Light Beyond the Shadow is the third album from pianist/composer Joshua Zimmerman and his second album release for 2025. The ten original piano solos were recorded at Piano Haven Studio in Sedona, AZ and were engineered by Joe Bongiorno - a very “notable” pianist/composer in this own right! All of the tracks are warm, graceful and very expressive, making them suitable for relaxing background music as well as for deep, focused listening.

Joshua is a piano teacher and the owner of The Piano Cottage, a well-respected private music academy in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He released his debut album, Crossroads, in 2017 and Finding Peace earlier this year. He started composing the music for Light Beyond the Shadow the day after finishing the recording sessions for Finding Peace and finished them three months later. It’s a beautiful album that should appeal to listeners who enjoy quieter, heartfelt solo piano.

Light Beyond the Shadow begins with “What’s Meant to Stay,” a piece with two very distinct themes - one that is light and sunny and one that’s much more introspective. It’s fascinating how Joshua alternates the themes throughout the piece without disturbing either mood - a great start! Joshua hummed the main melody for “Beneath the Surface” while holding his three-year-old daughter and worked it out later on the piano. This piece also has two very distinct themes - one that’s quietly reflective and full of longing and one that has more of a sparkle as well as a gentle, flowing quality. The title track is deeply emotional but also expresses hope. The tender melody alternates between the hands, giving it two beautifully expressive voices - definitely a favorite! “Whispers of Hope” gently offers grace and reassurance and feels very much like a warm musical hug. “Unseen Path” again alternates two distinct themes that complement each other beautifully. One has a strong, confident melody and the second is much more flowing and dreamy - a very effective combination! “Made New” was composed for a friend whose wife was battling terminal cancer and beautifully expresses the wide range of emotions the couple was experiencing including faith, doubt, love, memories, struggle and joy. It’s an amazing and deeply heartfelt piece that will likely say something a little different to each listener. To me, “Everything in Time” seems to be gently encouraging hope as well as patience and perseverance with tenderness and warmth. “Breathing Still” was the first piece composed for this album and is a bit more on the ambient side with pauses in the music that keep it very open and free. “Grace Without Words” was composed during a weekend trip with Joshua’s wife to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary. Feelings of peaceful contentment and love flow through this beautiful piece - also a favorite. The album closes with the bright and joyful “From Here,” a piece that suggests a fresh start or a second chance - an uplifting close to a really good album!

Light Beyond the Shadow is available to stream or download on Amazon and Apple Music/iTunes as well as on many streaming platforms including Spotify and Pandora. The album is available on CD on Joshua’s website, as is the sheet music for all ten pieces. Check it out!