Solo Piano Fantasies is Louis Landon’s second release for 2018 (so far!). A Steinway Artist, Landon also keeps a very full concert schedule touring all over the US. He recently played several of the fourteen pieces from this album in my house concert series and I found them to be some of my favorites of the evening. Solo Piano Fantasies was recorded on a Steinway B grand piano at The Peace Palace, Louis’ home studio in Sedona, AZ. Mastering was done by Joe Bongiorno at his Piano Haven Studio, also in Sedona. This is the twenty-first review I’ve written of Landon’s albums, not including compilations, and Solo Piano Fantasies is one of my favorites.

The album begins with my favorite track on the album, “Through the Dark Forest.” I love the swirling energy and freedom of this piece and the way the left hand keeps a steady rhythmic pattern while the right dances up and down the piano keyboard - I think it’s one of Louis’ best pieces to date. “Onward” seems to convey a sense of resolve and perseverance - moving forward no matter what. I really like this one, too! “Sky Gliding” really does feel like floating effortlessly through the air - exhilarating yet totally at peace. “Barn Raising Celebration” is a jazz and country hybrid of sorts - lively, joyous and lots of fun! “Danza Veloce” (“Fast Dance”) begins with a short, somber intro and then takes off - a colorful expression of “joie de vivre” and another favorite. “Why?” is a question many of us find ourselves asking more and more these days. The piece with that title is beautiful, searching and deeply poignant - I really like this one, too! “It Feels Like Spring” exudes a gentle warmth as it expresses the freshness of new life and rebirth as nature reawakens after a long winter’s nap. The infectious energy of “Guidance from Above” will get the toes tapping in no time - positive, optimistic and effervescent! The majestic beauty of the Sedona area has become a major influence in Landon’s music, and “Sacred Secret Painted Canyon” is a wonderful example of that. I love the mysterious tone and the dark rhythms in the deep bass of the piano. If I were ranking my favorite pieces on the album, this one would be #2! Love it! “Underwater” is in constant gentle motion with no hard edges, free to go where it wants at a relaxed, leisurely tempo. The last track is “Prayer for the New Day,” a hymn-like piece that needs no words to express hope and optimism.

Louis Landon continues to prove that he’s “excellent and better all the time” and the world is a better place with him and his music in it! Solo Piano Fantasies is available from www.LouisLandon.com, Amazon, iTunes and CD Baby.