Another Time, Another Place is the anxiously anticipated new solo piano release from pianist/composer Robin Spielberg. Her seventeenth album is the first release of new original material since 2008’s A New Kind of Love. Spielberg has been one of my favorite artists since we first found each other online nearly twenty years ago. Even then, her piano touch was magical and her music a cut above that of most contemporary pianists, but both have deepened and become even richer over the years. The album was inspired by one of Spielberg’s favorite subjects - time - and each piece explores the concept of time in some way, either by remembering a special first moment, a daydream about time travel, or the wish that time would move faster. The album was recorded on a restored 1898 Steinway that Robin refers to as “a gem” that did everything it was told to do (there aren’t many pianos around that you can say that about!). As timeless as the music being performed, this piano is the perfect vehicle for Spielberg’s most personal album to date.

Another Time, Another Place begins with “First Dance,” a haunting waltz that expresses the magical first dance of two people in love - a wonderful start and one of my favorites! “Ship to Shore” is a lively and carefree salute to the work songs that have helped many workers get through the labors of the day. From light and breezy, we go to the dark and very powerful title track that explores the idea of who we would have been if we were able to travel back in time and to another place. (This piece is also a lot of fun to play because of its dramatic nature!) The light and delicate “Cherry Blossom” celebrates the beauty of these little flowers floating through the air on a spring breeze. Although the piece is distinctly a Spielberg composition, the Asian influence is striking. “In My Dreams” poignantly and gracefully wishes that cancer could be cured during a dream cycle or in the amount of time it takes to listen to the song. “After All” is a beautiful ballad with a melody strong enough to support lyrics, although none are needed to convey the heartfelt message of the song. “The Time Traveler” reminds me in places of another Spielberg favorite called “The Nature of Time” although this new piece doesn’t have major tempo changes like “Nature” does. Dreamy yet grounded, it’s a beauty! The album closes with Spielberg’s arrangement of Puccini’s lovely “O Mio Babbino Caro (Oh My Beloved Father).” Tender and heartfelt, it’s a wonderful finish to this outstanding album.

Longtime fans of Robin Spielberg’s music will love her latest release and new fans will quickly hear why she is so loved and respected all over the world. Another Time, Another Place is available from robinspielberg.com, Amazon, iTunes, and most major music retailers. Very highly recommended! (Pianists take note that a companion songbook is also available!)