Search - Peter Kater :: Piano

Piano
Peter Kater
Piano
Genres: International Music, New Age, Pop
 
  •  Track Listings (11) - Disc #1

In a recording career spanning over 20 years, Peter Kater has typically displayed his talents in duo or ensemble settings (smooth jazz, Native American, New Age, world), so it's a little surprising to note that Piano is on...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Peter Kater
Title: Piano
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Point of Light
Original Release Date: 1/1/2003
Re-Release Date: 10/7/2003
Genres: International Music, New Age, Pop
Styles: Meditation, Healing, Instrumental
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 658969900222

Synopsis

Amazon.com
In a recording career spanning over 20 years, Peter Kater has typically displayed his talents in duo or ensemble settings (smooth jazz, Native American, New Age, world), so it's a little surprising to note that Piano is only his third recording of piano solos. An additional, welcome surprise is the potency of his playing. A vibrant, even vigorous production, Piano offers a fresh view of Kater's creative instincts, revealing not just pastels and sunset hues, but bold swaths of color and a broad dynamic palette--all coalescing into an expressive blend of energy and elegance. Kater's compositions (some, from past ensemble recordings, recast here as solo works) are thoughtful and complex, and at times are so note-dense that you may yearn for more breathing space. ("Espresso," for instance, is aptly named.) Yet the effect, ultimately, is elevating, particularly on the disc's attractive first five pieces--tracks that succeed first as think-pieces, later as mood-setters. Kater even slips in a few bars of blues into "Anthem" and "Fool and the Hummingbird," sly winks to the reduced-saccharine ambitions of Piano. The result is an earnest, full-bodied release, one that earned Kater his second straight Grammy nomination (following 2003's Red Moon). --Terry Wood

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CD Reviews

From Solo Piano Publications
Kathy Parsons | Florence, OR United States | 11/27/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)

"The simply-titled "Piano" is an extraordinary collection of Peter Kater's most-loved and most-requested piano solos recorded in a studio setting with a concert attitude. The music is alive and dynamic, and has the feeling of freedom and spontaneity usually found only in a live performance. Without letting flash overshadow the beauty of the music, Kater clearly demonstrates that he is one of the best contemporary pianists around. His passion and power communicate so strongly, and yet his tender moments are fragile and breathtaking. With thirty-eight recordings to his credit over the past twenty years, Kater is both a prolific and a compelling artist. Classical structure and jazz improvisation run through all of Kater's music, and rock elements sneak in from time to time as well. Excellent through and through, this is one of my top favorite recordings for 2003! "River" has long been one of my favorite Kater pieces, and this version is incredible. My favorite track, though, is "Trilogy." I can't find it listed on any of Kater's previous albums, so it might be a newer work. A 7 1/2 minute track, it opens with a very melancholy melody that draws you in; then the rhythm changes and becomes much more urgent as the passion builds; the third movement returns to an introspective and searching mood that again builds passion and energy, melting down to the quieter side once more. "Trilogy" is one of those pieces that makes my fingers absolutely itch, and I hear that there could be a songbook in the works with the music from this album - very good news, indeed! I also really like "Thanksgiving," which is much lighter and more optimistic. "Days Past" is a beautiful musical reflection, soulful with a sense of deep longing. The very jazzy "Espresso" ends the CD with a grin - another one that makes my fingers itch! Other titles include "Ascent," "Fool and the Hummingbird," "Spirit," and "Anthem." Excellent from start to finish, I give "Piano" my highest recommendation."
Timeless
A. Taliercio | 03/15/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This music brought me back to the piano. After I ordered the CD I ordered the songbook for it from his website. Of course I cannot play as well as he does- but playing his music is as much an experience as listening to it. His playing is first rate, his emotional range and power are impressive. His technique is very strong and the performances are a joy to listen to and the pieces themselves are like musical stories."
A superior performance.
Rich Davies | Connecticut | 07/11/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is an album of great solo "Piano" tunes. It is very relaxing to say the least. Having ordered several copies for relatives, it receives unanimous approval. I would recommend this to anyone that appreciates fine musicianship and enjoyable music."