Bhakti Grace is one of two solo piano albums that pianist/composer John Paris released in June 2023. The first was Acceptance, which was composed over a two-year period during the Covid pandemic. For that album, John wanted to compose more "serious" music that is soothing and uplifting. Conversely, the music for Bhakti Grace was completed in just two weeks and is an expression of joy and freedom. Quoting John Paris: "I feel that this album expresses more of a totality of who I am as a person and musician with the combo of joy and peacefulness. Every morning I dedicate myself as a channel for Divine love. This music seems to express that. It also lets me cut loose in the Jazz vein and the New age vein in the same album." And what an inspiring and enjoyable combination that is!


An award-winning pianist, John Paris has been a lifelong pianist and accordionist, both solo and as the leader of the show band/group, Atlantis. He has also been a very successful music teacher, both privately and for a public school district in Northern California. John was one of the frequent performers in my house concert series here on the Oregon Coast, and I've always thoroughly enjoyed his performances. He has released fifteen albums and several singles since his 2004 debut album, Journey of the Soul.

Bhakti Grace begins with "Strolling Along and Feeling Free," a joyful and lighthearted piece that all but dances out of the music player. Just try to sit still while listening to this one! "Busy Signal" was actually inspired by the sound Android phones make when alerting that there is a message! John "borrowed" the idea, but changed the pitches a bit - lively and full of fun! "In Another Realm" goes in an entirely different direction with a slow jazz ballad that is tinged with drama and a feeling of mystery - a favorite! The title track shimmers with freedom and deep inner peace. "Roaming the Worlds" and "Come On Along" are bright, carefree and overflowing with fun - a couple of real mood-lifters! "When I Hear the Music" is a fascinating 7 1/2 minute exploration that expresses the freedom of improvisation and allowing the music to go where it wants to go, sometimes with energy and vigor and sometimes with a quiet grace. Quoting John again, "'On a Rainy Afternoon' happened when I was in my studio listening to the rain and it popped into my head. I was happy we were getting so much rain to offset the drought." It's a lively bit of musical magic! "The Rhythm of Joy" is guaranteed to bring a smile - what a brilliant piece of jazzy sunshine! The last track on the album, "Contemplation On Bhakti," is an eight-minute piece John improvised after contemplating the meaning of the word "Bhakti." John says in the liner notes of the album that to him, Bhakti represents love inseparable from life, and that feeling is beautifully expressed in this lovely musical meditation - a great ending to a great album!

Bhakti Grace is available to stream or download from Amazon and Apple Music/iTunes, and to stream on many platforms including Spotify. Check it out!