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 David
Nevue - Solo Piano CD Reviews
Special
Thanks to Reviewer Kathy Parsons
and Solo
Piano Publications.
Sweet
Dreams & Starlight
2004/Midnight
Rain Productions |
Reviewed by Kathy
Parsons
“Sweet Dreams and Starlight” by David Nevue is the eighth release from an artist
who seems to keep getting better all the time. Nevue’s albums have themes about
things going on in his life at various times, and this one celebrates becoming a
father after many years of not being sure if he wanted to take that step. Nevue
states in the liner notes that he made this recording because he wanted to give
his children an album they could call their own. I expected something very light
and playful, perhaps including some lullabies; it is so much more than that. The
pieces are very gentle, but the emotional depth is amazing. Many of the pieces
have a strong sense of wonder, and it seems that they capture the joy of
discovery as a child as well as the joy of discovering new places within
yourself you didn’t know existed as an adult. As a result, this really isn’t a
children’s album at all, but an expression of humanity that anyone can relate
to.
The fourteen tracks are all solo piano, and include ten original
pieces and four delightful arrangements of favorite tunes. Nevue pays homage to
one of his early influences, George Winston, in the title track. The opening
melody is simple and heartfelt, beginning in the upper registers of the piano,
much like a music box. He repeats the melody, fleshing it out, and brings in a
middle section that sounds very much like a Winston passage; a reprise of the
melody closes the song with a sigh. A great beginning, and one of Nevue’s best
pieces ever. His arrangement of “Greensleeves” is sweet and simple, with a
wonderful gentle flow. “The Moment Everything Changed” is almost a lullaby -
very quiet, with a sense of wonder. “Jesus Loves Me” is truly a classic
children’s hymn, and Nevue’s theme and variations approach to it is lovely,
keeping it warm and childlike. “Song For Noelle” is a charming, tender ballad
for Nevue’s daughter. Quiet enough to be a lullaby, the loving emotions flow
through. One of the surprises is a great arrangement of The Turtles’ “Happy
Together.” Nevue gives it a semi-classical approach that works really well. I’ve
always loved this song, and Nevue’s version made me realize how strong it is
musically.
In the liner notes, Nevue writes about how much he loved
looking at the stars as a child and how, as he got older, he got too busy to
remember to do so. One of the first words his son Nathan learned was “star,” and
his discovery of a starry sky has brought ”Daddy” full-circle to loving to look
up again; “Ursa Minor” has a gentle, twinkling quality that describes a night
sky. My favorite track is “Taking Flight,” which has a graceful, rolling left
hand that gives it momentum, and a melody that suggests excitement and
anticipation. I hope this will be available in sheet music soon! “Across the
Velvet Sea” is kind of a dark, dreamy waltz. “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” is
another theme and variations, and is totally charming in its innocence and
wonder. “The Face of the Deep” is a bit more mysterious, but is tranquil and
calm.
“Sweet Dreams and Starlight” is one of my favorite albums so far
this year. Very highly recommended!
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