Healing Hearts is the fourth solo piano release from Louis Landon in less than two years, an indication that his 2013 move to Sedona, AZ sparked an amazing creative streak for him. Since his move, Landon has established Healing Piano of Sedona which offers a unique sound healing experience to create mental, physical and emotional well-being. Landon is a Steinway Artist who has toured internationally and has released seventeen albums, eleven of which are solo piano (one is a “best of”). He has been using the techniques of Gurdjieff and Ouspensky for spiritual development since 1980. Healing Piano of Sedona was created to help people live life joyously, passionately, stress- and disease-free.

The thirteen tracks on Healing Hearts were created spontaneously to assist individuals in their emotional and spiritual well-being. I have to admit that in the past, I have had a strong preference for Landon’s more composed music, but he is improvising and performing so much now that his spontaneous music is incredibly cohesive and complete and the emotional content is rich and sincere. Landon has performed house concerts in my series every year for the past seven years and while his music has always been exceptionally good, now it’s often breathtaking in its beauty and honesty. Nothing is held back, coming from the purest source of creativity. I’m blown away by the music on Healing Hearts and am certain that it will be the second of Landon’s albums on my Favorites list for 2014.

Most of the tracks overflow with peace and serenity. In fact, Louis calls his home studio The Peace Palace and I can see why! A couple of pieces are a bit livelier, but the entire album is perfect for a warm and soothing background. However, be sure to treat your mind and soul to a blissful hour of calming music that can effortlessly heal the spirit and wash away the cares of the moment, the day, or life in general - at least for a while.

All of the tracks are exceptional, but I’ll mention a few favorites. “Amy’s Song” is a breath of fresh air - graceful, tender and very warm. Gorgeous! “Desert Peace” is somewhat more ambient and so peaceful. I love the title track, which is more minor and a bit darker, but so poignant and compelling. “Now or Never” seems to be offering support and encouragement to move forward - gently but firmly. “Sacred” is almost hymn-like. “The Great Unknown” is dedicated to a young family member who passed away recently. Dark and sometimes painfully sad, there is hope as the healing process takes place - an amazing piece of music! “The Painter” expresses the passionate spirit that can flow from one artist to another. “Unstoppable” begins quietly and simply, gradually building energy, strength and power. Unstoppable, indeed! A great, upbeat ending to a fantastic album!

Healing Hearts is a must-hear! It is available from louislandon.com, Amazon, iTunes, and CD Baby. Very highly recommended!