Product: Piano Pieces from Mozart, Elgar & Pezzone (3D Blu Ray) [Blu-ray] (2012)
Rating: 5.0
A difference of opinion...
I'm the producer of the Bryan Pezzone project and couldn't feel better about the expressive nature of Bryan's playing. In fact, it was a track from this recording (the incredibly beautiful Berceuse) that Dolby Labs selected for inclusion on their most recent sampler, which also includes tracks from the San Francisco Symphony and others. His sensitivity and range of expression is impressive in a wide span of musical genres...including traditional classical repertoire. But it is his unique ability to improvise that elevates Bryan beyond most other pianists including those with much more celebrity! His variations on "We Shall Overcome" is a expression of true genius. The rest of the disc expands on his ability to craft unique music from familiar compositions.I first met Bryan at Cal Arts when he was hired as one of the piano faculty. I was a recent graduate of the program having studied with Mel Powell and Morton Subotnick. Cal Arts, especially in the 1980's, was one of the foremost centers for contemporary music. Annually, we would put on a festival that drew Babbitt, Reich, Adams, Xenakis, Stockhausen and many others...and Bryan would perform as part of it...to great acclaim and fabulous reviews. As a junior member of the composition faculty, I was thrilled when Bryan agreed to perform a work of mine ("Piano Maps" for MIDI piano and spatializer) at the 1989 New Music America Concert in New York City. His playing was superb and the resulting review is a cherished part of my past.The opportunity to include Bryan in our 3D music sessions in June of 2010 was also a great thrill. He brought along another project because he is a member of Free Flight, James Walker's classical/jazz fusion ensemble. His performances on both this project and the Free Flight disc are nothing short of astounding, which is why he is in such demand on both coasts (a recent concert series in Martha's Vineyard with another AIX Records performer Delores Stevens is proof enough of his caliber of playing.This is not a typical classical piano production. This project is not a technology experiment. This project captures a truly rare artist that transcends the normal stereotypes long associated with classical piano playing. But in the end, Bryan is an extraordinary talent...and he has been since I first met him way back in 1987. It is unusual for me to spend much time listening to my own work after I have completed them. But I can tell you that I use this particular disc quite often to unwind and drift off...soncially. The Berceuse is particularly suited to this task.I'm particularly proud of the sound of the piano in this recording. For Bryan to come to my studio and tell me that he's never heard his playing reproduced with such accuracy and involvement is a great compliment. I strive to bring my experience with music, sound and technology to each project. As many audio engineers will tell you, it is very difficult to capture the majesty of a grand piano with its 88 notes, hundreds of strings and infinite variety of tonal variations. As with all AIX Records projects, we DO NOT master them. The timbral palette that comes from this particular Steinway Model D 9-foot instrument is left completely in tact. I do not advocate the use of dynamics or EQ on any of my projects. The true to life nature of the sound on this project is the result of a great player, a great instrument and a great chain of audio equipment. If and when you hear it, you'll know.Finally, the disc does include video. In this particular case video in 3D. The stage is dressed with carpet, a backdrop and a lovely glass vase with gorgeous red flowers. The serenity that flows from the layout of the stage and the combination of wood and metal are completely consistent with the over concept of the project. Of course, the video is the bonus feature on all of our projects regardless of whether they are 2D or 3D or HD or SD. If you like to watch a wonderful player then great...enjoy the video. If not, then there's a button on your remote called "Pure Audio" that turns off the video and plays just the 5.1 surround music.I love to hear from customers and if you experience this disc (you can check out a video on YouTube), please feel free to contact me. I work very hard to make products that no other company does or can. It's seems to be working because a recent review summed up by saying, "what can I say about an AIX Records project that hasn't already been said...this is audio perfection!"