When April Flowers is a collection of ten original piano solos composed and performed by James Michael Stevens. From the gorgeous cover artwork of soft pink blossoms to the warmth and refreshing calm of the music, this lovely album is all about early spring, renewal and new life. None of the melodies are overly complicated, but all of them come from the heart with a message of hope and grace.

With an average of at least one album a month for the past several years, Dr. Stevens is one of the most prolific composers ever as well as serving as the Dean of The School of Music at Welch College in Gallatin, Tennessee. It is interesting to note that Dr. Stevens writes out all of his music before he records it and reads from those scores when he records, ensuring that the sheet music matches the recordings when he publishes it. (The full songbook and individual pieces can be purchased and downloaded from SheetMusicPlus.com and SheetMusicDirect.com.)

When April Flowers begins with the title track, a gentle piece that expresses a sense of wonder and sets the mood for the album. "Softly the Petals of the Rose Fall" suggests colors of light pink and yellow as well as the delicate movement of petals as they drift silently to the ground - very peaceful! "Reflection in a Ripple" has a slow, easy tempo that hints at the lazy movement of ripples on a body of water, perhaps with droplets of sunlight dancing on its surface - a soothing massage for the mind. Much of "Forever Lavender" is played in the upper half of the piano keyboard, giving it a very delicate, innocent feeling. "Among the Daffodils" is a blissful slow waltz that makes me think of a large planting of daffodils nodding their heads in a gentle breeze. "Serenade Dulce" has a quiet, simple melody with a slightly bittersweet flavor. "Silent Highway" is my favorite track on the album with its minor key and hint of mystery. Is there anything more peaceful and serene than watching a sunset - especially when the sun gradually disappears into a large body of water? "Serenity Sunset" expresses that feeling well. An "elegy" is often composed in honor of someone's passing, and "Elegy at Dusk" is sad and reflective, but also overflows with love and pleasant memories. "Dreaming 'neath the Moonlight" brings the album to a tranquil, dreamy close with what could be a magical slow dance under a full moon. Ahhhhhhh!

When April Flowers is ideal for warm and soothing background music, or for studying, or just to sit back, relax and listen to. It is available from Amazon, Apple Music/iTunes and many streaming platforms including Spotify.