Search - The O'Neill Brothers :: Through the Years

From Solo Piano Publications

Kathy Parsons | Florence, OR United States | 11/21/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

""Through the Years" is a very enjoyable collection of movie themes played on piano by Tim and Ryan O'Neill with and without accompaniment on a variety of acoustic instruments and electric guitars (no synth). One of the things that makes this collection a little different is that the songs are put in chronological order, starting with "Over the Rainbow" (1930) up through "The Patriot" (2000). The last two of the fourteen tracks are original pieces. Some of the themes that are included are "As Time Goes By," "Unchained Melody," "Forrest Gump," and "On Golden Pond." Something that surprised me is that for piano duets, the arrangements seem very simple and sound like one pianist - I thought The O'Neill Brothers might be this generation's Ferrante and Teicher, but these arrangements aren't nearly as showy as F&T's. The playing is beautiful, and the arrangements are very interesting to listen to. The liner notes tell a little about each movie, which is kind of fun. The two original songs make me want to hear more of their own compositions. "Every Day" is a light and gentle love song that really sparkles. The title song is an ensemble piece with a somewhat jazzy flavor, and closes the collection with an upbeat spirit. So, if you're in the mood for some familiar movie music played on piano, this would be a very good choice."