Reflections
Albany, 2024
9/10
The globally revered pianist James Adler brings his agile fingers to these works by Claude Debussy, Henco Espag, Robert Schumann, Paul Turok and himself, and it makes for a heartfelt body of work via his appreciation for close friends, composers and the pieces that inspire him.
“A Curtis Reflection”, the lone original, opens the listen with Adler’s diverse playing that can be bright just as it can rumble in lower registers, where much melody and warmth is present, and Espag’s “Mistieke Feetjies ("Mystical Fairies")” follows with playful gestures and meticulous progressions in the lively climate.
In the middle, the bouncy “Little Suite For Piano, Op. 9” has Adler handling the instrument with swift, dynamic playing in the Turok track, while Debussy’s “Deux Arabesques” unfolds with 2 cautious chapters that can radiate with mystery, and also emit a calming intimacy.
The final installment is Schumann’s “Kinderszenen, Op. 15”, where both gentle and firm moments comprise the diverse sounds of the harmonic and rich exit of the albums best.
Adler cites this listen as “an image, a return of light or energy, a sign or result, even a thought”, and for those with an ear for piano music that focuses on classical ideas will be very much in awe.
Travels well with: Justin Holland- Guitar Works And Arrangements; Dana Kaufman- Emily & Sue