THE MUSIC
Jeff Bjorck returns with IMPRESSIONS IN BLACK AND WHITE, his third Pure Piano release. Nature inspired his first two CDs, reflected in the vivid photos gracing their covers. In contrast, this third effort's compositions sprang primarily from Jeff's imagination, and the CD cover reflects this change. He digitally created the impressionist piano image in black and white, but he insists that "the music is always in full color!"
Many listeners asked for more background for Jeff's compositions, so on this CD, he complies. In fact, Bjorck encourages the listener to read the liner notes, containing the stories behind each piece, before and/or during listening.
Recorded primarily in 2004, these eleven pieces were composed over the past four years with two exceptions: All I See Is Air (1977) and Return To Catskill Meadow (1998). Played softly, IMPRESSIONS presents fresh "quiet music to calm the heart in a noisy world. "Many pieces on this new disc are more vibrant, however, and the listener is encouraged to turn up the volume on occasion for optimal enjoyment! Jeff notes, "I hope that these IMPRESSIONS will give my listeners the emotional, classically styled music they have come to expect, while gently introducing them to my more energetic side!"
THE ARTIST
As an artist, Jeff Bjorck believes music in its purest form is sometimes the closest thing to art. Not surprisingly, his solo acoustic piano compositions paint a gallery of musical images suitable for framing. These original works interweave delicacy with intensity, combine musical notes with the space between them, and create moving pictures that move the emotions. Dr. Bjorck is somewhat of an expert on emotions. As a clinical psychologist, researcher, and professor at Fuller Seminary's Graduate School of Psychology, his multifaceted vocation typifies his ongoing passion for a Renaissance man's approach to life.
Jeff's nontraditional method of composition has remained basically the same during the past thirty years. He sits at the piano, plays spontaneously from the heart, and stops to develop any musical themes that surprise him. He confesses, "Sometimes I feel like a third party, listening to the whole process as an interested observer!"
To Jeff, nature embodies God's ultimate artistic creativity, and it is frequently the subject of his portraits. Born to two artists, he began creating music when he was ten years old. He also loves composing through the media of photography, illustration, painting, and poetry.
In addition to original compositions, Jeff includes original arrangements of traditional hymns on his CDs. He remarks, "My faith and relationship with Jesus Christ provide vision and give my life its meaning. My creativity merely imitates the Creator." He describes his compositions as "quiet music to calm the heart in a noisy world." Listeners apparently agree. His music has provided reassuring focus for mothers in delivery, peaceful rest when insomnia comes knocking, and elegant ambiance at intimate wedding receptions and dinner parties. Jeff also donates his music to Pediatric psychology staff at City of Hope Hospital, Duarte, CA, who have use his CDs as part of their approach to stress management with pediatric cancer patients and their families. He remarks, "It is my hope that I can bring all my listeners emotional music with a classical feel that lifts them from the rat race and gently sets them down in a restful place, as far away from everyday chaos as possible."
When not working or enjoying time with his wife, Sharon, Jeff occasionally likes scaring their two cats with his clarinet renditions of '30s and '40s big band tunes. He also loves to seek creative inspiration for new music by hang gliding high above the mountains of Southern California.
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