[.ca] Solid Colors

From Amazon.com:
Story's remarkable 1983 debut is the intellectual sister of Winston's December--a discursive series of solo piano improvisations that draw on the rich jazz harmony of pioneers like Bill Evans, Story's acknowledged chief inspiration. Yet Colors is almost minimalist next to Evans's more densely textured works--a spacious blend of polychords, breezy runs, and finely timed sustenutos, with an accessible spirit and memorable melodies--like the uplifting figure she plays over a simple descending bassline in "Hymn," or the indelible major-key main theme of "Things with Wings." More economical than Keith Jarrett, more florid and changeable than Winston, Story finds a compelling middle ground here between jazz harmony and classical technique, outside improv and sturdy songcraft, complex performance and inner stillness. --James Rotondi

My Mentor & Inspiration:
Liz Story. What can I say? As a fellow pianist/composer, Liz put the joy & inspiration back into my playing. With her debut of Solid Colors, which, in my eyes, is her best of all, she gave me back a passion I lost over the years. When I serendipitously fell upon her first music anthology book, my heart actually began to race with excitement. Finally the songs I fell in love with, I could learn. Within a month, I had the entire book memorized & an entire new confidence came over me. Her style, rhythms, chord progressions et al, influenced & enlightened my playing. I also had the priviledge to see her in concert, hug her & have her sign my music anthology "Escape of the Circus Ponies". Pure acoustical genious. Thank you Liz. (check out my single CD "The Promise" while you're at it!)

Whimsical reveries for solo piano:
Redolant with imagination, fancy and emotion, the piano stylings of Liz Story are always appealing and the gentle, modern keyboard fantasies on "Solid Colors" are no exception. I normally prefer hearing the sounds of multiple instruments playing together, but Story's gentle, accoustic improvisations are so rich and varied that I find I really don't miss the backup band. Though this Narada CD tends to be classified in the nebulous, ever-widening net of "New Age" music, I'd categorize instead as light jazz, of the sort you'd expect to enjoy hearing over brunch at a fine city restaurant. It makes a great backdrop for a brunch of your own too, served warm at home for a few good friends. For more of Liz Story's stylish compositions and superb musicianship, check out her many other releases. If you enjoy her work, you may also like the work of pianist Keiko Matsui as heard on her albums "White Owl" and "Doll"--more orchestrated but equally whimsical and passionate.

This album has wings:
"Solid Colors" is one of those albums you keep close at hand to play over and over. I particularly love "Things with Wings" which composer-player Story says caused her pet birds to sing along as she played. I can attest that as an amateur pianist, I have had birds outside my window chirp along with certain Mozart sonatas and also with this piece. All the songs on the album combine wonderfully, but "Things with Wings" is special. I love to listen to it, and it's a joy to play on piano as well. This is one of my "Must-Have" New Age CD's.

Great relaxing CD that I can't get enough of!:
I'm a student and usually listen to music to help me relax while studying. This one is my favorite! The melodies are nonintrusive and memorable. The entire CD flows like a river from beginning to end. If you like this particular Liz Story CD, check ot Jims Chapell's "DUSK", very similar and also listenable over and over.

Beautiful Solo Piano!:
Solid Colors is a beautiful compilation of melodies, most of which where written by Story herself. This is one of her earlier works, released in 1982, and is also my favorite Liz Story cd. This cd ranges in a variety of emotion, which makes for a wonderful blend of music. Like George Winston, Liz Story is an anchor for Windham Hill Records. Bravo to Will Ackerman on his ability to showcase great talent (He is the founder of Windham Hill and incidently, produced this cd). She has a lovely flow to her playing. I listen to this cd over and over and over......For some reason, it reminds me of the Fall season. Maybe Solid Colors is a suitable autumn name afterall. If you aren't familiar w/ her music, this would make a great cd to start with. "17 Seconds to Anywhere" is another good one. I can tell you this, this is some great music to relax with and if you enjoy solo paino, then you'll love Solid Colors...any season, day or night!

• Wedding Rain
• Pacheco Pass
• Without You
• Hymn
• Things With Wings
• Solid Colors
• Bradley's Dream
• White Heart
• Water Caves
• Peace Piece