Iridescence is Louis Anthony deLise's fourth album of original works for solo piano and piano with other instruments, and what a masterpiece it is! Warm, reflective and often very soothing, Dr. deLise's new work is the perfect antidote for the chaos the world is currently experiencing and offers hope, comfort and room to breathe. Thank you! In addition to piano and keyboards, Dr. deLise plays drums, small percussion, marimba, glockenspiel, his original "wine bottle xylophone" (crafted from bottles Louis and his wife collected during the Covid lockdowns), and a scrap-metal bushing he uses as a bell. Guest artists who play on the project include Nancy Rumbel (oboe and English horn), Vivian Barton Dozor (cello), Bruce McFarland (acoustic guitar), and John McMurtery (flute).

The album began as a single composition that Louis composed for Nancy Rumbel's birthday (the title track). He recorded and produced the track and then sent it to Nancy, who created her own lead lines for the piece and then sent it back to him. Although most of the nine tracks are pretty laid-back, there is a very interesting variety in the music that hints at the many genres of music Louis has worked in during his long career. Those include composing, producing and conducting for other artists from many different genres, teaching and writing music textbooks, conducting, arranging, and performing as a professional "side man."

Iridescence begins with the title track, the piece Louis composed for Nancy Rumbel's birthday. Inspired by the delicate shimmering of dragonfly wings, the music has a warm glow that is sometimes soft and sometimes more of a brilliant sparkle. In addition to Nancy's oboe, Louis' piano, keyboard and light percussion set the easy tone of the album - a great start! "Golden Hour" has a somewhat different kind of grace and feels like bliss set to music. "The Loves We Lost" refers to the tragic losses so many experienced during the Covid pandemic. The piano alternates between major and minor modes, expressing heartbreaking loss as well as nostalgic memories. "Some Kinda Lullaby" is gentle musical magic. Piano, light percussion, and dreamy choral voices (no lyrics) provide a soothing massage for the mind and is a lullaby suitable for any age! "Dusk" brings in more instrumentation with keyboard, cello, the wine bottle xylophone, strings and more - silky-smooth and dreamy. Nancy Rumbel returns on "Aurora," as do the cellist and flutist along with Louis and his keyboard - very smooth and relaxing. "That First Morning" is like a peaceful sunrise set to music - gently hushed yet full of optimism and promise. Piano, percussion, and light choral voices soothe and uplift. "Summer's Glow" brings back most of the ensemble - piano, keyboard, cello, guitar and flute - and the results are sure to ease the mind as they uplift the spirit. "The Blue Hour" is a quiet piano solo (mostly) that brings this excellent album to a tranquil close. Deep sigh!

Iridescence is available from Amazon and Apple Music/iTunes as well as many streaming sites including Spotify. Sheet music will be available from Metropolis Music Publishing, Belgium. Highly recommended!