Louis Landon is going through a really creative and productive period in his life and his music just keeps getting better! Although I think I still like last year’s Peaceful Solo Piano From the Heart just a little bit more, Sedona On My Mind is excellent (and getting better all the time!!!). Known as The Pianist for Peace, Landon has taken on a second mission to inspire people to live joyously and passionately, and most of the music on this album is very upbeat and lively. A couple of tracks are darker, giving the album as a whole a balance in moods and emotional energy. It is also a showcase for Landon’s more-than-impressive playing chops. Recorded and mastered by Joe Bongiorno at Piano Haven Studio in Sedona, AZ, the piano sound is impeccable - warm, clear, and gorgeous.

Sedona On My Mind begins with the title track, a piece Landon later wrote lyrics for. The strong melody sings with or without words, conveying a relaxed, almost carefree optimism, and a sense of moving forward - a great start! “Wide Open Spaces” is played mostly in the upper registers of the piano, expressing feelings of awe and wonder. When Louis played “Spring Has Sprung” in concert at my house last month, a pair of hummingbirds were dancing around in my fuchsias outside the window - a perfect image for this piece. I love “Leave the Past Behind,” one of the darker pieces (I know I always gravitate to those!). Alternating between major and minor modes, the piece feels conversational, imparting wisdom and life experience. “Beautiful Day” is languid and soothing, creating a mood of blissful relaxation. “Silent Movie” tells a story through the use of musical themes that vary widely. If you’ve been following Landon for any amount of time, you know that he has an Adirondack chair in his backyard that has taken on a life of its own. It has a Facebook page and was featured on the cover of Landon’s retrospective album, 10 Years. Now the infamous chair has its own song - and a beautiful, serene piece it is! “Sun On My Face” is joy set to music. “Play In Seven” takes an odd time signature and runs with it - fluid but not quite smooth with that odd beat, yet compelling. “Is This Goodbye?” is my favorite. Beyond sad, this expressive and deeply emotional piece grabs me every time. I can’t wait for the sheet music! “Sunday Musings” feels like an improvisation - very free and spontaneous yet cohesive, sharing random thoughts at the piano. “Liberation” closes the album with happiness jazzed up and feeling good!

Hmmm - after writing this, now I’m not sure which of the two albums I like better. Sure to be one of my favorites for the year, Sedona On My Mind is available from louislandon.com, Amazon, and iTunes. Very highly recommended!