Putting together a collection of piano - only based music must be a daunting prospect. From the age of 8 to 14 years I studied piano, so I know exactly what’s involved in playing. Unfortunately I never got to the stage of composing pieces. My compositional skills were confined to Art College and teaching Art - believe me there are parallels, as there is with reviewing. However, there have been no such problems for Nick Duggan. This musical maestro based in Thailand , who also commutes between the UK and Spain (Santa Pola, Costa Blanca) delivers a sublime collection of entrancing thematic titles, ranging from personal observations, thoughts and memories. The reason behind its success is the shortness of the pieces, which range from 1 minute 45 seconds to 4 minutes 45 seconds max. There’s no attempt on Duggan’s part to become self indulgent either, which is an easy trap to fall into. His non-commercial tunes which are very ‘accessible’ in listening terms, are compact, fluid, nice and simple and well thought out, still allowing enough time and space to show his prowess. Technically this CD is faultless. Without lyrics, it might be difficult to evaluate what a musician is attempting to convey. By definition, this a very personal CD, which he hopes will be appreciated by all. Certainly with many compositions Duggan has captured some very interesting moments. Nick says of his opening track appropriately titled Arrival, “ This piece is really by way of an announcement, a hint of further things to come on the CD, as it was written when many of the songs were already done. There is also a feeling of arriving home –in this sense with a compositional style.” Other titles, such as Sand Dance attempt to bring a musical interpretation of the title – where he simply conveys the wind blowing on sand dunes. When travelling, we often have brief encounters with total strangers, (some I’m sure we’d rather forget… I can think of quite a few!! ), most of whom we will probably never see again. Friends In Foreign Places is almost a lament – and it work s to perfection, capturing that mood. Whilst watching his wife resting, he conjured up Rest Awhile – it is effectively a musical portrait. His gentle ivory tinkling is the foundation for another memory – a train journey in Kenya – with raindrops and rainbow observed over the rift valley. This is enough to recreate the experience which never resulted in a downpour, as the piece shows us. Regret is a powerful emotion – Duggan reflects on parting shots on the exquisite Parting Words. On Tawin Ha (yearning in Thai) is his wife’s favourite. They call it ‘our song’ as it reminds them of their embryonic relationship. Confessing he has difficulty naming compositions, the title for playful A Curious Thing came from suddenly seeing a lizard moving across the floor of his room. A perfect co-incidence! Best of all is Prelude (the prelude from his first Prelude and Fugue in C). In musician’s terms, he uses an obbligato bass employing an augmented 5th (hence a slightly exotic and less obvious sound), which finally resolves from G# to a G at the end. This easy listening experience is perfect for chilled -out times, or weddings, where you need some graceful background music, not musak. This CD can be purchased on www.cdbaby.com & www.nickduggan.net

I'm really pleased with this CD and listen to it all the time: All the songs are simply piano, but it seems a lot more than that. The music is soothing, mellow, poignant but very distinctive and never "light and easy" or insipid. It puts me in an introspective mood. All the songs are great; I especially like the "African Rain." Nick Duggan obviously is really talented. I definitely recommend this CD and am looking forward to more to come.

This CD is a great addition to the genre! This music has something to say and each time I listen, I hear something more. I'll keep a look out for the next CD. (Great mix too!)

This music is far more than a multi-vitamin, it is a feast! And, somehow, not just a feast for the ears but a multi-sensual buffet! Nick's music becomes more seductive with every listening and will definitely take you where you want to go! Would like to hear more of Nick's work. A viola recording, perhaps?!