“Scenes From the Neighborhood” is Australian pianist/composer Timothy Davey’s follow-up to his 2001 debut, “Uncovered Keys.” My initial reaction to this CD was “Wow!” and the more I listen to it, the more I utter that one-word review. If this CD doesn’t bring Timothy Davey worldwide recognition, the music world is in much worse shape than I feared. The music is complex, yet very accessible, and there is a variety of playing styles that dovetail into each other seamlessly. When I reviewed “Uncovered Keys,” I kept hearing what I thought was Philip Aaberg’s influence, but when I asked Mr. Davey if he knew Aaberg’s music, he surprised me by saying that he had never heard of him. That has now changed and there is much mutual admiration. Both are phenomenal pianists who play deeply emotional music, so if you like Aaberg’s music, Davey’s is a must. The CD consists of fifteen original solo tracks and a bonus video of “Before I Knew” as a duet with Davey on piano and Loretta Mongelli on violin. Davey’s classical roots are apparent in his music, but his style is interwoven with jazz, new age, and his love for bluegrass guitar, making his musical voice unique and unclassifiable (a good thing!). The extensive liner notes tell of the meaning of each of the pieces, and also give us a glimpse of the artist himself.

All of the pieces on this album are excellent, so I’ll tell you about a few favorites. The opening track, “Out Walking,” got me from the very first. The rhythm is the pace of a brisk walk and remains steady while the right hand improvises all over the piano, much as the mind does when you go for a long walk by yourself. The freedom of that feeling comes through loud and clear, as does the sense of peace and even the exhilaration of being out in the fresh air. This is truly an amazing piece. “The Spaces In Between” is much quieter and more introspective, reflecting on how distance in time or space cannot break the bonds between ourselves and those we love. “Gratitude” is a gently rhythmic piece about the continuity one’s mother provides throughout our lives. The piece goes through many key signature changes, but the melody stays the same. Both versions of “Before I Knew” are gorgeous - reflective, deeply personal, and conversational. “Dry Creek Breakdown” is a joyous recollection of childhood riding bikes at the salt flats, imagining being on desert planet. A buoyant spirit and sense of mysterious fun make this another standout. “Sons of the Blue Funk Frontier” is a “blues inspired rumble that threatens to break into a barrelhouse boogie style.” This piece clearly demonstrates that the blues is far from being uniquely American and is a slinky toe-tapper. Several of the pieces are almost ambient in their quiet simplicity. One of those is “Distant Starlight,” which harkens back to childhood, watching the summer night sky, looking for satellites and falling stars. The sparkling quality of the treble notes contrast beautifully with the deep bass. “Gaudeamus” is a tour de force that highlights Davey’s delicacy as well as his power, so the CD also ends with a resounding “Wow!”

Excellent from start to finish, “Scenes From the Neighborhood” will definitely be on my “Top 10” for the year. Very highly recommended!
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The sophomore effort of pianist Timothy Davey turns his attention to something we can all relate to...a place where we live, where we love and where we remember. A place that has its own unique vibe and personality.

If only all communities could be like the one that Timothy has evoked with "Scenes From the Neighbourhood".

Of the fifteen compositions on this album, never do any fail to provide a vivid musical description of what's happening just outside the front door. 

"Out Walking" tips its hat back and strolls out into the sunshine, we the listeners in tow.  "From the Balcony" takes time to reflect, conjuring memories of lazy summer days gone by. "You Belong to Me" is an understated piece, with just enough restrained flourish to make it stand out as one of the best pieces on this album. The closing piece, "Gaudeamus" (the full title of which is found in the liner notes), equates to appreciating your youth and to always hold on to that sense of awe. I cannot think of a more appropriate track to end such a warm and friendly experience.

So why only 4 stars you ask? I found Timothy's first album to be bursting at the seams with possibility, providing an intense and wide-ranging canvas of melodies. With "Scenes From the Neighbourhood", he seems a bit more focused and sure of where he wants to take the listener. This of course is not a bad thing, but I felt the sense of anticipation was stronger with "Uncovered Keys".

And in the end, this recording is full of life, full of wonder and full of the fond memories of childhood. A neighbourhood may be built from stone and brick and wood, but if you look and listen just a little bit more closely, there is so much more to appreciate right in front of your own house. And when you open that door and step out into the light of day, take "Scenes From the Neighbourhood" along for the journey...you'll understand why immediately.
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It's been more than a few years since pianist / composer Timothy Davey released his brilliant debut album, Uncovered Keys. Since then times have changed. But some things are eternal--the spirit of music, the enchanting sound of a well built piano, the right notes dancing on the keys.

On Scenes from the Neighbourhood, Davey's 2005 solo release, this introspective instrumentalist once again pulls magic from the air. Beginning with the sweet ripples of the opening track, "Out Walking," the music soon builds into a dense rumble that traverses worlds as it explores familiar places in unfamiliar ways.

As the song set continues the sound crosses into and through a number of emotions. Cuts like "Gratitude" juxtapose gentle questioning with banging chords while the gorgeous "From the Balcony" climbs and falls with sweet reminiscences. By the time "Dry Creek Breakdown," another highlight of the disc, pushes an odd rhythm with its dense and at times dissonant chord colours, listeners have come to expect the unexpected.

Each of the tracks on this collection tells a story. Not in words but in the abstract. To help ground the listener in the inspiration Davey includes notes as to the origins of these pieces. But the words can only convey so much. The real story is in the music itself. Of course, the included bonus music video gives fans a chance to connect with the artist on a completely different level.

From the whispering trickles to the crashing drama, the tunes on Scenes from the Neighbourhood speak volumes without ever uttering a word. Wild abandon, extreme emotion, top composition and performance skills all combine to make this disc an enjoyable listen many times through.
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