Echoes of Mercy is pianist/composer Joshua Zimmerman’s fourth solo piano album and the third one I’ve reviewed over the past year. Recorded at Joe Bongiorno’s Piano Haven Studio, all twelve tracks on the album are original compositions and the piano sound is perfect. One of the most expressive pianists out there, Joshua’s music comes from a very personal place and reflects on things that mean a lot to him. In addition to composing and recording, Joshua has owned The Piano Cottage since 2019. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the studio has about thirteen teachers (including Josh) and about 260 music students, most of whom take piano lessons although The Piano Cottage also offers lessons for many other instruments. Josh has quickly become one of my favorite pianist/composers, and Echoes of Mercy does not disappoint!

The album begins with “Your Melody,” a beautiful piece in something of a theme and variations motif that overflows with tenderness and hope - a great start! “Still With Me” feels very reflective and perhaps soul-searching, expressing deep emotion simply and from the heart. The title comes from the fact that Josh worked on the piece off and on for over a year, and it stayed with him! The title track is a favorite. Somewhat darker and more dramatic, there is still a gentleness that runs throughout the piece as it tells its story. The music was born quite a few years ago when Josh was grounded for a day by his father for throwing a rock at his brother. He originally titled the piece “Mercy” and recorded it, but Josh didn’t find the recording again until fairly recently. He could hear that the piece had huge potential and decided to rework and finish it. Bravo! “Where We Once Were” moves much like a memory, pausing to focus on some parts, letting others float away. “Planted By Water” begins in the upper octaves of the piano with a sound that is very delicate and a tempo that moves easily and with grace. As the piece evolves, several themes flow from one to the next - some that are stronger and bolder while some remain delicate and soft - a fascinating piece! “The Road at Dusk” is SOOOO peaceful and relaxed - music for the end of a perfect day! “Quiet Again” has a similar feeling, but is also very reflective and thoughtful. “What Remains” is another favorite, telling a very expressive story without words - and not needing any. Straight from the heart with no holds barred, it’s a very powerful and honest piece that says so much. “Held in Time” begins in the upper octaves of the piano keyboard, sounding very delicate and fragile. It moves down into the normal playing range of the piano keyboard, gradually building strength yet staying delicate. This excellent album closes with “Almost Home,” a gentle happy dance about getting close to the place one loves best. Spirits rise with anticipation the closer home becomes and the music becomes more vibrant and excited - a great close to a great album!

Echoes of Mercy resonates deeply from the first note to the last! It is available as a CD or download from Joshua’s website, to stream and download from Amazon and Apple Music/iTunes as well as on many streaming platforms including Spotify and Pandora. Very highly recommended!