Time Dances Past is the eleventh solo piano album from award-winning pianist/composer Lynn Tredeau, an artist I’ve been reviewing since her 2015 debut, Echoes of Life. Lynn’s music is always very expressive, telling stories and describing experiences from her own life as well as others. Time Dances Past is a collection of thirteen original piano solos, twelve of which were released as singles over the past two years. I’ve always been very impressed with Lynn’s gentle touch on the piano keys and that has definitely carried over into this album as well. A longtime piano teacher as well as a pianist/composer, Lynn brings a wealth of experience to her original compositions while keeping her music very accessible and easy to relate to and understand.

Quoting Lynn: "Time Dances Past" evokes the reality of an unstoppable passage of time
and the silent ballet of moments slipping through our lives. Each step is a memory and each twirl a season gone by. There is a bittersweet beauty of how life leaves behind footprints made of shadows and light. I share my tales of wonder and melancholy to remind us all that while we cannot hold on to time, we can feel its rhythm every day of our lives.

Time Dances Past begins with “Her Hands,” a slow, dreamy piece that seems to express both nostalgia and love - perhaps inspired by beloved memories of Lynn's mother or grandmother. “Special Wish” overflows with tenderness and gentle emotion, telling a story without the use of words. “Small Town Summer” reflects on memories from the past and how far away they seem to be (my own interpretation!). Taking on a more melancholy feeling, “Thread the Needle” seems to say (to me, anyway) that before you an start a project, you have to take that first step - you must thread the needle before you can sew. I really like this one! Bathed in gentle musical sunshine, “Daisies In Her Hair” suggests images of sweetness and innocence. “Socks on Shoes” is a rather different title and the piece is a lightly-flowing waltz that again reflects a child-like innocence tinged with bittersweet memories - another favorite! On the surface, “It’s Complicated” seems very simple and straightforward, but the emotions expressed go much deeper and are anything but simple. I really like this one, too! “Capture the Breeze” moves like a gentle wind - unpredictable and at its own pace. The time signature seems to change often, much like the rhythms of a breeze. “When I Dream” could be considered a lullaby for any age. Very slow and open with a gentle rocking motion, it will at least soothe and relax if it doesn’t actually put you to sleep! Endings are often difficult and sad, and “One Last Time” expresses that with heartfelt emotion that will likely touch every listener in a very personal way. The album closes with “Turn the Page,” a symbolic phrase for “pick up the pieces and move on” - not always easy to do, but with support and encouragement, it’s a lot easier. To me, that’s the message of the last piece, and it’s a heartfelt beauty!

Time Dances Past is available to stream and download from Amazon and Apple Music/iTunes and is available on many streaming platforms including Spotify and Pandora. It’s a beautiful and very soothing album!