The studio is set up, functioning, and with a few minor exceptions…completed….for now. I have even connected plumbing for a bathroom now. Thank God! 

I have been recording solo piano sessions through the summer and have began editing and composing final instrumentations for a new album this fall. The piano recordings are rich in acoustic tone and depth. I have been long considering the options of releasing solo piano verses an ambient chamber version of the compositions. Subtle textures of cello and violin have been recorded so far and I am very intrigued with the results so far. I feel like I am coming full orbit around previous releases like “A Day of Poetry” and “The Emotive Leaf”. 

There are some definite influences on some this new music underway including: 

Arvo Part, John Cage (specifically “In A Landscape”),  John Tavener, Olafur Arnolds, Peteris Vasks (specifically “Distant Light”), David Darling (specifically on ECM records “Dark Wood”), as well as some of ECM record labels' solo piano releases. These influences are touching on certain feelings that have been triggered in the past by these composers as well as the sonic quality and impression their music has been presented in recorded formats. So for some influences a catalyst/inspiratrion, and others - a challenging mark to aspire to.  

I have considered collaboration with other string players for this project, and I have even initiated the conversation with some potential musicians in my area. However, the timing and entire effort for anyone to commit is still uncertain for this project. In the meantime, the string arrangements, on my own, have been experimental and quite improvisational using my cello and violin in the studio. I have yet to employ the sampled string sections I have at my disposal in my audio library.  I am more interested in using whatever makes each song better until I reach a final stage that I feel no other options are worth exploring. Perhaps, by the end, some subtle synth or string section will still find it way in…but as it stands…this project, so far, has been a true, ambient- acoustic, instrumental project - piano centered all the way through. Most titles have been finalized already and I am simply trying to serve each track the best I can to reach its full potential for this new upcoming album. 

Wishing all a positive and healthy Thanksgiving in America coming up...

~ Nathan