Inheritances
New Amsterdam, 2024
9/10
The revered pianist Adam Tendler interprets the works of several composers, where many avenues of his skills are illuminated with much attention to mood.
“Remember, I Created You” opens with Laurie Anderson’s voice in between the soft and agile piano progressions, and “Forgive Machine” follows with the swirling keys emitting mystery and intrigue that can sometimes be very firm.
Further along, “Outsider” is an intimate moment of wonder, where the lower registers also hint at a moodier vision, while “False Memories” radiates tremendous beauty and unpredictability via the meticulous finger prowess of the album’s best.
Deeper yet, “Area Of Refuge” builds into cinematic moments of mesmerizing songwriting, and “Morning Piece” exits with a heartfelt dreaminess of sublime, poetic gestures.
Tendler took on this project after his father’s unexpected death, and it embraces themes of heritage, parenthood and grief. It’s certainly a dramatic affair, and one that further solidifies Tendler as one of the finest in the area of contemporary classical sounds.
Travels well with: Charlotte Jacobs- a t l a s; Annika Socolofsky- I Tell You Me