Great New Music Posted Today (8.16.09)

Tim Neumark isn’t new to our site, but selections from his new album, Influence, are! It includes tracks dedicated to people and places that have inspired his music. Pieces were written for a former teacher, his wife, church congregations, his parents…and even a dog. Two tracks are for his favorite composer, Antonin Dvorak, using familiar themes of Dvorak’s music. These pieces range from contemplative to energetic, from classical to contemporary. He’s sharing two songs with us this time: On My Way and Thurman.

A native New Yorker, Jane Leslie began studying piano at age six, with a talent and love of music that eventually led to piano studies at the Juilliard School, where she earned a Masters degree…as well as a Doctoral degree from the Manhattan School of Music. Jane’s first album, Dreamsongs was birthed from an unusual experience in which a beautiful new melody appeared to her in a dream: “…a vivid dream with a melody that I could not forget.” Her latest album, Southampton Sunset, is a mix of diverse styles which include upbeat pieces, dramatic ballads, gentle new-age sounds, and soft jazz. And she’s brought us one song from each album: Dreamsongs and Joy.

Tom Van Dorn is a primarily self-taught musician who started with guitar and piano in his early teens. In time, he began composing his own songs on both instruments, although more recently focusing on acoustic piano compositions. His album, A Perfect Day, was created in an unplanned setting with nearly the complete collection of songs recorded straight through in one late-night session without a thought or care about making a recording that would later be sold. This total lack of recording pressure is clearly evident from the very first notes as the music simply flows effortlessly in a mellifluous, soothing way that leaves no doubt that this is one gifted and soulful musician. He’s sharing two songs with us: A Perfect Day and The Music Box.

Rob Fisher is a solo piano artist with emphasis on extemporaneous and impromptu performance and recordings. He was trained in classical piano, but has pulled in influences from reggae, rock, folk, blues, progressive and new age. His album is called Piano Extempore (extempore meaning “in the moment and without preparation”). And he’s brought us two songs to share with you: It Goes By and Pacific’s Edge.

Inner Version is a UK-based project featuring modern solo piano music incorporate many different influences. Some of those cited include Rachmaninoff, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Bach, Debussy, Miles Davis, Donald Fagen/Steely Dan, Aphex Twins, Ennio Morricone and Henry Mancini. If you think that sounds eclectic, you’d be right. Check out the two adventurous tunes they’re sharing with us here: Cambric Clouds and Midnight Rain.

All the above tracks can be downloaded now at FreeSoloPiano.com. Next up are some other great new instrumental tracks:
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