The Road Home is pianist/composer Thad Fiscella’s fifth CD to date, and this time he has added strings to a few of the fourteen original pieces. A youth pastor and the father of three children, Fiscella’s music is designed for meditation, relaxation, and to soothe the soul. His graceful melodies come from a place deep within, expressing passion, love, and life experiences that are both personal and universal. The gentle themes make lovely background music, but are complex enough for more careful listening to savor the nuances as well as the beauty of each piece. Fiscella is a classically-trained pianist, and his music reflects that influence as well as that of the church music he is very involved in, blending to create a contemporary piano style that crosses into several genres.

The Road Home begins with “Surrey Hills,” a piece that evokes images of tall grasses moving to the rhythms of a gentle breeze - very peaceful and warm. “Together Again” is a tender love song that goes right to the heart. Very slow and simple, there is a tremendous amount of passion in the depths of this piece - a favorite. “Orchard Skies” is another favorite and makes me think of lying on the ground and looking up at the sky through a canopy of leaves, watching the light dance as the leaves move. “Beauty of Grace” is the first of the songs for piano and strings (including cello which gives the strings a full, rich sound), and would be lovely in a film soundtrack. “Annie’s Song” is a very sweet, uncomplicated piece that overflows with love. “Evening Song” is possibly my favorite track (I can’t decide - a good thing!). A simple melody is played over a lively and flowing accompaniment in the first theme, becoming very serene and quiet in the second, returning to the first theme in the third section, and then fading into peaceful dreams at the end - a great piece! “Yesteryear” is a nostalgic look back on fond, bittersweet memories - graceful and poignant. “First Dance” has been nominated for the Hollywood Music and Media Awards. An ensemble piece for piano and strings, it conveys the deep feelings of new love - another great movie piece! “At The Cross” closes the album with a simple, heartfelt hymn that expresses deep reverence, devotion, and peace.

The Road Home is a beauty that shows Thad Fiscella maturing into a very exceptional artist. It is available from www.thadfiscella.com, Amazon, iTunes, and CD Baby. Recommended!