The Small Hours is the sixth solo piano album from pianist/composer Neil Patton, one of my all-time favorite artists! Having been asked to proof-read the sheet music for the album about a month ago, I was able to really get inside of the music before I'd ever sat down and actually listened to the album (listening for proofing is very different from listening for reviewing!). Neil's previous albums have a variety of styles and wide-ranging dynamics, but because this album is about nighttime, he kept the dynamic range "appropriate to the quiet, dark hours of the night." Quoting Neil in the liner notes of the album:

"Much of the music collected here has its roots in night-time improvisations recorded during the long months of Covid shutdowns, while a few were sparked before or after these difficult days."

Neil was one of the frequent performers in my house concert series since he lives about 65 miles away, and I still stand by this quote from several albums ago: "There are a lot of really good pianists on the contemporary piano scene, but only a few are breath-taking, and Neil Patton is one of those." With The Small Hours, the breath-taking aspect of the music is the heart and deep emotion that went into creating it and bringing it to life. A worship pastor for twenty-seven years (now retired), Neil often expresses his faith and spirituality in his music. The fifteen tracks on the album are all original except "Nightwalk," which is based on the classic hymn, "Be Thou My Vision." As usual, I won't single out any favorites on this album because they are all so good.

The Small Hours begins with "Day's End," a quiet, reflective piece that sets the peaceful tone of the album. "We Will Tell the Stories" was released as a single prior to the full album's release and refers to a friend's promise to her dying father that she would preserve his diaries and photos and continue to "tell the stories." Although the piece conveys sadness, it also expresses hope - beautifully done! Neil makes very effective use of reverb (damper pedal?) in "Good To See You Again," a piece that refers to the nights when Neil's father visits in his dreams. "Above the Treetops" is for those who dream of flying - Neil's favorite kind of dreams. It's a lively and joyful expression of unrestrained freedom. "Falling Up" was inspired by a "worshipful starry night in Sedona, AZ" and is a vivid musical retelling of that experience. "The Moon and Sun Dance" was inspired by the cover artwork by Emmanuelle Le Gal and is a lively celebration of the various phases of the moon as it dances with the invisible sun. "Trust" also makes very effective use of reverb to create an "otherworldly" setting for a piece that describes the calm and tranquility that comes from being able to love and completely trust someone - incredibly peaceful and serene! "This Grief Lies Down Beside Me" is very still with a steady rhythm like a ticking clock and an incredibly poignant melody - I really can't imagine anyone not being deeply moved by this piece. "Daybreak" is the closing track and begins with a short variation on "Day's End" before going in its own direction, welcoming a new day and a fresh beginning.

The Small Hours will be released on October 18, 2024. It can be pre-ordered on Amazon and Bandcamp, and can be pre-saved on Spotify now. CDs will be available from Neil's website as well as Bandcamp. More links will be added as they become available. I give The Small Hours my highest recommendation!