The Americanist
Bright Shiny Things, 2022
8/10
The American pianist Elizabeth Newkirk performs 3 arrangements of orchestral works on piano here, where she interprets the classics with much attention to detail and with a unique poise and delivery.
Maurice Ravel’s “La Valse M.” starts the listen, and it’s a very warm, emotive offering, where the keys can rumble a bit, but also dance with much mystery and grace in the agile 13 minutes.
George Gershwin’s “An American In Paris” occupies the middle spot, and it’s a highly technical piece with influences from Europe, where an optimistic and confident demeanor unfolds amid incredible dexterity and restraint from Newkirk’s fingers.
The album exits on William Grant Still’s “Africa: A Suite For Solo Piano” and it welcomes both pop and classical ideas into its 3 movements that can be stirring, animated and melodic as it emits artistic and blues friendly moments, too.
This is Newkirk’s solo debut, and she captures the spirit of the compositions with much allure and timelessness that will be sure to captivate ears that are drawn to piano music.
Travels well with: William Grant Still- Summerland; Stephen Sondheim- A Little Night Music (Suite For Violin And Piano)