I'll Be Good

by Frank Horvat

Download $9.99 CD $15.00

Genre: Avant Garde: Modern Composition

Release Date: 2007

just a few left.
order now!

Buy 2 or more of this title and get 30% off

Tracks

Available in: MP3, MP3-320, and FLAC file types.

To listen to tracks you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.

song title	share	time	download
1. Starsky & Hutch	Share this song! X Twitter Facebook Google Stumble Email	3:36	$0.99
2. Filler`Up	Share this song! X Twitter Facebook Google Stumble Email	8:33	$0.99
3. Dirty	Share this song! X Twitter Facebook Google Stumble Email	2:38	$0.99
4. In the Name of Ignorance	Share this song! X Twitter Facebook Google Stumble Email	7:44	$0.99
5. Alexis	Share this song! X Twitter Facebook Google Stumble Email	5:35	$0.99
6. Almost an Island	Share this song! X Twitter Facebook Google Stumble Email	3:57	$0.99
7. ZeeZoo Snaps	Share this song! X Twitter Facebook Google Stumble Email	6:20	$0.99
8. Great House of Riffs	Share this song! X Twitter Facebook Google Stumble Email	4:23	$0.99
9. Blind Man	Share this song! X Twitter Facebook Google Stumble Email	4:13	$0.99
10. NoName	Share this song! X Twitter Facebook Google Stumble Email	3:34	$0.99
11. Speedy McBlues	Share this song! X Twitter Facebook Google Stumble Email	5:43	$0.99
12. Smokers	Share this song! X Twitter Facebook Google Stumble Email	5:42	$0.99
13. The Resolve	Share this song! X Twitter Facebook Google Stumble Email	7:43	$0.99
preview all songs

ABOUT THIS ALBUM

Album Notes

An aggressive and virtuosic collection of original solo piano compositions that demonstrate an unpredictable meld of musical styles. Groove-oriented and rhythmic, these pieces without words tell deeply personal stories.

Like Franz Liszt and Metallica in a cage match! Influenced by Bach, Beethoven, Liszt, Bartók, Zappa, Rush, Miles Davis, Philip Glass, Steve Reich, metal, Tori Amos, ...

Review: "Bordering on the improvisations of Keith Jarrett...this is a truly eclectic mix showcasing Horvat's wealth of technique and energy...I'm left shaking my head in wonder."
- David Olds, Wholenote Magazine

Starsky & Hutch - in-your-face rhythmic drive
Filler' Up - light joyous journey, floating
Dirty - self-explanatory ;)
In the Name of Ignorance - disturbed acoustic electronica
Alexis - ballad-like sorrow, innocence
Almost an Island - inner-peace, contentment
ZeeZoo Snaps - melancholic regret, anger
Great House of Riffs - fun, jumpy, laid-back frenzy, unsettled
Blind Man - quiet scattering of thoughts, introspective
NoName - energetic adventure, syncopated, jerky
Speedy McBlues - crazy, virtuosic, rockin’
Smokers - sorrow, rage, sorrow
The Resolve - hypnotic, percussive, climax-driven

Reviews

Kathy Parsons

Eclectic and Intriguing!

Frank Horvat’s debut CD, “I’ll Be Good,” is wildly original, often chaotic, eclectic as all get-out, and quite a ride. From the cover art that shows a young girl in a pink dress and white gloves with a big sledge hammer over her shoulder approaching an elegant grand piano in a seedy warehouse to the fascinating song titles and liner notes to the final deep bass notes that trail off into nothingness, this CD will intrigue, challenge, and often puzzle even the most seasoned listener - intentionally, I’m sure. The Toronto-based composer/pianist classifies his music as classical, but one of the quotes on his website says, “My piano wants to kill your mama.” He also compares his music to “Franz Liszt and Metallica in a cage match.” Another quotation from Horvat’s site says: “Aggressive and virtuosic pianist whose original compositions and improvisations demonstrate an unpredictable meld of musical styles. Groove-oriented, instrumental pieces without words that tell deeply personal stories.” As you can probably tell, this is not an easy-listening CD or one to go to sleep to. This is mostly high-energy, often very discordant, experimental music that requires your full attention. One of the key words when approaching Horvat’s music is “eclectic.” He draws from an astonishing array of musical styles, and often within the same piece. There are heavy rock elements, as well as modern classical, jazz, and pop influences, and some of the pieces are dark and heavy while others are more playful.

“I’ll Be Good” begins with the high-energy antics of “Starsky and Hutch,” obviously a favorite TV show from Horvat’s youth. Frantic and frenetic, with a quiet interlude between the car chases, this piece is a lot of fun. “Dirty” is funky blues with a deep, heavy beat on the left hand and a right hand that’s all over the piano - fun. “In the Name of Ignorance” is more serious. The liner notes say: “The consequences of only using religious dogmas to raise children.” Very agitated and uneasy, the results aren’t pretty! “Alexis” gets even darker, telling of “the loss of innocence, the rage, the sadness.” Despite the painful subject, this is one of the more melodic and accessible pieces - a deep emotional exploration. “ZeeZoo Snaps” is also very dark, telling of regret in a very personal and evocative way. “Great House of Riffs” is a head-on collision between blues riffs and atonal classicism. “Speedy McBlues” is about “taking the conventional and making it unconventional.” Horvat takes some rather traditional blues idioms and stretches them in all kinds of ways - interesting! The first half of “Smokers” is very dark and sultry with a strong sense of mystery. In the middle, it explodes into a rage. “The Resolve” is a very interesting study in repetitive rhythm and movement. I don’t think I’ve ever heard a piano sound so much like a guitar or guitars being strummed - a powerful closing track.

“I’ll Be Good” is a fascinating album, but not an easy one to “get” right away. If you’re up to the challenge, give it a shot.

Session Expiration Warning

Your CD Baby online session is due to expire shortly. Would you like to extend your session and remain logged in?

Session Expiration

We're sorry, but your CD Baby online session has expired.

My Cart

MORE ALBUMS BY THIS ARTIST