Matthew Zachary’s second solo piano CD is stunning. I didn’t think he could improve on his first album, Scribblings, and was surprised at first at how much more complex musically Every Step of the Way is. The reason for that is simple - in 1999, Matthew was still recovering and retraining his left hand after surgery in 1996 to remove a malignant, golf-ball-sized brain tumor. He had to start from scratch with his left hand not only with playing the piano, but writing, and most other functions. If you are not familiar with Matthew’s story, please see my review of Scribblings or visit matthewzachary.com/#concertpianist to learn more about this incredible young man who has been to hell and back and survived, determined to share his message of hope and encouragement with those less fortunate than he is and who are still struggling with the ravages of cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Now six years in remission, Matthew’s two CDs are being used extensively with health care providers and organizations to provide messages of hope and inspiration through “InspirationTherapy”. Classically-trained for ten years, Matthew Zachary successfully blends classical and jazz elements into his own distinctive style, keeping the tone positive, but not shying away from the discordances that are part of life and reality. Three of the eleven pieces are improvisations, giving us a marvelous look at the inner workings of an incredible musical mind. As with Scribblings, it is difficult to single out any favorites. All of the pieces are strong, colorful, and full of hope. I do especially like “Followthrough,” with its moving forward, catching its breath, and then surging forward again. “Aura” is one of the improvisations, and is a swirling, roller coaster of a piece. “Kaleidoscope” was composed for a child’s ear, simple, direct, and positive - a musical warm and encouraging smile. If I had to choose one favorite piece from this outstanding CD, it would be “Believe.” One of the improvisations, I love the shifting rhythms and a phrase that also appears in “Rain” on Scribblings. This piece is an anthem to Life and to the joy of beating the odds. I love it! “Wynter” has traces of Vince Guaraldi’s compositions for the Peanuts Specials, and was composed as a tribute to Charles Schultz. “Autumn Drive” starts out peacefully and builds to describe country-side scenery blurring at high-speed on a back road. Also full of joy and exhilaration, this is another great piece in a great collection! Every Step of the Way is sure to be on my Top-10 for 2002!