Pianist John Arpin has a diverse résumé--everything from Scott Joplin to an album of animated movie music. But on Blue Gardenia, he explores the piano works of Hal Isbitz, the California-based composer who melds ... more »ragtime music with Latin American themes into memorable works that bridge the genre gap between New Age and classical. The title track is reminiscent of Joseph Lamb and Joplin, while other compositions ("Caterina," "The Flirt") are seemingly influenced by the romantics. Arpin plays these short pieces well and there's no denying that Isbitz is onto something with his self-proclaimed "terre verde" style. Memorable and melodic piano music. --Jason Verlinde« less
Pianist John Arpin has a diverse résumé--everything from Scott Joplin to an album of animated movie music. But on Blue Gardenia, he explores the piano works of Hal Isbitz, the California-based composer who melds ragtime music with Latin American themes into memorable works that bridge the genre gap between New Age and classical. The title track is reminiscent of Joseph Lamb and Joplin, while other compositions ("Caterina," "The Flirt") are seemingly influenced by the romantics. Arpin plays these short pieces well and there's no denying that Isbitz is onto something with his self-proclaimed "terre verde" style. Memorable and melodic piano music. --Jason Verlinde
CD Reviews
Enchanted music to stir the depths of your soul
07/09/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Not since I discovered Scott Joplin's classical ragtime in 1974 have I been so entranced. Hal Isbitz is undoubtedly one of the great musical geniuses of our age and deserves far wider recognition and appreciation. I always wished Scott Joplin had written more pieces like "Solace" and now I've gotten my wish! No recording in my life has affected me like this one. I have played it for months, and the haunting melodies continue to tumble through the ears of my mind all day long. EVERY piece on this album is compelling and emotionally evocative beyond anything I've heard before. To me it expresses the plaintive and primordial longing of the Latin American soul. And John Arpin interprets this music like no other, with achingly sublime feeling and expression and a masterful control of every note and nuance. This inspired music will resonate in your heart and stir your deepest passions."
Absolutely Beautiful!
01/03/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Hal Isbitz is recognized by his peers as one of the most talented composers of the exciting "terre verde" style of music. Hal's music has been performed at many music festivals such as the Ragtime Bash at Boulder, and the Scott Joplin Festival at Sedalia. Hal's beautiful music is a favorite with audiences and professional performers alike.John Arpin who is well known as a performer and as past president of the Toronto Ragtime Society gives a sensitive and Chopinesque introduction of twelve of Hal Isbitz's Latin-American compositions on this CD. Fantastic!Treat yourself and someone you love, to some of the most exciting music being written today!"
This is "Must Have" CD! Outstanding !
11/08/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Hal Izbitz is one of the most talented composers writing today! Izbeth begins where the great Brazilian Ernesto Nazareth left off. John Arpin is Canada's finest pianest. His performance of Izbitz's complex and haunting music is lyrical magic."
Infatuating melodies
03/19/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I fell in love with the partial piece played on NPR's Fresh Air and was convinced that I need to hear the whole piece, only to find out that the whole album is equally if not more infatuating than "Blue Gardenia" itself. "Meditation" is huantingly beautiful, although it would be unfair to rate any one piece higher than the others. I find the recording outstanding, the work of Hal Isbitz passionate and delightful, and John Arpin's intepretation brilliant. This album helps expand my width & depth of musical taste for Ragtime music, if not "Terre Verde" style which I am looking forward to explore more. I recommend this to anyone who looks for delight and passion in piano music."
Smashing! Brialliant!
05/21/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is truely the most beautiful, romantic and sensitive music that I have heard in many years. I wish that John Arpin would record some more of Hal Isbitz's wonderful compositions. This CD is a treat for the soul and I have been sharing my discovery of it with all my friends. An absolute treasure!"
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1