GLENN HARDY: Solo Piano: Compositions & Improvisations

Glenn Hardy

Solo Piano: Compositions & Improvisations

© 1995 Hardy Perennials Music (600181007722)

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This album is classically based new age piano with jazz and blues influences.

notes

Glenn Hardy is a pianist/improvisor/composer living with his wife, Maggie, in Mystic, Connecticut. This CD represents over 40 years of musical experience beginning with classical piano lessons as a child, continued study at University of the Pacific Conservatory, and many years as a jazz and blues pianist. Beginning in 1986, he began composing for small ensembles, chorus, voice, solo piano and organ.
From the liner notes:
"As a composer, I, along with many of my contemporaries, write and play music which falls outside the traditional categories of classical, jazz, pop, etc. We do, however, draw freely from these traditions. Over many years, I have included different cultural, historic, and stylistic influences in my music. The structure of this album represents my favorite approach to performing: alternating written music with improvisation. Each seems to strengthen the other. A composition may gain freshness and spontaneity from being played after an improvisation, while improvised music can gain a greater sense of order from following a composition. The improvisations included in this album are not the result of random explorations or chance occurrences. It is my intention to allow spontaneous music to be shaped by a conscious idea which, though it changes from piece to piece, always provides some kind of form within which the music may unfold."

reviews

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  • author: tamara turner, CD Baby

    With so many new age piano albums and artists coming out these days, it's hard to know where to begin. It takes quite a lot for an artist to stand out- especially with the repetitive, cyclic and meandering atmosphere of new age that rarely breaks new ground or sounds noticeably original. What makes Glenn Hardy stand out in my mind is his intelligent use of short themes, motifs and ideas that are quick to set in, are accessible and tangible so that the listener is guided through this album with these signature phrases. This makes for a much more rewarding and memorable listening experience. Tapping into classical, Jazz and Blues influences as well, while still being "New Age," there is more depth and harmonic wisdom to these sparkling pieces. Definitely an album for the Liz Story or George Winston fan.

  • Great Stuff!
    author: Kathy Parsons

    “Compositions and Improvisations” is a fascinating collection of piano solos, alternating between composed pieces and studio improvisations. Moods and styles of music range from light and simple to pitch black and abstract. Glenn Hardy has been playing the piano since the age of four, and has had extensive training in classical music as well as jazz. That broad range of musical interests and strengths is very apparent in these pieces, and Hardy’s playing chops are impeccable. The composed pieces (the even-numbered tracks) are all very beautiful, but the studio improvisations have a wonderfully free quality and seem more introspective. “Room 17” was inspired by a favorite lakeside spot in Connecticut, and is very serene. I love “Granados,” which was named for the Spanish composer. One of the darker pieces in the collection, it is slow and dramatic with complex harmonies and rhythms - a gorgeous piece! My favorite track is “Dark Corner,” which, as the title suggests is very deep and kind of ominous. One of the more abstract pieces in the collection, it clearly demonstrates another facet of Hardy’s composing styles. “Toccata” follows “Dark Corner” - a lively, upbeat gem that almost dances out of the CD player. Both classical in structure and contemporary in treatment, it’s a great piece! “Mystic River Slow Drag” is jazzy with a touch of blues, and is another favorite. It is interesting that the CD opens with “Aubade,” which means “morning song,” and closes with “Morning Prayer.” Both have simple melodies and are gently beautiful. “Compositions and Improvisations” is a great album for those who like solo piano with some complexity and both classical and jazz influences.

  • A painting. Filled with echoes of things not first seen,.......
    author: Lewis Blackwell

    Very introspective musings drawn across the keys by Glenn Hardy. History behind birth of 'Room 117' would be veryinteresting: ..while all great music is born through a kind of pain, this particular piece carries special pathos in its chords. A painting. Filled with echoes of things not first seen, but to the persistent: ...colors...light.

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