The Depths is the third album from pianist/composer Monica Logani and follows her 2016 debut, Secret Garden, and 2020's The Long Road. A classically-trained pianist, Logani's original music reflects both classical and world music influences, giving her a unique voice. Some of the fourteen tracks on the album are solo piano while others include guitars (Gregg Zubowicz) and/or strings (Maria Grigoryeva). Offering listeners close to an hour of peace and calm as well as a temporary escape from the chaos of today's world, the music is about the journey within and the quiet truths that can be uncovered there. A very personal musical expression, I can't imagine anyone not being moved by the beauty of the music as well as its message.

The Depths begins with "Dreams of Zagyva," a slow, bittersweet waltz for piano and strings that establishes the dreamy tone of the album. "Stars," also for piano and strings, is very melancholy and reflective, flowing gently and freely while allowing the emotional elements of the music to be fully expressed. The title track (for piano and cello) feels wistful and dreamy while "Silver Lining" (piano and strings) is much warmer with a gentle flow. "Midnight Express" adds guitar to the piano and strings, and begins with an acoustic guitar prelude. Darker and more mysterious, it adds a bit of intrigue to the mix! Near the end of the piece, a vibrant electric guitar enters, fading out at the end. "Misty" continues as a trio. The smoothly-flowing broken chords in the lower half of the piano keyboard evoke feelings of motion and moving forward - a favorite. "Wooden Horses" is a piano solo that is very slow, open and uncomplicated, telling a story that moves freely and from the heart. Also a piano solo, "Solitude" uses reverb or the damper pedal to create an effective solitary ambiance that is comfortable and relaxed. The first half and closing section of "Diamond Gaze" are solo piano, with a passage in the middle that is piano and strings, trailing off at the end - very soothing and hypnotic. "Offering" begins with a mysterious Middle Eastern-influenced acoustic guitar solo that becomes a guitar and piano duet, and then a piano solo. Very ambient and open, I really like the tonal colors that flow from this one. The opening acoustic guitar solo (with light synth in the background) at the beginning of "Eternal" is haunting and compelling, as is the piano solo that follows it. About a third of the way in, the strings enter to accompany the piano. There are several mournful piano solos throughout the piece as well as various combinations of the other instruments. Although the music seems fairly simple, it carries a very strong emotional impact. The final movement of the piece includes a powerful electric guitar along with the full ensemble - a big finish, indeed!

The Depths is available from Amazon, Apple Music/iTunes and many of the streaming sites including Spotify and Pandora. Check it out!