard or dramatic mood shifts on this album. Instead, the music focuses on beautiful melodies and simple, heartfelt expression. The twelve original piano solos on the album would be beautiful background music for any number of occasions as well as for studying, to ease stress, and/or as lullabies for "kids" of any age, but the album also holds up really well for more focused listening - a treat for the ears and the soul!


For those who aren't familiar with James Michael Stevens, he is the Dean of The School of Music at Welch College in Gallatin, Tennessee. He has been releasing an average of at least one album a month for several years now, making him one of the most prolific composers on the planet. (This is the thirty-fourth of his albums that I've reviewed!)

Amore semplice begins with the title track, a simple love song that comes from the heart and sets the graceful tone of the album. "Dark Zen" follows and is gently hypnotic as well as soothing, with a repeating rhythmic pattern and a dreamy melody. "Driftwood Shore" evokes images of a peaceful ocean beach, perhaps at sunrise or sunset, when the soft pastel colors and the gentle ebb and flow of the water are the most magical. "Mellow Autumn" is very aptly-titled, as I don't think it could get any more relaxing! "Moment Winter" suggests the beauty of a winter scene - perhaps new snow sparkling on the ground or the stillness as it drifts down from the sky. "Promenade at Swan Lake" paints an evocative picture of swans gliding on a smooth body of water - effortless and graceful. "Rustica" has a twinge of melancholy - or perhaps it's nostalgia - that's heartfelt and very beautiful. "Shimmers in the Night" could refer to any number of things, but the music is as quiet and tranquil as the stillness of late-night hours when most of the world is asleep - incredibly peaceful! The album closes with "Sunrise Meditation," a piece in soft pastel tones sure to welcome the start of a really good day!

Amore semplice is available to stream or download from Amazon and Apple Music/iTunes as well as on many streaming platforms including Pandora and Spotify. It's a calming antidote to the craziness the world is experiencing these days!