Going Home is Jon Galfano’s fourth piano CD. This one is all solo piano and was recorded on a Kawai concert grand, which has a warm, inviting sound quality that is well-suited to Galfano’s various playing styles. Most of the music is on the quiet, soothing side, but there are a couple of more upbeat pieces that demonstrate this artist’s versatility.

“The Nimble Gypsie” opens the CD with a lively, light-hearted piece that dances up and down the piano keyboard. “Sailing the Straits” is a bit more melancholy, but also has that effortless, graceful flow of being on water in a sailboat. There is a feeling of movement, but also of peace and calm - a beautiful piece! “Looking for a Place” is fascinating. It begins with a feeling of urgency and agitation, and perhaps a little confusion. Galfano meanders around the keyboard a bit, but then the piece segues into a short, concrete melody. The agitation and search resume for a minute or so, and then it becomes kind of a folk melody with a sense of place. One of my favorite tracks is “Bluesy,” which is quite a diversion from the other pieces, but fits in very well. Composed in a classic blues style, this sounds like fun to play! “Autumn Moon” is pure peace and contentment, and is so relaxed and free that it may be an improvisation. I also really like “Sweet Verses,” which has a lovely melody and a wistful, reflective feeling. It reminds me a bit of some of Philip Aaberg’s slow pieces. “Indigo Dreams” is more abstract, and sounds like it could be another improvisation. As the title implies, is has a dark, dreamy quality. “Waters Rising” has a dramatic intensity, but isn’t turbulent or threatening. Quickly flowing and sparkling, there is a feeling of several currents pulling in different directions.

Going Home shows major artistic growth since 2002’s Galfanopiano. Easy-going and accessible, yet complex enough to stay interesting with many listenings, Going Home should be a welcome addition to most piano fans’ collections. It is available from www.jongalfano.com and cdbaby.com. Samples are available there.