Just Piano is the debut recording from British pianist/composer Kerry Barnes. As the title implies, there is nothing showy or flashy about the music on this album, but the abundance of sincerity and heart more than makes up for the lack of bravado. Also a teacher, Barnes composes music for the British Music Exam Boards. She is primarily self-taught, but won a talent competition at the age of 13 playing Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” and taught herself Chopin’s “Military Polonaise a year later and performed it in concert. She started studying with celebrated harpsichordist and pianist Virginia Black when she was 19 and passed the Grade 7 and 8 piano exams “With Distinction” in a period of four months. Sadly, more than twenty years ago, at the age of 31, Barnes was stricken with the incurable neurological condition called Focal Dystonia, which primarily affects the hands and fingers, making them very difficult to control and causing significant pain. Within those limitations, Barnes uses an assortment of basic patterns that her brain will allow her to play and then develops those patterns into appealing piano compositions - and does so very successfully. Even though the music is recorded on a digital piano, the piano sound is not tinny like so many recordings on digitals are. Again, the amount of sincerity and expression her playing and compositions make up for any technical deficiencies. Quite simply, I like Kerry Barnes’ music a lot!

Just Piano opens with “Signature,” by far the longest piece on the album at just under eight minutes. Classically-inspired yet very contemporary, the gentle and graceful melody opens the heart - a lovely beginning! “Song For Charlie” overflows with tender affection, telling the story of someone special. The flowing broken chords on the left hand and the wistful melancholy of the melody of “Dolciana” make it a favorite. I also really like the more dramatic and bittersweet “Gardenia.” “Forbodia” reminds me of some of Michele McLaughlin’s darker music with powerful accents in the deep bass of the piano and a very haunting quality that really stays with you. It also sounds like a very enjoyable piece to play! “Valse Romantica” is an elegant minor-key waltz that is both touching and beautiful. “Insominata” is more ambient and abstract - not random, but often surprising and unpredictable. To me, it FEELS like a night of tossing around, not quite able to drop off to sleep, and some of the odd things that come to mind. The warm and cheerful “Sunny Face” just makes you feel good.

Just Piano is a very promising start for Kerry Barnes, and I’m looking forward to reviewing Just Piano 2! Just Piano is available from CD Baby. Recommended!