The Renewing is a nice collection of pleasant solo piano instrumentals, the third such CD offering by Isaac Shepard.

The set gets off to a strong start with Tears Can Fall. Tears can fall, but they won’t, because the track is a formidable musical statement full of confidence and optimism. After that, Shepard settles into a comfortable zone with pretty compositions that blend seamlessly into one another, all the while displaying this sensitive artist’s competence and chops.

The album then undergoes a renewing of its own in its second half as the compositions become really complex and introspective, weaving a musical tapestry that creates unique stories and journeys in the minds of each listener. The most dynamic of these tracks is Countdown, which, as a result, is the most dynamic track on the entire album. The tune is defined by a pointed, driven, and urgent melody that gives the composition a cinematic feel. In fact, this track would make a great main and end title theme for a motion picture.

Even as the album is winding down, it is still ramping up, culminating with Slow Down. The track provides a satisfying conclusion to the album while leaving the listener with anticipation for what Shepard has in store next. Speaking of which, it will be interesting to see what direction Shepard takes his music in. He definitely has the compositional and instrumental chops to score television and film soundtracks and lead a jazz trio or a bigger fusion band.

The Renewing will most likely appeal to aficionados of solo piano music. For those not so inclined but that like fine musical compositions regardless of genre or instrumentation, perhaps they will like individual songs like the highly recommended Tears Can Fall, Countdown, and Slow Down.
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Isaac Shepard from Southern California is like many of us who share the same philosophy when it comes to the unlimited resources for finding great music in other genres, becoming revitalized in the process, and similar to the way Isaac put it, just might make you appreciate your favorite form of music even more.  Isaac began playing piano by ear at an early age and this early love of music began as a family circle of musical talent while performing with his father during many community venues in California, including benefits for homeless shelters, social gatherings and church events. I am pretty sure this early introduction and appreciation of all music genres was a rewarding first step in the right direction as he began a well rounded approach into his individual projects as a piano soloist.  The Renewing is Isaac Shepard’s most recent stride into a nicely rehearsed form of expression as a solo pianist, where his individual composing performances offer relaxing ballads, classical progressions and beautiful melodies in each of the 10 songs composed with a pleasing source of renewal in mind.  Tears Can Fall is a peaceful balled where an extending range of emotion has a presence in both the keyboards and what you will find in your first sample song in new music discovery. Lead off phrasing is like a gentle question and answer session with treble notes asking the need to know questions and lower octaves blending in a responding reply that contrasts the upper octaves curiosity in important matters pertaining to harmonic togetherness.  Doors of Life has quieter moments in the earliest measures, moving into classic timed refrains before climbing to full heights in terms of the growing melody heard during this piece with steadiness like a soulful march. While piano keys move to greater distances in this song, the melody flows and sways by nice runs along the keyboard while sweeping notes trickle right in time with a more moderate background.  All Smiles like the name suggests is motion moving in an upward direction in an easy going natural movement shown by classic form, with strong stanzas recognizing a positive fullness in depth. The rich fullness of a quiet melody blossoms while reaching full cord progressions with classic touches filling in the outlining shades of color, giving a more dignified tone to the overall feeling of happiness in this pretty song of joyful contentment.  The Renewing tells of dancing rhythms resting beside moments of introspection, becoming a nice getaway from the pounding beats and winding guitars competing for your attention. Whatever your favorite form of music is, here is an opportunity to explore Isaac’s latest solo piano release and become pleasantly refreshed in the process.
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