River: Solo Piano Volume 1 is the first instrumental album by Phil Laeger, an artist born in the US and currently living in Australia. Laeger’s previous releases have been vocal recordings, but he has always included instrumental interludes on his albums. Laeger started learning the piano at an early age and this album has been in the works for a long time. From the title, it is clear that Laeger plans to continue with his solo piano recordings, and that is good news, indeed! For the purists, I should mention that River is mostly solo piano. There are a few passages that include strings, but those passages serve to underscore the passion and beauty of the music. Laeger describes River as “a modern classical soundtrack that follows the journey of a river from beginning to end.” The search for the ideal piano to enact this journey led Laeger to Stuart and Sons, the Australian maker of handcrafted grand pianos - some of which sport additional keys and pedals. The model Laeger recorded on is a 102-key concert grand (one of five in existence!) that resonates perfectly with his compositions which range from very calm and gently flowing to rapid, energetic pieces that sparkle like sunlight dancing on water.

River opens (appropriately) with “The Journey Begins,” a lively piece that expresses excitement and anticipation. I love the classically-styled “Flow,” with its constant movement and gorgeous, heartfelt melody. The strings are perfect on this piece - especially the haunting cello - this one deserves a “Wow!” “A Well Worn Path” is also quite classical and again includes strings in addition to the piano. Lovely! “Rapids I” picks up the pace with strings expressing the smooth movement of the river and the piano depicting the quickly moving current and splashes of water. At a bit over seven minutes, “Changing the Landscape” is a leisurely descriptive piece that feels both peaceful and determined - another favorite. “Levee and Release” is also more than seven minutes and has a more ambient style with ample use of the dampers to create an atmospheric sound that never gets muddy. The bolder middle section is stately and spare, returning to the quiet of the first theme. “Over the Falls” features rapidly cascading notes spilling over the top and continuing onward once they reach the bottom, triumphantly making the transition. As the title suggests, “A Placid Scene” is peaceful and very relaxed - taking a break before the final leg of the journey. “Into the Sea” is the river meeting the ocean currents and the swirling waters that ensue as they merge as one. “The Journey Begins Again” is an expanded reprise of the opening track, bringing us full circle, refreshed and renewed.

River is a fascinating and very enjoyable album and I am very much looking forward to Volume 2! Recommended!