Believe is the second CD from pianist/composer Jim Mule’. The eleven piano solos were inspired by people who have touched Mule’s life and express his innermost thoughts and feelings. The music is lovely and well-played, but the piano used in the recording really isn’t up to the task of bringing out the best in the pieces. There isn’t much nuance or variation in the dynamics, and the reverb is a bit harsh in places. I have listened to the CD on three different players, hoping the piano sound would improve, but it really didn’t. This is disappointing, as the music is solid and I think Believe would be an above-average solo piano album with a better piano sound. The songs are melodic and graceful and convey a range of gentle and tender emotions.

“A Loss for Words” begins the album with a sweet ballad that suggests a search for something (undoubtedly those lost words!). The title track has a hymn-like feel and includes a few phrases of “Amazing Grace.” The dreamy “One Step at a Time” conveys a sense of innocence mixed with determination. “Through Your Eyes” has some interesting time signature changes that shift the rhythm a bit from time to time. Feelings of longing run through “Where Are You Now?” as it weaves several themes together into a seamless whole. The pensive and heartfelt “Window to My Soul” is my favorite track and obviously comes from a very personal place within. The sweet and tender “You’re All I Need” is a love song that must have made someone’s heart sing. The title track from Mule’s “Take My Hand” CD is a poignant love song that brings the album to a touching close.

Again, I find no fault with the music itself, and since I listen to so much piano music I’m rather particular about the sound of a recorded piano. Believe is available from Amazon and CD Baby.