Kathy Parsons' Review of "Reflections"

Dan Chadburn’s second album of impressive piano pieces quickly went from being an exciting discovery to one of my “Top 10 Favorite” albums for 1999. Four tracks include strings, flute, and/or horns, and eight are solo piano. The closing track, “Stay With Me” is one of the few vocal selections on otherwise instrumental albums that I really like. In most cases, for me, these songs seem awkward and out of place, but “Stay With Me” fits in very nicely and brings this excellent collection to a warm and tender close.

My favorite piece on “Reflections” is “Shifting Sands”, a pensive and somewhat somber solo piano work. The meter changes several times during the course of the piece, giving a sense of questioning or perhaps confusion. Passions rise as the piece develops, and then quiet to a feeling of inner peace. Pieces like this make my fingers itch to play them!

The title track is a lovely, wistful opening to the CD - reminiscing set to music. “Dream Catcher” is also a gentle, flowing piano solo. “Nightfall” is a soothing duet for piano and viola. “Amazing Grace” seems to be to the late ‘90s and early 2000s what Pachelbel’s “Canon in D” was to the ‘80s. I’ve reviewed three albums in the past few months that included it, and all had a lovely interpretation that was different from the others. Dan’s “hymntune improvisation” on this beloved hymn is fresh and contemporary while still true to the song’s sacred roots. “Invitation” is perhaps the most upbeat song in this collection. It is full of changing themes that dance and sing and maybe even plead a little bit. “Companion” is truly a love song with strings and horns gently underscoring the emotions expressed so beautifully. “Farewell” tugs at the heartstrings. Summed up in a single word, “Wow!”

The warmth and sincerity of Dan Chadburn’s playing and composing are refreshing, soothing, and inspiring. I am so happy to have found his music, and look forward to seeing what else he has up his sleeve!

Kathy Parsons
MainlyPiano.com
(1999)

Kathy Parsons' Review of "Solo Piano"

Dan Chadburn’s debut recording is a soaring collection of thirteen wonderful compositions and improvisations. Some solo piano albums seem a bit empty and in need of accompaniment, but Dan clearly indicates why solo piano can be the most expressive of any musical medium. I’ve probably listened to this album at least twenty times, but each time, I’ve discovered something new, and the songs always seem as fresh as the first time I heard them. Dan’s playing style reflects his classical background, as well as his love of improvisation, and his compositions are full of passion and emotion without being overblown or melodramatic.

The CD opens with “Beginnings”, a sweetly uplifting piece full of hope and the joy of discovery. “Solitude” is spare and very atmospheric - I can picture someone playing this in a dark, empty room with only moonlight for illumination. My favorite song on the album is “Silence Once Served”, an introspective piece of musical soul-searching. The melody is simple, but so heartfelt that it affects me every time. “Midnight Romance” is a gently swirling waltz - quiet but passionate. “Elegy” is my other favorite piece. As its title indicates, there is a feeling of loss and sadness, but there is also a feeling of celebration of someone’s life. Gentle, yet very strong, there is an intensely personal feeling in this piece. “Home Again” lightens the mood, conveying warmth and a sense of relief at being back “home” - very contented!

Excellent from start to finish, I highly recommend this album!

Kathy Parsons
MainlyPiano.com
(1999)