The compositions in the album "Harmony Grove" were motivated by two core things: personal events over the past year and writing songs into which I could integrate new techniques I have been learning from my piano mentor Ji... more »m Sempeles. Overall, the year has brought a great deal of joy and some sorrow. The song First Light is about the first light of dawn coming through our bedroom's 9 foot picture window, waking us to the day. The Reluctant Ballerina was written about a timid, reluctant dancer coming into her own as the music sets her free, something which anyone with a true love for music can understand. On a more somber note, the song Elementals was written as my mother's illness progressed to her passing, and the song Rising expresses the peace and relief of her transition. Nature's Fury is about an approaching thunderstorm, expressing the feeling you get while looking at the ominous dark cloud in the distance and hearing the rumbling thunder and seeing the flash of lightning. Last but not least, The Chicken Chase paints a picture of our chickens as they scurry about, chasing each other for the tastiest morsels of food.« less
The compositions in the album "Harmony Grove" were motivated by two core things: personal events over the past year and writing songs into which I could integrate new techniques I have been learning from my piano mentor Jim Sempeles. Overall, the year has brought a great deal of joy and some sorrow. The song First Light is about the first light of dawn coming through our bedroom's 9 foot picture window, waking us to the day. The Reluctant Ballerina was written about a timid, reluctant dancer coming into her own as the music sets her free, something which anyone with a true love for music can understand. On a more somber note, the song Elementals was written as my mother's illness progressed to her passing, and the song Rising expresses the peace and relief of her transition. Nature's Fury is about an approaching thunderstorm, expressing the feeling you get while looking at the ominous dark cloud in the distance and hearing the rumbling thunder and seeing the flash of lightning. Last but not least, The Chicken Chase paints a picture of our chickens as they scurry about, chasing each other for the tastiest morsels of food.
CD Reviews
A Very Harmonious Grove
L. Sullivan | 10/25/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The solo piano pieces on Greg Maroney's "Harmony Grove" communicate to me a deep appreciation of the simple works and pleasures that make life meaningful. This album dug into the soil in my soul and grew on me. Each time I listen I hear layers of life experience coming through as images in my mind, discovering each piece a little differently every time. I really enjoy Greg's touch on the piano. Not too heavy, with flowing and natural dynamics. The track "Elementals" has an almost classical sound, similar to Satie in sections, but with a modern voice. "Rising" brought tears to my eyes with the joy and relief that I hear in it, as well as underlying memories blended with a touch of sadness. I love the track "September". Its heartfelt passion and love come through in purest form like a September morning wrapping its arms around us in a simple and perfect embrace. The title track of the album "Harmony Grove" has a simple and heartfelt melody that speaks to me of growth, new beginnings and the bittersweet changes that time brings. I love this piece. "The Fury" also has a classical sense about it and is reminiscent of dark clouds leading to pouring rain. The album ends in a whimsical mood with "The Chicken Chase", an upbeat and joyous exit to a beautiful journey through a very harmonious grove! The album is exquisitely recorded; the piano sound clear with a beautiful tone. The charming cover artwork is perfect for the mood of the album. Overall this album is like a soundtrack to peaceful rolling hills in golden sunshine and roads leading home to open arms. I look forward to returning to it many times."
Stunned by the Sheer Creativity
Rebecca Johnson | Washington State | 03/17/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Harmony Grove" is derived from my rural life experiences over the past years. Living in the pastoral countryside of Pennsylvania has brought great delight and pleasure to me." ~Greg Maroney
Depending on my mood, I respond to this CD in different ways. I have cried my way through the entire CD or felt like my heart was flying like a butterfly over an open expanse of wild flowers. If you are "in love" this will heighten the sensation of floating, but if you are in a pensive mood, this will send you into utter longing of the soul.
When I first listened to Greg Maroney's Solo Piano, I had no idea his music would affect me so profoundly. I have rarely heard a piano played with such a deeply intuitive quality all while the music retains an element of fresh natural beauty. This is not dark music (although "Nature's Fury" seems to speak of approaching storms), it is music that brings out whatever you are longing for and enhances that feeling. The music itself is brilliant in its light qualities and playful in its rhythm.
"Elementals" is a mingling of love, loss and resolution.
"Rising" seems to portray the beauty of a relationship that continues no matter the distance between hearts.
"The Reluctant Ballerina" is exquisite and gives me chills. This music evokes images of a Ballerina's tentative steps as she learns to fully embrace her talents. As the musical story progresses we feel that she becomes less aware of those watching her as she spins in her own world of fantasy.
"Nature's Fury" stunned me into silence. I have rarely heard music this beautiful. I also love "Long Walk Home."
"The Chicken Chase" had me laughing because I raised chickens in my childhood in Africa and I vividly remember the day they escaped one by one from the open cage.
Greg Maroney's playing takes your heart to new levels and is a peaceful retreat. I have fallen asleep on many nights with his music wandering in my dreams.
Also look for "Sentinel," which I hope to review soon. "Castle of Wonders" has me intrigued.
~The Rebecca Review"
From MainlyPiano.com
Kathy Parsons | Florence, OR United States | 05/02/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Harmony Grove" is Greg Maroney's fourth and most inspiring album to date of original piano solos. What a great album! Drawn from life experiences of the past year as well as interpretations of his natural surroundings in rural Pennsylvania, Maroney captures a full spectrum of emotions and musical colors, and presents them in an accessible form that deepens with each listening. Maroney has been studying the piano since he was five, and the naturalness of his playing comes from one who has such an intense and intimate relationship with the instrument that it is truly an extension of who he or she is.
"The Reluctant Ballerina" is one of my favorites. It tells about a timid ballerina who comes into her own as the music sets her free. The beautiful melody becomes more flowing as the dancer lets herself go, and it's easy to picture the shy dancer becoming one with the music and movement as she gets swept away, forgetting her inhibitions. "Elementals" was composed during the time of Maroney's mother's illness to her passing. Much darker in mood, I can imagine Maroney sitting at the piano late into the night, working through the tangle of emotions that fill a person at such a time. This is a passionate and very personal piece, and the emotions are clear. The next piece, "Rising," describes the relief and peace of his mother's transition. It is also somewhat darker than the other pieces, but there is a strong feeling of hope and celebration. "Long Walk Home" is a gorgeous piece. A bit melancholy and introspective, it is in no rush to go anywhere, and seems to be drinking in whatever it encounters along the way. "Beneath the Sycamore" is full of grace and longing, and could easily be a lovely movie theme. "Nature's Fury" is a powerful depiction of an approaching thunder storm. From watching the ominous black clouds to feeling a swirling wind to seeing the brilliant flash of lightning, this is a great piece! The closing track, "The Chicken Chase," is huge fun. Anyone who has experienced chickens scurrying around the yard looking for food can relate. I could also visualize children running after the chickens, trying to catch one, and laughing all the way. This piece must be exhilarating to play!
"Harmony Grove" is very highly recommended!"
This is the most amazing cd yet!
Kathy Parsons | 03/30/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Wow" is about the only thing I can say after listening to this CD for the first time. What an amazing pianist! The more I listen to Harmony Grove, the more impressed I become. The sheer power and clarity that seem to come so naturally to Greg creates a wonderful atmosphere and lets us enjoy the emotion of each song. If you have any appreciation at all of music, I would suggest this CD."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1