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Rich Pellegrin: Solitude
ByPellegrin has previously recorded with his "two horns and a rhythm section" ensemble, fashioning a distinctive modern jazz sound of well-constructed, forward-leaning compositions. But, with Solitude, the pianist changes gears, a shift to an intimate, contemplative solo piano recording, shaping twenty- five cohesive freely improvised pieces entitled "Improvisation I" through to "Improvisation XXV."
Solemnity is a consistent theme. So is sparseness of approach, and delicate and deliberately rendered beauty, with a "Why play three notes when one gets to the heart of the matter" mind-set carrying the day. Playfulness makes its appearance ("Improvisation IV"), along with a sense of wonder ("Improvisation V"). "Improvisation VII" sounds like a pencil sketch of a visualization of reverence, and XIII might be a "letting go" acceptance of spiritual grace, while "Improvisation XIV" feels like a move towards the temporal.
Certainly the beauty and relative remoteness of Whidbey Island had a hand in the sound of the finished product, as did the somewhat incorrigible piano, difficult to play due to a few minor age-related mechanical difficulties, but chosen by Pellegrin for its unique character and full range of resonance. The choice worked out well.
Track Listing
Improvisations I - XXV
Personnel
Richard Pellegrin
pianoAdditional Instrumentation
Produced by Rich Pellegrin Recorded by Rich Pellegrin at Langley United Methodist Church, Langley, WA, Summer, 2019 Mixed & Mastered by Rob Boullion, assisted by Caleb Alexander at LinderVox Sound, Columbia, MO Cover design & layout by John Bishop
Album information
Title: Solitude: Solo Improvisations | Year Released: 2021 | Record Label: OA2 Records
Comments
About Richard Pellegrin
Instrument: Piano
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