American Ivory
Navona, 2021
8/10
The piano virtuoso Richard Fountain makes an indelible impression on this first album with the Navona label, where he offers much diversity while interpreting artists like Aaron Copland, Samuel Barber and Gary D. Belshaw, among others.
“First Modern Suite, Op. 10” starts the listen with both rumbling and calm moments of spellbinding piano work that’s quite complicated yet very accessible, and “Camp Springs” follows with a serene, soothing approach, as does the warm spirit of “Gratitude”.
Further along, “Passacaglia” brings both tension and grace to a cautious landscape, while “Nocturne, Op.33” gets dramatic and bold with fascinating chord progressions. “Saturday Night Waltz”, near the end, then offers a playful energy that’s also reflective in tone, and executed so flawlessly that it alone is worth the price of admission.
A body of work that embodies the spirit of timeless American art, Fountain displays unparalleled key work across this top notch piano record that you won’t forget anytime soon.
Travels well with: Antoinette Perry- Beethoven Bookends; Elaine Freeman- La Speranaza