I have reviewed well-over 3000 albums over the years - some great, some really good, some so-so - but once in awhile one comes across my desk that has something special that's difficult to define. Richard Atkins' Pianistically Speaking is in that last category and presents a collection of fifteen original piano solos that gently take the listener to a place of serenity and calm, where stress and life's problems disappear - at least for as long as the music plays. A professional pianist in a very wide variety of settings for most of his life, I get the feeling that Richard is the happiest when he has a piano keyboard at his fingertips. His music isn't flashy or virtuosic (at least not on this album), but the amount of emotional depth and, well, soul, expressed in his music is truly inspiring as well as up-lifting - a real gift in these difficult times! Quoting Richard: "I derive my musical inspiration from such influences as Debussy, Mancini, Legrand, John Barry and John Williams to name a few." That's a varied lot to be sure, and it comes across in the music which is impossible to put into one genre - a big plus in my book!

It is definitely worth mentioning that Pianistically Speaking was recorded at Joe Bongiorno's Piano Haven Studio in Sedona, AZ on his incredible Shigeru Kawai concert grand piano. As always, the sound quality is superb and very expressive.

Pianistically Speaking begins with "Torn Apart," a bittersweet piece that comes from the heart. Although I can imagine words with the melody, I'm sure the piece is more effective without them and is more relatable to a wide variety of experiences. "Enamored" would easily fit into the soundtrack of a movie about the magic of two people falling in love. "Nirvana" has some interesting Middle Eastern touches in places, gently taking us to a place of peace and well-being. Set to a waltz tempo, "French Cafe" has a much lighter, more carefree feeling. "Peace" floats on a sea of calm and fits perfectly with watching my cat sleeping on my lap! "Out To Sea" can mean a lot of things, but this piece conveys the gentle motion of being on the water beyond the breakers with a calm wind and no worries at all. "Always There" overflows with love, warmth and tenderness as it comforts and reassures. My favorite track is "Ocean" with its rolling left hand chords and gentle melody. In a few places, the right hand changes themes to express sparkles on the water, birds flying overhead and shifts in the breeze (my interpretation!). Love it! "Chill" can also mean a number of things, and the piece with that title suggests an icy sparkle as well as a calm but bracing breeze - or it could just be about relaxing and feeling at ease. Take your pick! "Echoes" is another favorite with its melancholy tone and dreamy feeling - very honest and from the heart. "It's Time To Go" is the perfect closing track with its bittersweet "so long for now."

Pianistically Speaking is available as a CD or a download from Richard Atkins' website; to download or stream from Amazon and Apple Music/iTunes; and on many streaming platforms including Spotify and Pandora. Put a little piano magic into your life - it's a beauty!