Album Notes

Life has its ups and downs, and all of us endure moments of great trial and difficulty as well as success. It’s how we deal with those different realities on our journey that shapes us. This is the powerful message and important reminder about life from Michael Strening Jr.

In Michael’s new CD: Almost There, he reflects on some of life’s most defining lessons. For example, the title song, “Almost There”, suggests that no matter where we are in the world, or in our life journey, we are all connected and share similar experiences. Cultural and language barriers are diminished through the hope and passion for life we all share. This is important for us to remember because we all struggle along the way.

In the song, “Rebirth”, Michael encourages us to never quit on ourselves, or those around us. We must push to become better – meeting obstacles in life head on. If we fearlessly strive for a dream, new opportunities are created for us that we could not have anticipated.

Michael's 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 mean alot to me. After you listen, email me and let me know what you think. It would be an honor for me to share my music with you. Peace." -Michael Strening Jr.


“Strening reveals a masterful talent on the piano, one that he laudably uses to connect with life, resisting the temptation to collapse into intellectual arrogance. Humanity and empathy have not been hallmarks of instrumental music, at least in recent years; Strening has attempted to remedy that, and produced a damn good effort in the process.” – Anthony Bennett www.cdreviews.com


"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.

"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.

“Michael has a keen sense of the world around him, and he has the unique ability to express that awareness in his music.” -John Greenspan, Program Director KSFR 90.7 FM Santa Fe New Mexico

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

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