The Journey is a very enjoyable collection of four piano solos, six piano and ensemble pieces, and one vocal track composed and performed by Kent Marcum on piano and keyboards and several other musicians on percussion, guitars, bass, and violin. The music is varied in style, but is mostly upbeat and optimistic.

“Photograph Of My Heart” opens the CD with piano and keyboards in something of a soliloquy. Reflective and a little wistful, it’s a lovely beginning! “Midnight Air” is a piano solo that is peaceful but also has a sense of movement. I really like “Falling Waters,” which is piano, rain stick, drums, and keyboard. The piano sparkles and flows like dancing water and never stops moving. Great stuff! The title track is another favorite and has a bigger sound than most of the others. Featuring piano, guitars, drums, and bass, the different themes convey the changing scenery and events on a journey - some are dark, some are exciting, and some are calm. Marcum weaves these changing themes seamlessly. “Dancing In Belfast” is a lively Celtic-flavored duet for piano and violin. “Tell Me When To Start” features the vocals of Michael Grajek, and is a sweetly emotional love song. “As Our Love Begins to Grow” is a gentle and tender ballad that tugs at the heartstrings. “In My Father’s Garden” is a love song of a different type - a memorial and tribute that I can really relate to. A beautiful garden can be so evocative, as this piece clearly demonstrates - a very lovely piece! “As Long As We’re Together” is a joyful love song and a lovely closing to a great album.

The Journey is available from kentmarcummusic.com. Enjoy!