With a very impressive list of awards and accomplishments to his credit, I have no idea why I haven't heard pianist/composer Wayne Bethanis' music before now! I'm happy to say that the problem has been remedied thanks to Wayne's latest creation, Sonic Bloom. The album is a collection of twelve original pieces that convey "a very deep conviction, describing subjects both universal and profoundly personal, through Wayne’s world-renown
gift for melody, untouchable arrangements and virtuoso piano skills." The music was orchestrated by Marcus Sjowall, Jared Kraft, Ross Mitchell, Benedikt Brydern and many of the tracks have a big, cinematic sound. Some tracks also include vocals. Quoting Wayne from the liner notes of the album:

“SONIC BLOOM is the result of a year-plus of simply allowing my creative pen to find its way. I think this album represents the ever-expanding consciousness; the Big Bang moments we’ve all been compelled to experience almost every day in recent times. Is SONIC BLOOM an album filled with big anthems and world-beat melodies? Probably. But the truth is I was writing for all of us; we’ve been through quite a lot lately; and you’ll find something in every song to make you feel good, or at least give you an idea to hold onto, to nurture for yourself on your own terms. It’s this archetypal world of symbolism that binds us all."

Sonic Bloom begins with "We Will Rise Once More," an "epic piano manifesto of rebirth." Orchestrated including electric guitars and a full choir, the piece expresses the triumph of overcoming great odds and emerging stronger than ever. It begins quietly with a piano intro but then quickly expands to the full orchestra with the piano in the lead with the melody and some fancy finger-work - a great start! "Don't Look Back (The World is Changing)" also has a very symphonic, anthemic feeling, advising us wordlessly "to stay forward-facing and ready for the next phase of wonder and awareness." "You Know I Will Remember You (Room 112)" is a deeply personal and emotional piece that's one of my favorites on the album. There is some orchestration behind the piano, but this is mostly a piano piece, allowing the honesty and heartfelt emotion to come through without a lot of embellishment. "There Is a Place Beyond the Heart" explores the question of whether there is a such a place where love connects us together. It begins with mostly piano, expanding into full orchestration with choral voices - very warm and inspiring! "My Dream of the Golden West" is something of a tribute to Rock Hudson and seamlessly weaves together a variety of contrasting themes that describe "the rural frontier of the Old West, and the geniuses who were compelled to answer the call of their hearts to adventure." - another favorite! "Waltz of the Sirens" is a graceful, dreamy dance that could intoxicate the strongest of sailors! Piano, strings and light voices swell to an epic finish - another favorite! "Ten of Hearts" is a bright and lively answer to "The Bexley Bop" from a previous album. Just try to sit still to this one - and check out that sax! "That's How We Say Goodbye" is the perfect closing for the album with its poignant, bittersweet piano melody and gentle message of farewell.

I'm so glad I was finally introduced to Wayne Bethanis and his music! Sonic Bloom is available to stream or download from Amazon, Apple Music/iTunes and Bandcamp as well as on streaming platforms such as Spotify and Pandora. Check it out!