There is a plethora of albums out there that claim to be “healing” or “soothing,” but this is the real deal! Steven Cravis has created an hour+ of some of the most beautiful ambient solo piano music I’ve ever heard. Recorded at Joe Bongiorno’s Piano Haven Studios near Seattle, the sound of the piano is perfection. Some extra reverb gives the impression of vast space, and Cravis’ slow and gentle improvisations coax the listener into a relaxed state and sense of well being. Intended for massage, Reiki, meditation and better sleep, Cravis created this music to help himself wind down and sleep more deeply at night. My first experience with the album was in my wake-up CD player, and I didn’t even hear it until the player shut off after an hour! This isn’t meant to imply that Healing Piano is boring. It just easily slides into the background and provides a serene setting for whatever it is you’re doing. I love having it playing while I’m working on my computer. I’m listening, but not totally focused on the music, aware that I’m hearing some incredible piano music, but not really drawn in to the point of distraction. I can stop and listen fully at any point, basking in the warmth of the music, and then it just melts back into the background.

Healing Piano is made up of eight nocturnes - an opening “Prelude” and seven pieces improvised in the keys associated with the seven main chakras. Those key signatures were the only guiding structure Cravis gave himself when he went into the studio to record. Certified and licensed in massage, Cravis has extensively studied and explored holistic healing, and I’m sure some of those experiences were part of his creative process in making this music. His velvet touch on the piano keys soothes the mind and I often find myself letting go of a deep sigh while listening. Healing Piano is a little bit of heaven that you can take with you wherever you go! It is available from www.stevencravis.com, Amazon, CD Baby, and iTunes. Very highly recommended!