Wayne Gratz’s Still Morning Light - The Album includes the four piano-based pieces from the Still Morning Light EP and the five piano solos on the Still Morning Light, Vol. II EP plus five new pieces. Recorded over a period of two years, the full album is an outstanding collection of original piano solos as well as pieces featuring piano/keyboards (Gratz) with light percussion (Rick Sky on rainstick, ocean drum and cymbals) and/or acoustic guitar (Wayne Fisher). Although some compilations put the tracks in the same order they were released, Wayne has created a completely different playing order for a fresh new listening experience. I have been a huge fan of Wayne’s music since his debut album on the Narada label, Reminiscence, in 1989, and taught much of his sheet music to my piano students over the years, so new music from him always feels like a happy reunion with an old friend.

For this review, I’ll put my main focus on the new pieces since I reviewed both of the EPs. Still Morning Light - The Album begins with the title track, a beautiful piece that includes choral voices (no lyrics) along with light keyboard instrumentation. As gentle and peaceful as a sunrise by the ocean, the music inspires visions of soft pastel colors as well as the promise and potential of a new day. Serenity flows from each note of the solo piano “Sands of April” and feels much like walking barefoot on a sunny beach, mesmerized by the beauty and rhythms of the ocean. “Homestead Wildlife” is one of the new pieces and begins with ambient choral voices before the piano enters. The piece becomes more orchestrated as it evolves, staying very ambient and ethereal as it tells its wordless story - simply beautiful! “Grand View” is a very peaceful and expressive piano solo that feels spontaneous and relaxed. "The Disappearing Island" was my favorite track from the first EP and is a favorite on the full album as well. Sounds of the ocean and sea birds begin the piece before the piano enters with a poignant melody that expresses feelings of sadness and loss - incredibly beautiful and deeply emotional. “Hymn 10 9 10” incorporates various atmospheric keyboard sounds behind the piano, giving it feelings of vast open space and mystery. The easy, effortless pace of “Falling Into Autumn” makes me think of the beauty of watching colorful leaves drifting on a breeze - classic Wayne Gratz! “Walking Off a Dream” has gentle voices behind the piano that give it an intriguing otherworldly feeling. At about the midpoint of the piece other quiet instruments add their tonal colors to the beautifully expressive piano. On “One Star Until Sunrise,” Wayne very effectively uses the piano’s dampers to create atmospheric washes behind a simple melody that sparkles like stars on a very dark sky - beautifully descriptive! The album comes to a peaceful close with the first track on Volume 2, “Red on Right Returning,” a light and gentle piece that feels like when you see or hear something so beautiful it makes you cry. Love it!

Wayne Gratz has created another musical work of art with Still Morning Light - The Album and I give it my highest recommendation! The album is available to stream and download from Amazon as well as on many streaming platforms including Spotify and Pandora. Don’t miss this one!