Just when you thought you had adjusted to the new mystic musical collaborations of David Lanz and Gary Stroutsos another curve ball comes your way. Once again David changes his musical landscape and harkens a return to the effortless but rich solo piano performances one has come to expect from Lanz. "Painting The Sun" simply put adds to one of the many masterpieces created by this humble legend.

With brother Gary Lanz assisting David behind the production board, the sound is complimented by the stunning front cover artwork of Painting The Sun. This time around, rather than releasing the album via his own label or his website, the veteran label Shanachie is given the task to distribute his latest epic to the general public. There are no embellishments or additional musicians and instead merely David Lanz and his Yamaha C7-F11 Acoustic Grand Piano. It is the unadulterated pure piano performances that Lanz is so capable of creating and with the exception of the cover interpretation of “Turn Turn Turn” the songs are all self composed.

The album begins with three sweet melancholy compositions in a row that have all the ingredients of the graceful reserved performances found on his 1988 smash "Cristofori’s Dream." In addition, “Her Solitude” flows with a soft sense of ceremonial regality to it, later matched by the refined and charming “Hymn”. Countered with the flirtatious snowfall dance of “First Snow” by now the album gives you a sense that there is something very special in the air. Though the song begs an ambient atmospheric guitar performance from Paul Speer alas it was not to be. Nevertheless with or without Paul Speer, “First Snow” is one of the stronger “sunrays” of "Painting The Sun." That style is also revisited by the closer, “Sleeping Dove” concluding another gem of an album that seems to be consistently attached to the name David Lanz.

It has been twenty five years since the general listening public was exposed to the musical tapestry of David Lanz courtesy of his 1983 debut "Heartsounds." Since then David Lanz has explored several musical genres and despite his wanderlust he has always created beautiful musical landscapes. After adapting to the recent musical adventures with Stroutsos, the change in gears was a bit of a surprise. Nevertheless, "Painting The Sun" is an exceptional creation that shows no signs that the sun is setting on the musical horizons of this highly prolific and picturesque legendary pianist. 

Reviewed by Michael Debbage

One might think that after all of the recordings David Lanz has released over the past twenty-five or so years, he would start running out of musical ideas. He told me a few years ago that when he moved from Seattle to a quieter area in Washington State, it was with the idea of slowing down and possibly retiring, but since that time, Lanz has produced some of his very best music.

I recall saying that the music for “Living Temples” was perhaps his best work, but I think he has topped even that album with “Painting The Sun.” Here, Lanz has returned to his solo piano roots, free to follow his muse and bring to life music that corresponds with who he is now rather than ten or even twenty years ago.

This is Lanz’s first release with Shanachie Records, and the recording and cover artwork were completed before he presented it to them. They requested no changes, so this is David Lanz at the piano in its purest form. Introspective and sometimes meditative, this new music is perhaps the least commercial album Lanz has released. That doesn’t mean it isn’t accessible - it is very accessible - but some of the pieces are a bit darker and more exploratory. I’ve played this CD over and over, and hear new things each time. It is also very easy to visualize David Lanz sitting alone at his piano, completely oblivious to the rest of the world, lost in his musical thoughts. I LOVE THIS ALBUM!!!

The title track begins the CD in Lanz’s very distinctive style - graceful and elegant with his velvet touch on the piano keys. “Spanish Blue” is more improvised and is stunningly beautiful. Very, very slow and hushed, its color palette is dark and rich. “The Enchantment” is one of my favorites. The opening theme is a minor key waltz that is woven in and out of the piece. The second theme has more of a soul-searching kind of feeling, going deep within - gorgeous! I think my favorite track is “Her Solitude,” which is very spare but so poignant and emotional. Interesting and unusual chords as well as the use of deep bass notes on the piano make this a really compelling piece. David Lanz has always enjoyed interpreting some of his favorite songs from the 1960’s, and this time he has included his take on Pete Seeger’s “Turn, Turn, Turn,“ a huge hit for The Byrds - a great arrangement! The three-part “Sanctuary Rose” is also exceptional. “Evening Song” is quietly reflective and still, melodic yet free. “Midnight Reverie” is also a favorite. A little livelier and more spirited than most of the other tracks, it is colored with a tinge of mystery. “Daybreak Flower” slowly opens and unfolds with grace and beauty. The closing track, “Sleeping Dove,” is an arrangement of a Native American lullaby - gentle and oh so peaceful. What a great album!

This has been an incredible year for piano music, and “Painting The Sun” is sure to be on many favorites lists, including my own! It will be released on August 19, 2008, and will be widely available. I give it my highest recommendation.

Kathy Parsons
MainlyPiano.com
August 8, 2008