Album Notes

Michael Strening Jr. is going to catch you off guard. His music had restauranteurs in Italy,who initially denied Michael the opportunity to play,throwing open the doors and windows of their restaurants and inviting people on the street to come in and hear his music.

Michael's live performances explode with energy;he unleashes the passion and beauty of his music on the piano,while pausing in between pieces to share the stories about the people and places that inspire his music. A natural storyteller,Michael can tell you about leaves on a tree in a way that has you picture the tree you climbed in your youth,or make you laugh as only your best friend can make you laugh.

Michael's music comes from having been a student of life. Michael spent 3 years living in Italy, and he has journeyed across Europe and the United States. His music emerges from the understanding and empathy of having shared his love of life and music with people of many backgrounds. As a result, his music crosses boundaries to create compassion and community;reaching across culture and language to create understanding.

"Please take a moment to listen to my music. It would be an honor for me. Send me an email and let me know what you think. I know you would enjoy both of my albums. I've written all of the music as a form of solace and uderstanding. And I hope it can provide the same for you." - Michael Strening Jr.

"Michael's music is passionate and beautiful. His c.d.'s are a perfect addition to any music collection." - John Gray(Ph.D) Author, Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus

"Close your eyes as you listen to Michael painting moods with his fingers of places and times in your life, in his life, in all of our lives." - Gary Dunham WVUD F.M.

"Beautiful" - Kim McNabb Chicago Free Press

"His compositions and chops are impressive." - Brian Williamson ChicagoMusic.net

"Some of the most beautiful piano music I have ever listened to." - Phil Zuber WDCB F.M.

"Strening's fluid playing can be delicate or forceful, and he frequently creates layers of sound" - Terrence Flamm Illinois Entertainer

"There is a language being spoken by the piano that doesn't need translation. It is a universal language thatis pure and honest." - Lisa Gordon Barfly Newspaper, Chicago

"Perfectly suited to an intimate dinner...certain to appeal to fans of George Winston." - Gregg Shapiro Windy City Times, Chicago

"...springs to life with fluttering melodies and dynamic switches from the faintest of sounds to bold flourishes." - Pitch Weekly, Kansas City