Album Notes

A 2002 Grammy Nominee, world-class composer and pianist Philip Aaberg is a musician with incredible range and a boundless, distinctive style. His performances have consistently drawn standing ovations, leaving crowds dazzled by his dynamic, emotional range and captivated by his stunning compositions and between-song repartee. He finds devoted listeners among rock, country, blues, jazz, new age, and classical music fans, and his range of performances includes everything from solo piano concertos with the Boston Pops Orchestra and Latvian National Symphony to appearances with luminaries like Peter Gabriel, Elvin Bishop, John Hiatt, and slide guitar innovator Roy Rogers. Phil has been a guest on over two hundred albums, from multi-million selling pop and country to experimental jazz with bassoonist Paul Hanson. In addition, he was the 1995 recipient of the Governor's Award for the Arts, State of Montana, and his performance on PBS's "All-American Jazz" was nominated for an Emmy. He tours with modern bluegrass supergroup NewGrange, and in duos with fiddler Darol Anger and guitarist Roy Rogers. His most recent albums on Sweetgrass Music include "Live From Montana", "Field Notes", "Christmas" and "The Big Open" (to be released).

Field Notes
This collection of piano compositions and improvisations is the first release on Sweetgrass Music by former Windham Hill pianist, Philip Aaberg. From intimate reflections on the writings of Barry Lopez (National Book Award Winner) to the brilliant and emotional interpretation of the folk tune "Sweet Betsy From Pike", this recording is a kaleidoscope of contemporary pianism, with nods to the musical worlds of bluegrass, Keith Jarrett, and John Adams, but with Aaberg's very personal and unmistakable imprint. With the exception of the virtuosic and cinematic "Don't Stop Now" (showcased in a 2002 PBS filming of the huge annual Montana Summer Symphony performance), and the heart-breaking "Forgiveness", these are all new pieces.