Search - John Fluker :: The Sound Of Peace

From MainlyPiano.com

Kathy Parsons | Florence, OR United States | 05/25/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

""The Sound of Peace" is the debut solo recording by John Fluker, but he is no newcomer to the music scene. The list of albums that he has played on and the artists that he has toured with is very impressive, and he is currently Music Director for Gladys Knight. The fourteen tracks on this CD were composed during the night, Fluker's favorite time to play the piano. Fluker's father encouraged him and told him repeatedly that his playing was very relaxing and soothing to him. When his father passed away last year, Fluker was inspired to compose this CD. Primarily a piano CD, Fluker has embellished most of the compositions with synth washes - strings, nature sounds, etc. - but these sounds enhance the mood and are never overbearing. As the title implies, the music on "The Sound of Peace" is warm and serene, encouraging the listener to float away on the gentle melodies. Also a teacher, producer, arranger, and vocal coach, Fluker's background in classical, traditional, and gospel music blend together to give him a unique musical voice.



All of the tracks on this CD are beautiful and easy to listen to, but I have a few favorites. "Asleep Beneath the Moon (Part 1)" is very tranquil and also suggests the feeling of wonder at looking up at the night sky and seeing all those millions of stars. "Part 2" of this piece is quite a bit longer and more exploratory - wonderful! "Journey of A Soul" is also gorgeous and oh, so soothing. The warmth of this piece is almost an inviting musical hug that lingers - I really love this one! "The Hollow Earth" is a bit darker and more introspective, but is still very peaceful. The sound of flowing water enhances the mood as Fluker explores the piano keyboard with a bit more improvisation on this one. The title track is much more ambient than melodic, and carries you away on a caress of sound. "Through New Eyes" has a strong message of renewal and hope. "Life Begins" opens with the sounds of birds and the piano and evolves into a lovely soundtrack to spring or any form of new life. The sound on this one is full and lush and conjures up many visual images.



As you can see, "The Sound of Peace" covers a lot of musical and emotional terrain, and yet the overall mood of the album is quite consistent. It's a wonderful backdrop for other activities, but opens up more each time you actively listen to it. Give your ears and mind a treat! Highly recommended."

John Fluker's The Sound of Peace

Sandi Porter | Colorado | 09/01/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"THE SOUND OF PEACE is an appropriate title for this gentle, relaxing, contemporary instrumental recording of acoustic piano music with a light synthesizer backing (often the sounds of strings, but occasionally other instruments as well). Combining some tightly-composed pieces with others that are highly improvisational over a loose structure, the music reflects Fluker's classical training with hints of his extensive work in R&B (Brenda Russell, Regina Bell), gospel (Mavis Staples, The Earl Nelson Singers) and smooth jazz (saxophonist Michael Lington). Primarily John has worked extensively with legendary singer Gladys Knight over the past decade-and-a-half and for several years served not only as her piano accompanist, but also as her musical director (and appeared on two of her albums). In addition, THE SOUND OF PEACE held the #1 position on two consecutive national New Age Reporter Top 100 radio airplay charts.



Some of the compositions on THE SOUND OF PEACE, such as "Journey of a Soul" and "Asleep Beneath the Moon (Part One and Part Two)" come directly out of Fluker's classical training and, according to his website, got their start from ideas that arose "while I was riffing to some Beethoven pieces." His background materials claim the track "Life Begins" was influenced by listening to other best-selling instrumental pianists including Ann Sweeten and Danny Wright. Fluker calls "The Hollow Earth" his "cinematic, experimental, fantasy piece." Two tunes demonstrate a bit of his R&B and pop music background ("A Time Before" and "A Dream Remembers"). With several pieces, Fluker has stated that he developed the main chord progression and then began recording improvisational variations on the loose themes ("The Sound of Peace," "Blue Sunday" and "Asleep Beneath the Moon").



For fans of quiet, delicate, piano-oriented instrumental music in the new age or neo-classical genres, visiting this CD will be a rewarding experience.



"

Helps with concentration

S. Costa | 05/02/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am a p/t grad student buried in papers. I often listen to new age piano artists while writing as it helps me concentrate (George Winston, Liz Story, Jim Chappell, David Lanz, etc.).



When Fluker popped up in Pandora radio last semester I was hooked immediately. His compositions are provoking enough, but by adding the synthesizers to the mix it adds a dimension that many of the other new age piano artists albums lack. I finally bought the MP3 CD (had to support this artist) and listen regularly during cram periods.



I still like other artists, but Fluker is a major favorite. I was surprised to find he's actually a gospel singer?! I *really* hope he puts out another new age album soon, and doesn't go back to (only) gospel..."