Story's remarkable 1983 debut is the intellectual sister of Winston's December--a discursive series of solo piano improvisations that draw on the rich jazz harmony of pioneers like Bill Evans, Story's acknowledged chief in... more »spiration. Yet Colors is almost minimalist next to Evans's more densely textured works--a spacious blend of polychords, breezy runs, and finely timed sustenutos, with an accessible spirit and memorable melodies--like the uplifting figure she plays over a simple descending bassline in "Hymn," or the indelible major-key main theme of "Things with Wings." More economical than Keith Jarrett, more florid and changeable than Winston, Story finds a compelling middle ground here between jazz harmony and classical technique, outside improv and sturdy songcraft, complex performance and inner stillness. --James Rotondi« less
Story's remarkable 1983 debut is the intellectual sister of Winston's December--a discursive series of solo piano improvisations that draw on the rich jazz harmony of pioneers like Bill Evans, Story's acknowledged chief inspiration. Yet Colors is almost minimalist next to Evans's more densely textured works--a spacious blend of polychords, breezy runs, and finely timed sustenutos, with an accessible spirit and memorable melodies--like the uplifting figure she plays over a simple descending bassline in "Hymn," or the indelible major-key main theme of "Things with Wings." More economical than Keith Jarrett, more florid and changeable than Winston, Story finds a compelling middle ground here between jazz harmony and classical technique, outside improv and sturdy songcraft, complex performance and inner stillness. --James Rotondi
E. M. Holderman | Perryville, Kentucky USA | 08/06/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Solid Colors is a beautiful compilation of melodies, most of which where written by Story herself. This is one of her earlier works, released in 1982, and is also my favorite Liz Story cd. This cd ranges in a variety of emotion, which makes for a wonderful blend of music. Like George Winston, Liz Story is an anchor for Windham Hill Records. Bravo to Will Ackerman on his ability to showcase great talent (He is the founder of Windham Hill and incidently, produced this cd). She has a lovely flow to her playing. I listen to this cd over and over and over......For some reason, it reminds me of the Fall season. Maybe Solid Colors is a suitable autumn name afterall. If you aren't familiar w/ her music, this would make a great cd to start with. "17 Seconds to Anywhere" is another good one. I can tell you this, this is some great music to relax with and if you enjoy solo paino, then you'll love Solid Colors...any season, day or night!"
Great relaxing CD that I can't get enough of!
john doomes | In the mountains somewhere | 06/28/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm a student and usually listen to music to help me relax while studying. This one is my favorite! The melodies are nonintrusive and memorable. The entire CD flows like a river from beginning to end. If you like this particular Liz Story CD, check ot Jims Chapell's "DUSK", very similar and also listenable over and over."
Whimsical reveries for solo piano
Brianna Neal | USA | 01/01/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Redolant with imagination, fancy and emotion, the piano stylings of Liz Story are always appealing and the gentle, modern keyboard fantasies on "Solid Colors" are no exception. I normally prefer hearing the sounds of multiple instruments playing together, but Story's gentle, accoustic improvisations are so rich and varied that I find I really don't miss the backup band. Though this Narada CD tends to be classified in the nebulous, ever-widening net of "New Age" music, I'd categorize instead as light jazz, of the sort you'd expect to enjoy hearing over brunch at a fine city restaurant. It makes a great backdrop for a brunch of your own too, served warm at home for a few good friends. For more of Liz Story's stylish compositions and superb musicianship, check out her many other releases. If you enjoy her work, you may also like the work of pianist Keiko Matsui as heard on her albums "White Owl" and "Doll"--more orchestrated but equally whimsical and passionate."
Wonderful!
Brianna Neal | 09/23/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I sometimes find New Age piano to be repetitive, but this CD is irresistibly enchanting! I put it on "repeat" in my computer's CD player as a soothing refresher in the midst of a hectic office environment."