Musical Connections
Albany, 2021
8/10
The revered pianist David Holzman takes on a daring project here, where he performs the music of James Ricci and Arnold Schoenberg, and though many of the songs were recorded years apart, the entire listen flows together quite cohesively.
The album leads with Ricci’s vision of modernism, as “Bagatelle” starts the listen with Holzman’s stunning finger acrobatics that make for a warm and diverse opener, and this talent continues to the stirring intimacy of “Nocturne”, as well as the bare but flowing progression of “Sonata”.
In the middle spot, Schoenberg’s work is highlighted across “Five Pieces For Piano, Op. 23”, where the key manipulation varies from serene and pretty to jumpy and energetic, and the technical aspects are quite stunning and easily absorbed.
Ricci exits the listen, and includes the aptly titled “Waltz” while the fluid melody of “Song Without Words” makes this the album’s best. “Boogie Woogie” exits the listen with a charming delivery of rumbling and lively piano that will get your body moving to the jazz fueled finish.
Holzman’s performance is nothing short of captivating on this album, and though some of these songs are nearly 100 years old, he illuminates their timeless nature flawlessly in his inimitable vision.
Travels well with: Stephen Yip- Quietude; Dave Walther- Distance