Solo Piano for Love, Peace & Mermaids is pianist/composer Louis Landon’s ninth CD and fourth solo piano CD. Some of the pieces on this CD were inspired by Landon’s Improvs for Peace, improvisations he has featured on his website for free download since 2008. As a solo pianist for peace, Landon has expanded his mission to create a peaceful and loving world for all life forms, “including mermaids, who are now classified as an endangered species” (hence the title). A career musician all of his working life, Landon has been a solo artist since his debut solo piano album Unwind in 2005. He has a very strong background in classical music as well as jazz, and his remarkable versatility reflects this. From hypnotic, flowing pieces to dense chords and complex rhythms, Landon can do it all with style, originality, and flair.

The album begins with “Orbits,” a lively and carefree piece that swirls and dances around the piano keyboard - a great opening! “Fall” is a bit more reflective as an arpeggiated left hand accompanies streams of descending notes that suggest autumn leaves falling and blowing in a gentle breeze - definitely a favorite! “Happily Ever After” is pure musical sunshine - light and joyful. “Heartbreak Ballet” turns up the drama with a hauntingly beautiful melody accompanied by a flowing left hand - love it! “I Found You” is a sweet and tender love song that begins in the upper registers of the piano and works its way down as it evolves. I really like this one, too. “Siren” is a knock-out! I saw Landon perform this piece this summer, and was completely mesmerized. The left hand plays a hypnotic broken chord pattern while the right hand sparkles and dances - enchanting! I can’t wait for the sheet music! “Seattle Rain” is gentle yet lively and has a fascinating irregular rhythm - another standout! “Light Sea” reveals Landon’s jazz roots perhaps more than the other pieces. Relaxed yet darkly atmospheric, it shows another side of Landon. “A Lover’s Kiss” closes the album very peacefully - a musical caress that warms and soothes.

Louis Landon really hit it out of the ballpark with Solo Piano for Love, Peace & Mermaids! What a great album! It is available from Amazon, iTunes, and CD Baby. Very highly recommended!